trouble starting when hot...

[FourSTAR]

Hey guys, i just bought a '91 plate e30 316i Coupe today, and was just hoping any of you could help me figure out and sort the problem with the car.

Pretty much, the car seems to take a few attempts to start up after its been used a fair bit. After 3 or 4 attempts, it works (eventually) however i'd much rather it started up 1st time everytime

If any of you have any ideas as to why this is or ways to solve it.. it would be much appreciated! Cheers!

It's a 1.6l Automatic - just incase that helps.. (would of preferred a manual, but what can you do eh)

[rp2]

could this be the non return valve in the fuel pump? or the fuel pressure regulator?

[FourSTAR]

Another guy in the zone suggested it could be the temp sensor causing the problem, as he's had the same issue in the past himself... however, your suggestion does seem as if it could be whats causing the problem as well :/ whatever the problem though, im gonna give it a shot to get it sorted over the weekend. hopefully gets fixed! tends to get a little embarrassing when the car takes a few attempts to start in a crowded place

[kman82]

Mine used to be a bugger to get going when warm too and was also sorted by replacing the blue temp sensor. Mine was a 325i manual though if that makes any difference

[Brianmoooore]

If the temp sensor is faulty, you would normally have horrific fuel consumption to go with the poor hot starting.
In this case it could well be a leaking injector or two, making the mixture too rich for the engine to fire until the excess fuel has been pumped out.
Recon. injectors are always a good idea on high mileage cars. A trader on here does them for £10 each.