Long crank time--Is this normal??

[dan90rs]

Ok, I went and checked out that '89 325i today. It's got a few small problems but nothing that big except the gauge cluster is probably bunk. It ran strong.

But my #1 concern is the crank time. It took about 5-8 seconds to start up...is this normal?? I only have experience with GM cars and GM cars prime the fuel pump when the key is turned to RUN to avoid long crank times. Do these cars not build fuel pressure until the key is turned to START?? Is this a fuel pump problem? The car ran fine once it started.

[BlitZeD310]

It could be many things such as timing, air aux. valve, cold start injector. I would do some test to narrow it down, check the timing, undue the air aux valve to see if it is open while the motor is cold, if it is closed while the motor is cold it may be bad, also check the cold start injector to see if it gives off a fine spray of fuel during the ignition process, you can do this by unbolting it and putting it in a cup and start the car, if it sprays you are good to go. But since this is not your car I wouldn't worry to much seems like a minor problem that can be sorted out with out that much time and $$$, either way just my $0.02 I'm sure others may know the problem...Good Luck

[MrM3]

i dont know what the problem could be, but that deffinately isnt normal. ive had my car start in under a second, but normally it takes around 3sec

[dan90rs]

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm probably going to buy this car so it will become my problem. Hopefully it is something easy like the cold start injector.

Anybody know where I can decode a VIN???

[MrM3]

Originally posted by dan90rs@Oct 6 2003, 10:35 PM


Anybody know where I can decode a VIN???

you can use carfax to check the vehicles history, or you can use this: http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi to just get some general info

[dan90rs]

Thanks MrM3. I just ran a CARFAX and everything came up clean.

[Fox]

Stop. Before you do anything else or get crazy about this, replace your fuel filter. if this doesnt fix it pull out your spark plugs and make sure they are clean and properly gapped .7 mm

Lastly if neither of these work try some fuel injector cleaner, not to clean the injectors but the fuel lines and filters. If none of this works then think about something more drastic.

[Hamann 325i]

yeah i did that to mine and it ran fine

[KC Ron Carter]

Fuel pump check valve.


I could replaced the fuel pump for $200 but I fixed the problem by putting in the fix from BMW for about $3.50,
part # "16 14 9 068 988"

Now the engine starts on first turn, hot or cold, overnight or after
standing for a while.

Diagnosis:

The check valve in the main fuel pump was leaking allowing the fuel injector rail residual pressure to bleed off resulting in formation of a huge fuel vapor bubble in the fuel rail and back down the fuel line toward the pump.

The extra cranking time was needed by the fuel pump to recompress and
eliminate the fuel vapor bubble in the line and repressurize the fuel injector rail.

Installation can be anywhere in the fuel pressure line but next to the main pressure pump is best.

It is a two screw clamp job.

Later,