Could someone give me a little guidance with the non start problem I'm facing please?
I have a 1990 325 Cab Auto. Parked for nearly 10 years under a tarp. Was running before I left it.
I've done some searches and read other posts for what to try and have been doing some checking from the advice given but I'm still not running.
I seem to have no spark or fuel
Things I've done \ Tested.
Drained the tank and added 5L of fresh fuel.
New BMW CPS as symptoms and other posts outcomes pointed at this.
ECU
- Checked for resistance of CPS at the ECU plug.
- Check for 12v on ECU plug pins 18 & 37
Bridged fuel pump relay - pump runs. Checked fuel flow at the rail.
Bridged main white relay - ABS pump makes a noise.
Tested for 12v on the coil.
Check for spark with both relays bridged and got spark but seems to be no fuel on the spark plugs.
Check for spark with relays in - no spark.
Watched the Rev counter while cranking - no movement.
I'm not sure if this means anything but the battery light on the cluster is not lit at any point.
The ICV makes no noise at all but I don't think this would stop starting would it?
There doesn't seem to be any corrosion on the wiring plugs in the engine bay.
Compression seems OK, number 6 was a little down on the others but I may have got a good seal on the tester.
It turns over well but makes no effort to fire.
Any thoughts on what to look at next?
Thanks
None starter - Tried various things but no go.
Moderator: martauto
-
BristolE30
- E30 Zone Regular

- Posts: 532
- Joined: Thu May 16, 2019 7:43 pm
- Location: Bristol
Your ECU could be corrupt or damaged by moisture from the long store. Saw a guy on YouTube recently with exact same issue on a stored E24. Tried so many things. New ECU fixed it instantly
BMW E30 316 ‘87
BMW E30 325i ‘88
Bristol, UK
BMW E30 325i ‘88
Bristol, UK
- paultv
- E30 Zone Squatter

- Posts: 1545
- Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 11:00 pm
- Location: Auf dem Schnee: Germany
Jast as an aside - if this car has not been run for 10 years - I trust you've fitted a new cambelt before attempting to start it?
and does the main relay click when you put the ignition on?
Paul
and does the main relay click when you put the ignition on?
Paul
4th May 1990 325i Convertible.
BMW E30 Cabriolet Best Mod Ever:
https://bmwe30cabriolet-wdm.blogspot.com/
BMW E30 Cabriolet Best Mod Ever:
https://bmwe30cabriolet-wdm.blogspot.com/
Thanks for all the replies
I must admit I'd seen the Wiki but missed some of the pins to check for voltage - I'll check them.
The CPS is a new genuine one thank Ben.
The ECU was my concern.
Yes Paul, a new belt has gone on. Yes, I'm pretty sure I remember it clicking but will check. I have bridged both the Fuel pump and the main relay from that I get a running fuel pump and spark.
Thanks
I must admit I'd seen the Wiki but missed some of the pins to check for voltage - I'll check them.
The CPS is a new genuine one thank Ben.
The ECU was my concern.
Yes Paul, a new belt has gone on. Yes, I'm pretty sure I remember it clicking but will check. I have bridged both the Fuel pump and the main relay from that I get a running fuel pump and spark.
Thanks
Just feeding back with the outcome.
It was the ECU.
Fired up first time with a replacement ECU. All be it it ran like a bag of spanners but it fired up.
I can safely say that leaving your E30 in the corner of a muddy, damp car park for the best part of 10 year is not recommended
Thanks for the suggestions
It was the ECU.
Fired up first time with a replacement ECU. All be it it ran like a bag of spanners but it fired up.
I can safely say that leaving your E30 in the corner of a muddy, damp car park for the best part of 10 year is not recommended
Thanks for the suggestions
-
BristolE30
- E30 Zone Regular

- Posts: 532
- Joined: Thu May 16, 2019 7:43 pm
- Location: Bristol
Well doneDaz666 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 24, 2022 12:11 pmJust feeding back with the outcome.
It was the ECU.
Fired up first time with a replacement ECU. All be it it ran like a bag of spanners but it fired up.
I can safely say that leaving your E30 in the corner of a muddy, damp car park for the best part of 10 year is not recommended![]()
Thanks for the suggestions![]()
BMW E30 316 ‘87
BMW E30 325i ‘88
Bristol, UK
BMW E30 325i ‘88
Bristol, UK


