Strange startup problem

[MPlb]

Occasionally my E36 325TDS take a while to start up. It turns over just fine but won't fire up unless I turn it over for up to 10-15 seconds.

It doesn't only happen when it's cold or wet or even hot and dry. The only thing I can see that is related is it happens when the fuel gauge is just over 15 litres (or under).

Now I know I could always keep it full but that's not always convenient especially when my wife uses it for while. I'm pretty sure the fuel gauge is accurate as previously I've gone far lower than 15 litres.

Very occasionally (when under 15 litres) it will actually stutter and eventually stall with the injector light lit up. It will start again but only after turning it over for a while.

Could it be the fuel pump is starting to wear out and is struggling when the tank gets low?

Any other ideas?

[cybercullen]

i would start by cleaning the injectors, you can buy fuel additive at an auto parts store that should help, also should check out the fuel pump.

[jshores7]

is fuel addititve safe to use with all the sensors, and the computer--I thought I had heard that additives were not a good idea

[///STEALTH///]

try the additive but it sounds like your pump is on the way out