'97 328 won't start

[Coops90]

Hi Chaps,

I know this is an E30 forum and Im asking an E36 question, but theres a tonne of knowledge on here.

I have done a search, but couldn't find anything. If there is and I've missed it, feel free to punch me in the face.

Having a few problems with my '97 328 touring. It doesn't seem to work!

About 3 weeks ago, i got in the car and it wouldn't really fire. It cranked ok, then it seemed to fire but it was spluttering and not properly firing and as soon as I let go of the key, it would die.
I turned the key to click 1 to see if I could hear the fuel pump whirring and I just seemed to get a 'click' from the fuel pump area instead. I didn't have any tools on me, to I lifted up the back seat and gave the inspection cover a good smack.
Tried starting again and it seemed to turn over smoothly, but die as soon as I let go of the key again. Then after 4 or 5 attempts at this it wouldn't fire at all.
I have replaced the fuel pump and this doesn't seem to have changed anything. All fuses seem OK, too.

It might be worth noting that a few months ago the ignition barrel gave up the ghost, so I'm using the key in the ignition and a screwdriver in the plastic sprung ignition switch bit. Could this be related?

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

[jimmyspeed]

i had a problem on my old e36 which had done really high mileage and knackered the ignition barrel, waat was happening when i turned the key was the whole lot rotated - not allowing me to start the car

I found an online guide which showed you how to remove the barrel with some hair clips on youtube, next i drilled and tapped a hole in the casing and loctited in a small grub screw - re assembled and never had any problems again

be careful of the immobiliser wiring if you start removing casings

[DaveMcleod88]

Try changing the fuel filter friend ran his dry and sucked up a lot of crap from the tank and it was doing this, replaced the filter started first turn

[Coops90]

i had a problem on my old e36 which had done really high mileage and knackered the ignition barrel, waat was happening when i turned the key was the whole lot rotated - not allowing me to start the car

I found an online guide which showed you how to remove the barrel with some hair clips on youtube, next i drilled and tapped a hole in the casing and loctited in a small grub screw - re assembled and never had any problems again

be careful of the immobiliser wiring if you start removing casings

The same thing happened to me! Seems a common E36 thing. Nightmare when you're sat in a carpark wanting to leave work on a Friday... I still can't get the barrel out so I'm starting it with a screwdriver ha.

[Coops90]

Check the cam and crank position sensors you may need to get the codes read.

Also it may be a stupid idea but does the touring suffer the same fate as the coupes with the loom chaffing in the boot lid?

I've a feeling so, a design fault they say. Probably explains why my rear wiper doesn't work and every now and again the OBC flashes 'check brake light loom. See owners manual'

[Coops90]

Car seems to be OK now. I re-checked the fuse and it was fine, but I changed it anyway and it started straight away. So turns out it was a dodgy fuse (which looks fine)...

Yeah, so, I'm an idiot. Thanks for the tips though chaps.

Now.. who wants a 328 touring?