83 528e, sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't. - BMW Forum

Clemson88 · 03-02-2012, 04:27 PM

I'v changed the cap and rotor, plugs, wires and coil. The coil shows power on a cheap test light but the plugs' spark is weak. The wiring diagram shows at least one of the coil wires going to the ECU or module. I suppose that is the next part to change. Can someone tell me where the ECU is located on this car?

Jack Dabsy · 03-03-2012, 08:00 AM

Hi Clemson...
Your ECU (ECM) is located above the glove-box

Clemson88 · 03-03-2012, 09:29 AM

Thank you Dabsy.

rivroshaun951 · 03-05-2012, 01:47 PM

Before you replace that ECU what else have you done to solve this no start issue? Have you checked the battery? Have your checked the starter? Relay? Wires? Fuel? etc....etc...

Jack Dabsy · 03-06-2012, 02:49 PM

+1

I had a similar issue the other Month... New Battery solved this !
However, have the Starter tested anyway just to eliminate it...

Clemson88 · 03-25-2012, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dabsy

+1

I had a similar issue the other Month... New Battery solved this !
However, have the Starter tested anyway just to eliminate it...

The engine always turns over fine. The fuel supply is good. The problem is the spark. Sometimes the spark is weak, so weak that it just won't run. I've changed the everything I know in the ignition except the switch and the ECU.

This is one of the half-breeds that was manufactured during 02/83. It has the distributor cap that looks like a squid fleeing from danger.

I have searched above the glove box and nothing that faintly resembles the listed ECU units resides there. There is a small green box resting above a large metal (8"X8") box.

The car use to shut down then after a short period perhaps 10 to 15 minutes it would fire up again and do fine. This reoccurred with more frequency until the last few months. Now It just doesn't get any fire at all coming from the distributor. I'm not sure I understand this ignition system but from what I read the low voltage signal sent to the ECU incites a high voltage output from the coil which is then sent through the distributor to the plugs.

If this is the case wouldn't that narrow the problem down to the ECU? Anybody?