E30 318i touring... possible fuel starvation / misfire

[Walter]

I just got AA relayed home & I welcome suggestions.

The car has had an intermitent fault, which before today has only happened three times in about 8 months. It was as if no fuel was getting through or it wasn't firing for a relatively short period, about 30 seconds to a minute whilst you were driving along, then it would clear and be fine.

But today I had to use the motorway & the problem seems to have developed, in that it's ok whilst idling but then when you start to drive, most of the times / but not all the time, it starts faltering and losing power as if there's not enough fuel getting through or not firing. To a point where it would falter & hiccup along at about 5mph ... Not good on the motorway ! Then it would suddenly clear & off we would go for a short burst, then back to spluttering along.

Of course when the AA man turned up it idles and revs fine, but then when you start to drive the problem will probably occur. AA man checked the obvious under the distributor cap & no signs of arcing. He followed me away a short distance & the problem started again. So he witnessed what was happenig and he believes but is not sure, that it could be the fuel pump. He said that as he followed it smelt like it was burning lean & it did a couple of small backfires.

Does anyone have any ideas ?

[Walter]

Hi Will

Thanks for the welcome & the reply.

Revcounter doesn't immediately drop when the problem kicks in.... More like a gentle decent.... No other warning lights showing.

I've only had the car just over 8 months. I've noticed that there is an immobiliser fitted, but the car didn't come with anything to activate it, ie. key ring fobs. so I've never been able to use it.

Thanks again... Steve

[Walter]

Thanks for this information Will.