help, i have a problem with my 1986 325i se e30

[Brianmoooore]

Damper in the fuel line can be removed without ill effects.
When it starts to cut out, what does the rev. counter do? Does it drop like a stone, or just fall back with the dying engine revs?

[indi325i]

rev counter slowly dies (goes back up and back down, untill it cuts out. before it cuts out the battery light comes on).

took the car to halfords to get the battery checked its 64% good. i will be changing the battery when all the problems are sorted

[Speedtouch]

I would try flushing the fuel tank through with some new fuel, disconnecting a fuel line and letting it flush into a suitable container, keeping a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

[Brianmoooore]

rev counter slowly dies (goes back up and back down, untill it cuts out. before it cuts out the battery light comes on).

That 9probably) eliminates electrical faults with the primary ignition system, such as DME relay, ignition switch and crank position sensor.