My friends 1988 316i has had a cutting out problem for a while now. Normally happens within 10 mins of starting the engine, seems to be more common when the car is on a slope, and won't start for 5 mins afterwards. I have noticed the rev counter needle drops to zero immeadiately when it does cut out. I've checked the coil lead, waggling that around won't make it cut out. It stops so suddenly when it does cut out, it makes me think it's ignition rather than fuel.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Another cutting out question.
Moderator: martauto
- fixedwheelnut
- E30 Zone Regular

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- Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: South East London
I would start by checking the main DME relay, 5 pin that supplies the engine ECU
- Von_Thrash
- E30 Zone Newbie

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Is that the white 5 pin relay in front of the scuttle? sits next to an orange one?
- Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
It is. Check it by removing it and using wire to link together pin 30 and both pins 87 of its base.
IMHO, a more likely cause is a failing crank position sensor, although very occasionally it can be the ECU (which it turned out to be the last time I had this on an M40!)
IMHO, a more likely cause is a failing crank position sensor, although very occasionally it can be the ECU (which it turned out to be the last time I had this on an M40!)
- Von_Thrash
- E30 Zone Newbie

- Posts: 80
- Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2009 11:00 pm
Nice one, got a new relay same day from scotthall, fitted on their forcourt, hasn't played up since.
If it does i'll go for the crank sensor next.
Thankyou both
If it does i'll go for the crank sensor next.
Thankyou both
