Engine turned off while driving - '98 318i

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E30orJDM
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Post Thu Dec 30, 2021 8:14 pm

Hi All,

Was driving my '98 318i Auto on the motorway a few months ago & the car started to decelerate with the engine still running, as if it were running out of fuel. Put my foot flat to the floor and it wouldn't accelerate at all, so I pulled over. After turning the car off, it did not want to start again - all electrical accessories were working fine, but it just wouldn't fire.

Since then, I have had the car in a 'work shop' who was unable to get the car started again after changing the coil, distributor cap & rotor arm. I had the car recovered home and since then I tested the fuel pump, which is in working order and kicking in when car is trying to start. I have checked all the fuses and relays and they all seem to be working fine, so I am stumped.

Is there anyone in the midlands or london that could help me with this issue? Would be grateful for any recommendations, don't want to be messed around by another garage again

Thanks
E30Derbyshire
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Post Fri Dec 31, 2021 12:49 am

Try Hughes Brothers in Derby. They’re a BMW specialist, they own an e30 cab and Bill and Glynn worked in a main dealers when the e30’s were new. Great, honest guys.
E30orJDM
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Post Fri Dec 31, 2021 5:16 pm

E30Derbyshire wrote:
Fri Dec 31, 2021 12:49 am
Try Hughes Brothers in Derby. They’re a BMW specialist, they own an e30 cab and Bill and Glynn worked in a main dealers when the e30’s were new. Great, honest guys.
Thanks! I will give them a call on Monday
HenryM3
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Post Fri Dec 31, 2021 6:09 pm

Had this happen to my m3, fuel pump worked, had a spark, air getting in. End result was that I have a small rubber pipe inside the tank (modified 5 bar pump) which had split, it allowed enough fuel through that wet the plugs giving the impression that fuel was getting through but not enough to start. Obviously no petrol smell. Don’t know if you have a pipe like that on your pump. Just saying.
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Blanca
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Post Sat Jan 01, 2022 11:30 am

From Honda C50 to jet engines it all comes down to Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow. Check each function. Sounds like fuel to me, lack of injector pressure. Something as simple as a faulty fuel pressure regulator or fuel line/filter maybe, if you have a spark then check fuel pressure. Compression (Squeeze) can usually be eliminated, spark is an easy check, just hold the HT lead and start it :x :D . Hand over inlet will confirm Suck that just leaves Bang.
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