'97 528i only starts on 2nd time - BMW Forum

528ifanatic · 08-16-2008, 05:42 PM

In the past few days my '97 528i will only start on the 2nd time I turn the key. Any thoughts on where the problem may lie? Oh, by the way, I just found this site so it's my first post - thanks!!!

darkhorse737 · 08-16-2008, 05:47 PM

when was last tune-up? and what work was done on it?

528ifanatic · 08-16-2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkhorse737

when was last tune-up? and what work was done on it?

Hey, thanks for the reply!

I bought this car at then end of last year from the 2nd owner. From what I can tell of his records (he bought the car with 35k miles...it now has 135k miles!) it never has had an official "tune-up". Brakes, oxygen sensor, valve cover gasket, a few hoses and plenty of oil changes, however there is no record of the plugs ever being replaced...I suppose I'm lucky it runs at all!

darkhorse737 · 08-16-2008, 07:45 PM

don't you think it's about time to get it serviced before it gets worse?

it's a good time to start some maintenance history of your own

make be in better "touch" with the car

528ifanatic · 08-17-2008, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkhorse737

don't you think it's about time to get it serviced before it gets worse?

it's a good time to start some maintenance history of your own

make be in better "touch" with the car

Well, of course, I'm definitely going to have it serviced, I was just hoping to get some insight into what I might be looking at here. In general, when I 've searched for threads (non-BMW) on this type of problem the fuel pump is mentioned as a possible causal problem for this type of issue - just wondered if that might apply here as well...thanks!

darkhorse737 · 08-17-2008, 11:36 AM

fuel pump possible... but then if u've never changed fuel filter, then that may be the culprit too.

The only way to check is to check your fuel pump pressure. there is a service port by the fuel rails where u can screw in a guage to measure the pressure.

Then stage 2 of the check is to measure the pressure BEFORE the fuel filter. Same readings as fuel pressure at injection rail port = fuel filter is fine
Higher reading before the filter = time to change filter.

You can use this little trick i use when i diagnose fuel probs for friends:
1) switch on ignition maybe 2-3 times;
2)START.

*if it starts right up, then u do hv a fuel prob.

** if no change from before, then ur prob is electrical

REASON: everytime you turn the key ON, the injectors will shoot some fuel into the combustion chambers to allow for a cold start.