E30 1988 325i engine problems, starting and sudden cut offs

[jespopje]

Hello all, I'm new to this website, I have a 1988 325i cabriolet E30, I'm trying to restore it the best I can, at the moment I can't get it to start properly, it starts but after a few turns to the key. We have checked the gas pump it is fine, compression range is at 160psi (would like to know the range when new) leaks are at 6%. I had a power cutoff on the engine so we also checked all electrical, connections, relays, ground, etc all fine, the starter, the alternator, all has been checked, we change the ECU and the cutt off stopped (yesterday did it once very light one) The "check" light on the dash goes off very often, push the buttom on the top control and goes back off

So I'm going crazy, don't know where else to check. Any ideas?

Thanks to all and greetings to all as well:

[Torque]

Have you checked the crank position sensor?

[jespopje]

Thanks,

This sensor was changed less than a year ago, could it go bad this fast? I could try it.

Thnk you

[Torque]

It shouldn't but I don't know, it's worth a look.

By the way, when you say it takes a few times to start, does it crank when you try it or nothing?

[jespopje]

It does crank, after doing it a few times it starts, mine is manual transmission, so I tried to start it going down hill and it didn't is like not having gas

[jespopje]

Any ideas?
Does anybody knows the guys at justAnswer BMW experts

[silversled]

I have a 1988 325iC and know this engine like the back of my hand..bought it in 1998 with 72K miles on it and it now has 175K on it...I have done every repair on this thing myself, short of an automatic transmission rebuild, control arm replacement and strut replacement. So what is up? If the engine will start from cold and then craps out that is one thing....

[silversled]

It would appear as though your fuel filter is clogged...have you replaced the fuel filter?

[jespopje]

Fuel filter is brand new, whether or not cold the engine has the same difficulty to start, fuel pump has 80psi.

[silversled]

next then, check/replace the coolant temp sensor. big guy in the Motronics world, make sure he's up to snuff.....

[silversled]

additionaly, make sure you have the proper plugs...platinums are the most worst thing you can put in an E30 model car....many people do that, thinking they are doing good, bad...terrible in fact.....just put the coppers in...but that shouldn't cause the engine to die out...if I had these kinds of issues with my 1988 325iC I would have dumped this thing many 1000's of miles ago......but I don't...the thing runs like a champion so I don't get it...

[silversled]

as a final point, and then i'll leave this alone...I would inspect all of the ignition wires for loosness (including the high tension lead terminal on the coil) for soundness.....the high tension terminal core on the coil can crack causing intermittant cut-out...just another guess..good luck

[jespopje]

Thanks, will chack all this week as time to do so surfaces.

Really, really appreciated

[silversled]

actually, after thinking about it I would look at one more thing, the fuel pressure regulator. Although my 88 325i has not had this problem my 85 635 did. Made the car act goofy, hard start warm or cold, typically warm but it's the same principle on the 3.....my fuel pressure regulator was allowing like 110 psi into the rail when it should have been around 50 or something psi, caused all sorts of unpredictable results, the injectors were constantly kept open...somewhere up in here is the answer...best of luck

[tony1404]

hey also new here. i had that same problem not to long ago. on the passanger side in front by the remote water tank there are 3 relays. the first one right in front can also make the motor cut out. mine had a wire that kept pulling out. after sorting that out it stopped. hope that helps.