E30 electrical problem....not the usual stuff

[bmw4curt@xxxxxxxx (Curtis Kiser)]

Joops writes in:
..Rule out main/fuel relay & broken timing belt problem....
<1> could this be an ECU/DME problem ? What are the signs if the DME is
at fault?
<2> what about the sensor underneath the intake manifold(i guess its the
TDC sensor) coz a friend coulnt get a reading from an ohmmeter?
<3> what about my ignition coil? if it gets hot would it give same
problems?
<4> what about Idle control unit (that green little box next to the dme)?
<5> could it be the AFM (airflowmeter)

Sorry....for giving all these question just ruling out the problems one
by one...
Did anyone have the same problem to any eta owners before???couldnt get
any
info regarding these in all FAQ's ...
All BMW technical gurus and DYI's please respond......JIM CONFORTI <the
motronic god>
i also need your advise.....TIA for all responders

Joops (with a disabled 325es)
***************************

My 86' 325 has a similar problem but not while running on the road.  At
any random time, hot or cold, when you start the car it starts but with
no 'vigor'.  The pedal won't hardly bring the rpm's up and it's basically
undrivable.  It just stumbles.  It will fix itself though!  Just turn off
the engine and restart.  VROOM!  It's back at full strength.  This
happens about once in two months.  

So, what is it?  In my case it's not the Idle Control Valve.  I think
it's the DME or the Idle Control Unit (green box).  They had a campaign
on the green boxes years ago and they are a very serious problem area
with these cars.   

The AFM could also cause major problems too.  You should be able to check
it out with an ohmmeter.  Make sure the resistance is smooth thru the
ranges and around the idle area.  

The coil could be bad too.  This is an electrical problem so 'anything
goes'!   Do some swaps with a companion car.  Also start cleaning
electrical connectors.

You should check out the fuel pumps and fuel pressure regulator.  They
can cause very strange problems.

I would try a certified good Idle Control Unit (green box) and/or another
DME.  These types of intermittent problems are the worst for us
electronic types.  

Just so you know, your not the only one with this problem.  I've seen
MANY digesters plea for help with similar kinds of electrical problems of
the eta engines.  Maybe BMW should do a recall on this.  My spell checker
suggests 'moronic' for motronic. Good luck and let us know the outcome if
you have one.

Curt Kiser
BMW CCA #118507 Tidewater Virginia Chapter
85' 535i - Sharked and R1's shoes to go dancing in at the track
86' 325

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