Not Starting - Help! UPDATE

[Razza]

Been running fine with no problems for months, started first time this moring as always then went home. Tried to start her at lunchtime and nothing, engine trying to start but nothing. Tried 5 - 6 times and smelt petrol, didn't want to flood it so left it for a bit then went back and it started.

Took it to my mothers as I can leave it there safely and of course it wouldnt start again and again I'm smelling petrol, wouldn't start thereafter - typical that its the month that I am more skint than I have ever been

Was serviced last May, I'm guessing spark plugs as everything else sounded normal, just that it couldn't fire up for some reason, fuel line could also be a possibility as I can smell petrol when the tank is full.

1989 325i SE, 140k on the clock, zone chip, recently had timing belt & water pump replaced and garage said that it didnt need a service although the inspection lights (green) have just come up. Also had the battery die on me a few months ago if that would make a difference....

Any ideas?, does this sound like a spark plug / fuel line problem or something more sinister, can't get a proper look at it for 2 weeks as I'm away - thoughts appreciated

UPDATE

Trying to diagnose this from 170 miles away isn't the easiest....

My bro thinks it might be the fuel pump or an electrical problem, he got it started yesterday but hasn't had any luck since....

Any thoughts?

[Globulator]

Sounds like it is flooding.
Possibly after you leave it when warm.
To prove this next time try to start it with the throttle open. Prepare to back off quickly.

Assuming it is flooding, the big question is why and why now. Possible the fuel pressure regulator (FPR) has gone U/S, check the vacuum hose going from the manifold to the FPR is perfect.

Flooding could also (but less likely) be caused by over cranking without firing due to a weak spark - check for a nice fat spark from a spark lead, preferably by sight rather than electrocution..

If you keep smelling petrol then check fuel lines near the engine for perishing - they all go porous in the end..

[Razza]

BTT

UPDATE

Trying to diagnose this from 170 miles away isn't the easiest....

My bro thinks it might be the fuel pump or an electrical problem, he got it started yesterday but hasn't had any luck since....

Would either of these match the symptoms, it had the timing belt & water pump replaced recently if that gives any clues

Soz for asking but I need to get it sorted asap