E30 Zone

Thought this was because it was low on fuel but I've stuck £50 and it's still doing the same thing.

If I leave it for 24 hours it's very difficult to start, 48 hours gets harder etc. It's nothing to do with the starter or the battery as it turns over fine.

Once fired it splutters a little then stick it in Drive and it'll maybe get to the end of the street then cut out. It does this until it's warmed up and then, strangely, drives absolutely fine.

I haven't driven enough to tell but when it's cold it doesn't like corners or inclines as this makes it lose power, but not cut out completely. Feels like it's firing on 3 cylinders.

Any ideas? Certainly feels like a fuel problem, do E30s have pick up pumps in the tank?

Mike.

Worn distributor cap? This is my first 'old' car so a bit lost really.

What engine is it?

M10? M40?

if it's the M40, I'd say it's almost definitely the blue temp sensor.

Sorry, it's an M10.

No such model as a 318. Is it a 316 (which is 1.8 litre) or 318i?

318i of course, why would I type 318 if it was a 316? Please don't be a pedant.

Oh it's a BMW, by the way

Brian's asking because the Carb' ed 316 has the same M10 engine (1766cc iirc), as your 318i, hes not being a pedant, hes trying to help.

Mike- wrote:318i of course, why would I type 318 if it was a 316? Please don't be a pedant.

Oh it's a BMW, by the way

Because since it has a 1.8 litre engine, many have made the mistake of referring to it as a 318 rather than a 316.
If you meant 318i, then why didn't you type it?
A carb. fuelling system, rather than injection, would make a considerable difference to my diagnosis of your problem, but since you don't want my help, then jog on.