Wont start but fires
Moderator: martauto
Hi guys i have a 320i 86 pre facelift . When i try to start it .it wont just turns over but if i leave it a min it fires but wont run. So everything is working of sorts just wont kick in .it will with easy start but that is not the anwser . Any suggestions would be appreciated

Have a look at the wiki engine troubleshooting guide...its got a lot of info and is a good place to start...
1. Check for spark
2.check for fuel at the engine
3.has this just happened or has it been getting harder to start for a while?
Brian is your man but he will need more information...good luck my car would not start recently and replacing the fuel filter cured it are you upto date with servicing/maintenance etc? Check out my recent thread if it helps....
1. Check for spark
2.check for fuel at the engine
3.has this just happened or has it been getting harder to start for a while?
Brian is your man but he will need more information...good luck my car would not start recently and replacing the fuel filter cured it are you upto date with servicing/maintenance etc? Check out my recent thread if it helps....
- Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
If it runs on easystart, then the sparks are likely to be OK, so fuel supply is the main suspect.
Pull the supply hose off at the fuel rail (the one that goes direct to the rail, NOT the pressure regulator) and crank the engine to see if fuel comes out under pressure.
Does this car have the engine with two crank position sensors in the bell housing?
Pull the supply hose off at the fuel rail (the one that goes direct to the rail, NOT the pressure regulator) and crank the engine to see if fuel comes out under pressure.
Does this car have the engine with two crank position sensors in the bell housing?
Hi guys cheers for the responses . Its a car i dont want to sell that needs some work . At the moment my aim is to get it running on the key and fix brakes. This will help with its progress and free up the garage for the road going one that needs underside bushing attention. I will have look at bell housing when i jack up for brake pipe . Its blown around the petrol pump area.
Will keep you posted, thanks again
Will keep you posted, thanks again

- Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
No way of telling until you answer my last question!kev76 wrote:Hi guys. Is there some sort of cold start valve as it fires up and runs fine if i give it some easy start
kev76 wrote:Sorry . Yes fuel at rail. Fountain when cranked. Was scratching my head so the smallest squirt of easy start and brum brum. Will have a look at bell housing next to see how may sensors. It will keep starting off the key now its ran once without easy start but probably not tomorrow




