E30 not firing up straight away

[louche_boy]

I've recently purchased my first E30 which I am pleased with, but I've noticed she doesn't fire up straight away, usually only after a few turns of the engine.

Not being a mechanic but eager to learn could anyone suggest things I should check/try?

The only thought I had was replacing the sparkies.

All help welcomed.

Thanks.

[beemerbird]

Do you mean it doesn't start on 'the button' and that it takes a few coughs and then splutters into life?

[siddiqi1]

well these car respnd wonderfully to a good old service!

now i assume its with regards to the car in your sig, is it a 325i? anyhoo; have a look at these articles:

M20 services (320i or 325i~)

Click here for M20 Servicing

Click here for M20 valve adjustment

Click here for M40....not 320i or 325i more likely to be 318

Give it a good service first, before things need replacing; make sure you get the right plugs as rec. by the guides; otherwise your car wont have it!!!

[louche_boy]

Thanks for that. Yes it is a 325i, and tonight Mathew I'm going to be a mechanic.

Cheers!

well these car respnd wonderfully to a good old service!

now i assume its with regards to the car in your sig, is it a 325i? anyhoo; have a look at these articles:

M20 services (320i or 325i~)

Click here for M20 Servicing

Click here for M20 valve adjustment

Click here for M40....not 320i or 325i more likely to be 318

Give it a good service first, before things need replacing; make sure you get the right plugs as rec. by the guides; otherwise your car wont have it!!!

[Speedtouch]

Changing the fuel filter (which was some 7 years old) and hoses to it (which were originals, and developed hairline splits) on my previous 325iSE improved starting.

[siddiqi1]

no problem buddy! let us know how you get on!

[SPADGE]

Changing the fuel filter (which was some 7 years old) and hoses to it (which were originals, and developed hairline splits) on my previous 325iSE improved starting.

It never ceases to amaze me how many of these old cars have fuel filters that look like they havn't been changed in a decade!

I would start by removing the dizzy cap and giving both it and the rotor arm a good clean or replace them if they are worn.

[Speedtouch]

Most of the five 80's BMWs I've owned still had their original distributor caps and rotor arms, 20 years old in the case of an E34 535iSE! The brass electrodes had practically eroded to carbon stubs, but surprisingly fitting new cap and arm made little noticeable difference.