Cant diagnose My E36 problem - BMW Forum

Simon_C · 06-27-2009, 10:36 AM

Hi i have 1996 320 touring It started about 3 monthes ago i filled up with fuel drove 20 miles parked up for 30 mins or so got back in car and it would not start so i left it!I tryed again couple of hours later and it was fine started on the button.Then about week later same prob cut out while at a junction low revs!would not start again so i turned over in gear and fired but holding back on power!parked up went out to it next day and fine again done 50 miles in it problem came back again would not start on key unless you let it stand for hour or so, but will fire up if you turn over in gear!this prob has got worse and worse but still keeps on going!Yesterday i drove 5 miles then for some reason it would not rev over 2.5k idled fine and started on the key!went out to it today and its fine again???
Ive checked tank fuel filter main fuel filter had all earth straps off and cleaned no air leaks (split hoses etc)no warning lights can anyone help me Please?

Simon_C · 06-30-2009, 05:16 AM

Ive also noticed its using a shit load of fuel..

witeshark · 06-30-2009, 09:34 AM

Can you get the computer scanned for codes?

Simon_C · 06-30-2009, 09:38 AM

Theres no lights come on so i thought there would not be any code stored? am i wrong?

witeshark · 06-30-2009, 09:39 AM

I'd try it; maybe the lights are out.

BimmerE39 · 06-30-2009, 10:15 AM

Definitely scan for codes. This problem could be several things and at the very least if you have a few codes you or a mechanic would have a better idea where to look.

Simon_C · 06-30-2009, 12:02 PM

I think before i pay £50 to have car pluged in im going to try the Coolant Temp injection sensor!But i cant find 1 anywhere could anyone give me a link pls!If this fails i will get car scaned for codes..

marti5 · 06-30-2009, 01:46 PM

Hi Simon, Next week Im going to my parents in Scole near Diss norfolk to help my father fit some patio doors if you can make it that far, I have Carsoft diagnostics which should pull up the problem, up to you. NO charge.

Simon_C · 06-30-2009, 02:27 PM

Hi thanks for the offer but Diss is quite away for me to take car its using so much fuel and i dont want to cause any damage!i am very grateful for this offer if only you were comming to Holt

marti5 · 06-30-2009, 02:47 PM

I use to years ago as my Xwifes grandmother use to live there and most of her family, but alas times change, Im not adverse to coming to you, But I would have to charge and it would be say £100, which is silly,as Im sure .....well not that sure someone has the diagnostic set up and knowledge so well the offer is there of Diss or I come to you if you change you mind, I know BM charge over £175.

STREETRACER · 01-03-2010, 05:49 AM

my brother had the same tipe of problem with his E36 325i.. there is holes on the fender which leads to the computer box compartment!! BMW fixed the problem on later models!!

his car died every now and then, wouldnt rev up, got stuck in revs, jurked like a fuel search!! car died eventualy and the fuel pump would go on! so i bridged out the fuel pump relay pump came on but still wouldnt start.. took the coils out and there was no spark!!!
The computer box got water damage and fried!!!! have it checked out while it is still repairable!!

might not be the same problem but worth checking out!!

Simon_C · 01-03-2010, 09:25 AM

Hi i solved problem in the end it was Crank Shaft sensor!

Thanks for your response...

witeshark · 01-03-2010, 09:27 AM

Glad you got it sorted!