My Bimmer won't start

[AABorkov6176]

I have 1994 325IS, Has been a reliable beast but the other week I started having problems with it not starting at times, The engine will crank but it will not even fire up. I will let it sit for a couple hours come back and it will start with out any problems drive it for an hour, turn it off and there again i am sitting at a parking lot for another hour unable to start the car. I am thinking its the fuel pump problem, Any suggestions ??? Thanks:mad::mad:

[Pirate_copy]

Hey mate, use the pedal trick to pull your codes to see if anything is throwing up an error.

To run through the 4-digit code data on your car, put the key in the ignition and turn to the 2nd position, where all the cluster lights come on. Within a second, tap the accelerator pedal (fully) 5 times in rapid succession (total time about 3 seconds). The check-engine light will flash once and then turn off. It will then flash a certain number of times, turn off, flash another number of times and then do it twice more. If there are other codes it will then flash these. For example.... "flash... flashflash... flash... flashflashflash" would be a code of 1213 (whatever that is). If your car is telling you certain codes, you can crossreference these codes online and see if they mean anything's wrong. You will need to know the exact year and engine in your car when you search for a code list, as they differ by engine.

[AABorkov6176]

thanks thats nice to know I will try it see what shows up.

[Pirate_copy]

Let us know mate

[AABorkov6176]

I tried to run through the 4-digit code data that you told me about. However instead of flashing in uneven intervals it will flash in even intervals, Flash pause. Flash pause and it will just keep doing it until I turn the ignition switch off. Am I doing something wrong with the test? Thanks for the help

[Bmwcat]

Offhand it could be the fuel filter that gets clogged or even a sick battery. Does it crank fast or weakly? Hard to say from a distance.....:dunno:

[Bmwcat]

Another suggestion: check the starting fuses for hairline cracks in the wire. Ive replaced a few fuses recently just from old age!

[AABorkov6176]

I did read online that fuses could also play a role in that. So will have to check them out I drove all day today and it hasn't crapped out on me yet, I am sure it will happen tomorrow as I am about to go to work.

[Bmwcat]

Had another thought: check the battery terminals in the trunk. If they are loose, or corroded that could stop you dead. :eek:

[AABorkov6176]

The thing is my engine has no problem turning its just not starting up at all. Would a weak batery still have a play in that?

[Bmwcat]

The thing is my engine has no problem turning its just not starting up at all. Would a weak batery still have a play in that?
Could possibly, but, if all the electrics are OK then could be a fuel or ignition issue. Its time to do some troubleshooting there. :)

[AABorkov6176]

I agree these Bimmers are a puzzle to work with but i am sure I will end up figuring it out. But will never take it to the stealerships.

[BmwE36]

I just replaced my battery.
It turns out the previous owner didn't swap the battery, so I was running on a 9 year old battery. It would die occasionally, but I would just get a jump and be okay for a little bit and then same thing.
Big chance it could be your battery, or sumthing in the electrical department.

[bobbobb]

ever thought your key could be wearing or the key antena could be loose so loosing the code stopping you and then working this happens on a lot of french and german cars

[AABorkov6176]

Ha I have just one key and it is sickly wore off U think that might be the problem?