e30 m10 318i dies straight away

Post Mon Feb 25, 2019 9:08 am

Hi,

I have a 318i m10 preface lift fuel injected.

Porblem: When I start the car it doesn't hold revs and just cuts out. I have tried pressing the accelerator pedal most of the time it won't be responsive as in revs won't go up and doesn't hold revs and dies.
The times it is responsive it will only be for a few seconds then again revs drop and it cuts out.
To me it does seem like it is not getting fuel, I have checked all pipes and hoses not leaking. When it starts it does fire straight up though.

Any ideas where to look and how to troubleshoot the problem areas?
The fuses look good (fuse 11) but swapped around just in case. relays have been swapped around (the ones in engine bay fuse box) still the same.
I was going to look at the fuel filter next, but looks like its missing, theres just a short metal pipe in its place? Or am I looking in the wrong place? Under the rear passenger side by fuel pump.

Post Mon Feb 25, 2019 9:22 am

this sounds fuel related?- are the plugs wet ?, has the injection system been overhauled in the last couple of years ?

Post Mon Feb 25, 2019 9:40 am

I'll check the plugs after work, the only work done on fuel system was injectors cleaned, new hoses that go on top of tank and the one going to the tank. Fuel sender Unit was also changed recently. That's the only things done regarding fuel.

Post Mon Feb 25, 2019 11:47 am

checking on google seems the fuel pump relay is the single relay above the front passenger arch. I haven't done anything with this. How do I test it?

Post Wed Feb 27, 2019 9:29 am

have you checked the throttle body to make sure the butter fly flap inside is opening . whern you press the gas, pedal.

you,ll need to remove th e rubber boot to see it .
while your there spray in some carb cleaner and if the engine runs longer yoiu know it a fuel issue,

if the car wont run its 1 of 3 things air , fuel or spark . or mechanical issue inside the engine . but that is unlikely.

Post Wed Feb 27, 2019 9:35 am

checking on google seems the fuel pump relay is the single relay above the front passenger arch. I haven't done anything with this. how to test

can you hear the fuel pump running its in the tank , under the back set , it will only run when cranking the engine , or engine turning.
I am not up on pre face lifts , not sure if they have 2 pumps , one in the tank and other in the line , maybe where you mentioned a metal pipe , googl eit or loook in here wiki .

this will help its not fuse 12 ..... 11

Post Sat Mar 02, 2019 10:23 pm

Yes I have checked under the car, instead of a fuel filter I just have a short metal pipe. Filter is now on order, not sure why someone would just put a pipe there like that considering the filters are so cheap.
There is a fuel pump there which does make a noise when cranking.

I tried starting it literally just a few minutes ago and it started, stayed running longer than usual and whenever I would press the accelerator and hold it down the revs would go up about 500rpms then drop then try and go up again about 500rpms then drop again like its losing momentum.

Yesterday I bridged pins 30 and 87 where the fuel pump relay goes and it was behaving as I stated in the original post.

Post Sun Mar 03, 2019 6:23 pm

Ok so little update I removed the afm opened it up gave a clean with electrical contact cleaner and reinstalled now throttle response is there up until 3k revs then starts going upto 3500 then drops down to 3k up and down even though throttle is fully down throughout.

So it was the afm? Thinking to give it a better clean and retry

Post Mon Mar 04, 2019 8:28 am

there is a way to test it using a 9volt radio battery. post on here .
and i believe good post porsche 944 models similar set up with afm have an article on the web too.
google is your friend
you can somehow move the wiper arm so it contacts on different track ( be CARE FULL EASILY DAMAGED )
updt should have said " part of the track " your see what a mean when you have it open.