Problems starting from cold???

[Ben1984]

Hi all,

My 318is has developed a habit of not starting easily when cold. It seems to be getting gradually worse, and don't want it to result in the car not starting so ned ot get it sorted!

It seems to turn over slowly for the first revolution like its struggling, then gradually gets faster until it fires up. Normally turns over about 6-8 times before it starts. Used to fire up straight away.

Once it starts, the revs hunt once or twice, up to about 1500 and then down to about 700 before settling.

The weird thing is it doesn't hunt, and fires up straight away if I haven't driven it for a couple of days.

Anyone got any ideas?

Any help would be much appreciated...

Ben

[dobbie82]

Cold start (sensor/switch/valve thingy!) would be a good place to start? about Ԛ£16 for a 320 and 325 so its not gonna break the bank and its really simple to change. Dont know about an iS though

[Ben1984]

Cheers Dobbie, any idea what the cold start thingy is called?

[ropeman]

'Cold start injector' I think, that's if we're talking about the same part If you're having starting problems it's a good place to start.

Although reading your description I'd say it's more electrical if it's turning over slowly. See what sort of charge your battery is chucking out.

[Brianmoooore]

Main problem with the cold start injector theory is that no BMW engine since about '87 has had one and no iS has every had one.
Leaking injector? Would fit in with the "OK if not used for a couple of days" bit.
Sticking brushes in the starter motor?

[Ben1984]

Right...

Ok how would I test the injectors? is it possible to disassemble the starter motor to check for sticking brushes?

Cheers for the help guys...