RE: 528e - Won't start, won't run

["Stuart Logan" <stu64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Sounds like the Fuel Pressure Regulator, or the coolant temperature sensor.
May also be the Airflow sensor.
I had a similar experience with my '83 at around 400,000mi.
After long drive on the highway, I pulled over for a refreshment break, got
back into the car, and pulled back out, It barely ran, I had to feather the
gas rapidly just to keep it running.
I initially thought it was bad gasoline, so after having it towed, we
drained and flushed the tank and refilled it - no change.

This, of course, happened 7-1/2 hours from home on December 23.
After returning after Christmas, and having checked everything else,
including the timing belt and compression, we finally checked the fuel
pressure, it wasn't too high, but when we disconnected the vacuum line to
the regulator, fuel spilled out of it.

We replaced the regulator for about $30.00 (aftermarket) and had already
changed the coolant temp sensor, removed the 'second' temp sensor from the
factory 'lean mod' (installed in series electrically - in the small heater
hose running from the thermostat housing to the intake.)

After putting everything else back together, it started and ran fine, as has
been ever since... no just over 560,000mi!

Hope this helps

Stu

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-bmw@domain.elided [mailto:owner-bmw@domain.elided] On Behalf Of Stas
Lotyczewski
Sent: August 11, 2003 6:41 AM
To: 'bmw-digest@domain.elided'
Subject: 528e - Won't start, won't run

I'm hoping someone can offer some diagnostic insights
pertaining to my son's 1986 528e.  A couple nights ago,
at a stop light, the engine shuddered and quit a few
moments later.  He had it towed to a nearby friend's
house, and the next morning we (a) replaced the fuel
filter, (b) cleaned up all six oil-fouled plugs, and
(c) duct-taped a cracked vacuum hose we discovered,
but to no avail.  When it would start, after much
cranking, the exhaust was quite dark, and it would
run only with much throttle feathering.  The fuel pump
appears to be working (I can feel a vibration when I touch
it as the car is cranking).  After a minute, it stalled
and wouldn't even "catch".  The car was towed to a nearby
garage (but about an hour away from home, yuck), where it
presently sits.  If these symptoms sound familiar to anyone,
I'd appreciate hearing about some possibile causes.

Thanks in advance.
Stas Lotyczewski
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