Engine won't start when hot

[Alwyn]

My 325 Touring starts first time, every time, when cold, however, when the engine has been running, the fun and games start.

Normally, when the engine has been ran for a ten or so minutes, it will not start first time, starting second or third time.

However, on Wednesday I was driving from Brighton to Cornwall. When I got to Exeter I had to stop for petrol and it took about ten minutes of faffing about to get the engine going.

When the engine refuses to start I can hear something turning (starter motor???) but the engine never actually turns over. On the basis that the engine does not flood after five minutes of trying to start it, I expect that for one reason or another the engine is not getting fuelled...

Any clues on what is up, and anything that can be done to sort it? My girlfriend was not impressed with the extended stop at Exeter services on Wednesday afternoon.

[HenryM3]

Hi,
If when your trying to start the engine isn't actually turning over then it has to be a starter motor problem. It sounds like it isn't engageing, then when it cools a bit, it works again? I just don't understand why you think it's a fuel problem if the engine isn't turning over.
Cheers

[stonesie]

If the turning noise you describe just sounds like a whirring electric motor than its the starter bendix thats sticking, new starter time


As henry said really

[salami]

as the others does sound like starter is stuck ,sometimes a very small tap with a hammer will release it but only to get you out of the poo!!but if your starter is turning check your fuel filter as i had an old fiesta that ran from derby to 5 miles from notts then stopped , left for 5 mins and it would be fine,change the filter and problem gone.

[3TWO3i]

I've got the same problem, car starts with a cold engine in 2 seconds, but a different story when its hot. Considering this is the case, it shouldn't be a starter motor or battery problem but rather just hot fuel, and a combination of air in the fuel lines. But not to worry, most cars do this when they're hot. can't fix it really i don't think. However, 5-10minutes of not starting is quite excessive. Maybe best to just give your local BMW mechanic a call, they mite be able to tell if its mechanical.

[3TWO3i]

p.s. the weird noise (starter motor sounds) is probably the starter motor trying to engage, just the engine isn't working with it. Don't try and engage it for too long or you might burn out the starter motor. Also if a starter motor is not working properly (or not working at all) then it shouldn't make any sounds at all.

[Alwyn]

Ok, will check the fuel filter (not sure how this could be related to warmth of the engine, but will try).

Running with the hot fuel/air in the fuel lines, does anyone know if any suggestions to remove/prevent this?

[vood]

had a similar problem to start when engine was hot.
i had to replace the fuel pressure regulator and the vacuum hose connected to the pressure regulator.
try replacing the vacuum hose first. (do it when engine is COLD - you can start a fire if fuel pressure regulator is faulty & engine hot)