[dickjo]

Hi
Newby here
I have a 88 325is. Have had it since new, 60k miles now. Runs great . When the car has been run awhile and then is shut off for about 5 or more minutes It will not start when key is turned. It will always start as soon as you try again. I am talking like you can turn key and then turn off and start again. It will start and run great. When it is not starting it sort of chugs and misses. However just as soon as you try again it runs great. Just like new.
I have replaced the ECU, Idle control, Air box.
Thanks
Dick

 

[german-speed-demon]

check fuel lines. sounds like maybe you have a bad hose, perhaps a pinhole letting fuel drain back through the line. First crank won't get the fuel all the way up, but by the time you cycle the fuel pump again it is good enough to run.

 

[silversled]

change the coil

sounds like the coil....

 

[silversled]

had the same problem on my 88 325iC

turned out it was the core of the ignition coil that was slightly cracked...came and went with time...very difficult to diagnose as there was no constant to it...toughy there....