Starting Problems - BMW Forum

cymorg · 08-06-2005, 10:24 PM

every now and then my car sounds like its not going to start... i turn the key and the engine sortof chokes and drags a little bit but if i hold the key it will eventually start. it seems to be happening more and more often. i took it to the dealer a while ago and they looked at it and told me that it started right for them everytime they tried to start it. so pretty much--- i dont think they looked at anything since it seemed to be working while it was in the shop.

any ideas on what this problem could be?

hog1014 · 08-07-2005, 11:29 AM

I don't know about bimmer fuel pumps, but I had a similar issue on another car I had. Wouldn't start sometimes & after a few minutes of cranking it would fire. Ended up being the fuel pump. Try turning the key to the on position just before it cranks & wait a minute & then crank it over. Sometimes it will allow the fuel pump to build up the pressure it needs. This is a temporary fix to get you going if you're stranded. It will continue to get worse if it's the fuel pump. Mine would usually sart after a few tries for a month or so & a couple of worthless trips to the dealer. Then on the second month it if it wouldn't start I would have to let it sit for 30 minutes & then it would fire.

cymorg · 08-07-2005, 01:23 PM

ive noticed turning the key to the on position even if just for 3 seconds before trying to start it seems to help a little bit.

how hard is fuel pump removal/installation??

e36surge · 08-09-2005, 12:45 AM

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticl...6-Fuel-Pump.htm

This article will give you a good idea. Good luck and tell us how it goes.

jimwww · 08-09-2005, 12:57 AM

I just had this happen on my car and my mechanic said it was flooded - could not start at all. He got it working and it has been fine since..

hog1014 · 08-10-2005, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cymorg@Aug 7 2005, 12:23 PM
ive noticed turning the key to the on position even if just for 3 seconds before trying to start it seems to help a little bit.

how hard is fuel pump removal/installation??

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I did it on a F150 truck I used to have. It was fairly easy. About a 2 hour process. Make sure you check if any special tools are needed. I had to go buy a set of special tools to break the fuel line appart. Other than that it was prety easy.