Hard starts

[dubumb]

Im hoping someone could help me... A lot of times i go out to my car to start it up and i have to turn the key for like 3-5 seconds or put the gas down to get it started... I was wondering what i could do to get rid of this problem... i run 93 octane (i know this happens with 89 a lot) could it be the spark plugs or something that need changed?

[dubumb]

oh yea, and i've used fuel injector cleaner during oil change (3-4 days ago), could it be the fuel filter?

[sp0rky]

lol
welcome to the world of the e34!!
all e34s do this to my knowledge, haven't came across one yet that hasnt produced this problem...

i got injector cleaner - didnt help - i also got a fuel filter - havent put it in yet so ic ant help ya out there.

well this will be a good thread for all of us e34 owners so hopefully someone can answer!!

btw i run 91 - its the highest avail at a gas station... can you get 93 at any gas station over where you live??

[CosmosBlack]

Hmmm.....I never had this problem before with my previous e34.
One turn, it starts in 1-2 secs.

[dubumb]

Originally posted by sp0rky@Jan 19 2004, 03:49 AM
btw i run 91 - its the highest avail at a gas station... can you get 93 at any gas station over where you live??

yea, and i've seen 94 at a place in PA

[CBA]

i dont think it would be your plugs.. perhaps your losing pressure at the pump.. could be injectors as well. not sure bout over there but here in beaver country we had a sticky fuel mix up where the gas got contaminated and clogged the injectors.. just a thought.. but yeah sounds like its struggling for pressure..

[dubumb]

Originally posted by CBA@Jan 19 2004, 12:00 PM
...but yeah sounds like its struggling for pressure..

How would i remedy this? I think i am going to change the fuel filter then take it from there..

[dubumb]

anyone?

[KingScare]

Isn't pumping the gas to start it bad for the engine???

I remember i used to do that with my busted Jeep YJ...but for a bimmer...isn't that bad cuz it's a fuel injection engine?

i'm not claiming to know, just asking.

[chuck540owner]

This brings up a guestion. Does the fuel pump run with the ignition switch in run with the engine not running? And are there more then one filter. My 540 starts right up but my Honda ( can I say that here?) is slow to start and getting slower.
Maybe an answre to debumb's trouble could help me with that vehicle.

[Maz]

I drive a 90 E34 and it does the same thing, to the point of where I need to apply gas almost never happens but it is always a 4-5 second key turn to start it!! When I first bought my car about 16 months ago I noticed this problem or situation adn took it to our Mechanic who does all our work for us and he is very good. but he says it will always do that and that all E34's do it, he siad its like a boat, it will always start with a long key turn but it will run great once it starts. If there is some new way to fix this, I would love to know, but its fine without it!!

[Torque]

now this happens to me too... it needs a few seconds, but I am not really worried. I know it will start

[EXtech]

possible problems: bad gas, need plugs cap and rotor, dirty injectors, pressure loss at fuel pump, dirty fuel filter and last but not least --- VALVE ADJUSTMENT ---
Valve adjustments were a required step with all Inspection 2's and in my opinion should be done every 50K. Some people ignore having that done and some places don't do it when you take the car in (even though they charge you for it). You could probably stand a good tune up (plugs,cap,rotor,maybe plug wires,fuel filter and valve adjustment).

[CosmosBlack]

ExTech,

Is valve adjustment included in the Inspection2?
I have never seen that listed on my Inspection2's.

Is it necessary, and should I go kick some shit???

Thanks,

[sp0rky]

I believe you dont need valve adjustments with the VANOS engines, am i wrong?