Starts, then stalls right away.

I have a 1986 BMW 325 that has sat in the garage for the last 10 years. The engine will start, but then stall right away. I replaced the fuel and added a couple of additives, fuel stabilizer and injector cleaner (maybe too much for the amount of gas I added??). It still would not start, so I replaced the fuel filter. From the fuel line on top of the engine, AFTER the "T" split, the fuel flow is about 1.3 litres/30 seconds. (I was told spec is 2 litres). All along, every once in a while it WILL start and run for anywhere from 2-15 minutes, and then it just dies. Any suggestions?

Can you hear the fuel pump spin up? Your description indicates that the engine sometimes fires while cranking but then stops firing when you stop cranking. If so, that indicates a problem with the relay that supplies the fuel pump. Specifically, with the signal that the relay needs from the engine control module that tells it that there are no problems and it is OK to activate the fuel pump. I have seen a few posts on BMW forums with problems in this area.

Thanks for your reply. I can’t tell if I can hear the fuel pump or not. It may be getting too technical for me, but is there any way that I can check the relay or control module, or will I have to tow it to a mechanic?