intermittent ignition problem

R

ranen

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#1
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markham ontario canada
#1
greetings all,

i have an '87 325ic, 187000 km, and lately i've had a problem where when starting the car, it turns over but does not actually start.

sometimes, if i wait a 10-30 seconds and try again, it will start.

have had one occurance where, while i was driving, all of a sudden the engine just died (no shuttering or anything - lots of gas).

my local mechanic confirmed that there is an intermittent ignition problem - they pulled the coils and they are fine, but they suspect maybe it si the ECM.

anyone have a similar experience?

thanks,

lance
 
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bmwjc3

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Leominster, Mass
#2
I'm going through that same problem right now, but I haven't been able to pin point what the problem is. I already replaced the coil and I still have the same problem. This feels like it is going to be expensive. If I can get mine figured and running I will let you know what I came up with. Joe
 
E

epj3

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#3
Sounds like a fuel delivery problem to me... I'd check out that the fuel pump and fuel pump relay are in good working condition first. If it were the ECU, I dont think it would be an intermittant problem.
 
Chesty Bonds

Chesty Bonds

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Yeah sounds like it could be the fuel pump. I think the fuel pump is located under the rear seats so take the car for a spin and get someone to sit in the back and listen to see if the pump is working. Other than that I'm not too sure.
 
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bmwjc3

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#6
If it is like mine, You can turn on the key and feel the fuel pump under the right rear corner before the tire right beside the fuel filter. With the key on you willl feel it working if you have power to it. Didi this last night myself. Joe
 
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epj3

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bmwjc3 said:
If it is like mine, You can turn on the key and feel the fuel pump under the right rear corner before the tire right beside the fuel filter. With the key on you willl feel it working if you have power to it. Didi this last night myself. Joe
Click to expand...
The "i's" have both the fuel pump and fuel sender unit built into the whole fuel pump assembly in the tank. Unfortunately it's not as easy to access as yours!
 
R

ranen

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markham ontario canada
#8
the mechanic who worked on the car confirmed that it is not the fuel pump.

now, since he pulled a coil (and confirmed that the coil was good) and put it back on, the car hasn't had any problems (naturally :).
 
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