Help!!! 325i Sport wont start

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 7:32 pm

Hi Guys,

I was driving My 1989 325i sport the other day, everything looked fine until all of a sudden the car started jerking and then just cut out. Any way I had the car towed back to my house by the RAC guy who told me it could be an electrical fault. The car looks like it wants to start but is not, it is ticking but just not starting. Windows still go up and down and looks like all the power is there, but it just wont start. Never had this problem before, car was running fine before this happened. Takes the right p..s. Any opinions would be much appreciated.

Raj

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 7:41 pm

It could be the fuel pump - can you hear it clicking on when you turn the ignition on?

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 7:52 pm

Hi John,

Thanks for the reply

The car is ticking but just not starting. All the windows go up and down, so the power is all there.

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 8:01 pm

Sound's like it could be a fuel problem as what JohnH has said, everything else can work but your fuel pump could still be faulty.

If you can't here the pump, another test is to disconnect the fuel line under the bonnet and get someone to turn the ignition and see if the fuel come's out, only turn the engine over for 3 sec's MAX! whilst doing this procedure.
If no joy then you know it's your fuel pump or filter.

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 8:08 pm

When you say 'ticking' when you try to start - does it turn over, or just make a ticking sound?

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 8:13 pm

Hi John,

The RAC guy said that there was no spark going into the plugs???

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 8:15 pm

Coil pack
Distributer cap
Rotor arm

Easist thing's to check first.

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 8:24 pm

Hi Jon,

Will it be an expensive fix? approx how much am I looking at for a new distributor cap?

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 8:28 pm

Not sure on the price mate, try GSF (German, Swedish & French) or ECP (Euro Car Parts).

If the car was running with no problem's then this may not be the problem, it's just procedure when looking for fault's. Don't be certain it's the disy cap as your car can run, but very rough, even with a crack down the side!
You need to have a look inside to investigate

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 8:29 pm

delboye30 wrote: approx how much am I looking at for a new distributor cap?

Ã‚£34.11 from eurocarparts.com

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 8:31 pm

is it making a normal starter motor noise when u try and start or is it a different really fast ticking noise?

sounds to me like a shagged alternator, charge the battery and have a go!

the only reason it would cut out if it's a good engine is if it has no electrics to run it

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 8:38 pm

Its making a normal starter noise, and all the electrics work fine, but just not starting. The RAC guy did get it started and said he cleaned the crankshaft, but it just cut out again after that, and it will not start.

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 8:44 pm

That must tell you, you need a crankshaft sensor!
But you also said that you have no spark at the plug's but he got it running?

Post Tue Jul 18, 2006 8:48 pm

i know mate, im confused myself. The car was ok before but at random intervals the car would cut out. I am so stressed mate, I love E30's to bits but hate it when they go wrong.