Startup problem - BMW Forum

melwyn · 11-19-2005, 02:31 AM

Hi I have recently purchased a BMW 530i (1994 model) V8 car. I have a slight problem with starting the cars in the mornings or after the vehicle has been idle for like a couple of hours. I need to give around 5 - 6 self starts before the engine starts. Once the engine gets going, then there is no problem. I can immediately stop the engine and start it again. But again, as I stated earlier, if the engine is stop for a couple of hours, I need to give around 5 - 6 self starts. Is there any way in which I can rectify this problem.

dyami · 11-19-2005, 02:41 AM

does the engine turn over? it could be a variety of problems. it could be the starter or the battery for one. just thinking at the top of my head. could even be the fuel or possibly bad injectors or spark plugs. but then again....its perfectly normal when the engine is warm.......
im not so sure this late at night. brain is fried right now sorry.

melwyn · 11-20-2005, 08:06 AM

Quite frankly chief, I did not understand when you said "Does the engine turn over". If you can please elaborate, it would be nice. There is once more thing, when I switch on the ignition, I get a display on the dash board saying Oil Service and there are only two bars highlighted the orange and red. Does that mean that the car need to go for an oil change?

da_bull · 11-20-2005, 08:18 AM

that is your indicator for oil change, (its time when it reaches the orange bar) but that wouldnt keep your car from starting. he was asking if you turn the key to the start position, does the engine try to start or not. it sounds to me like a fuel delivery problem, i.e. fuel pump being weak. I would have someone run a test on the fuel pressure when the motor is cold.

hope that helps...

melwyn · 11-21-2005, 07:33 AM

Well thanks chief. I will get this checked immediately and come back. Well there is one more thing actually, when I hit speeds in excess of 80kmph, the car starts rattling but then once I reach around 120 or 130 is reduces. I was told that this was an wheel alignment problem. I have got the alignment done but no results.

Well just for the record the engine turns over when I hit the ignition. I need to do it a couple of times and then it starts.

Melwyn

RDroz · 11-24-2005, 05:14 PM

You are losing fuel pressure when the car sits. Either the pressure regulator is leaking, or the check valve at the fuel pump is leaking. The pressure regulator should be easy to replace, but the fuel pump check valve may be in the tank (not sure how BMW does it).

Droz