Re: Trouble starting '89 325iX

[GToyama@xxxxxxx]

Henry Kim wrote:

<<I'm having trouble starting my new, old '89 325iX (one week).  It starts
everytime, but it takes me 2-3 turns of the ignition to get it to fire up.
It seems to help if I apply a little throttle.  I'm wondering if it's the 
fuel pump.
One thing I notice is that when the ignition is in position II, I hear no
fuel pump.  In all other cars I've owned, I could hear the pump running.  Is
the BMW pump especially quiet or should I suspect something wrong with it.>>

    I don't quite recall the config on my 88 325is, but you might check out 
the
- -- cold start injector (if it has one)
- -- crank sensor(s) (either at front pulley or in bellhousing)
- -- throttle position sensor
- -- throttle body (for dirt, deposits, etc)
- -- temp sensor
- -- fuel pressure regulator

    This of course assumes the usual suspects are ok: spark plugs, 
distributor cap and rotor, vacuum hoses, etc.

    You *shouldn't* hear the fuel pump with engine off, because the airflow 
meter has a switch in it that activates the pump only if there is air flow.  
I suspect it's a typical German (logical) safety function:  if there's an 
impact severe enough to physically stop the engine, then fuel shouldn't still 
be pumping to feed a potential fire.  Anyway, to test the pump, you can take 
off the intake duct to the meter, and with engine off and ignition on push 
the flap slightly to activate the pump.  (At the same time, make sure the 
flap doesn't bind anywhere in its travel.)  You may need an assistant in the 
back seat to listen for the pump, or you may need to lift the back seat 
bottom to hear it-- the tank and pump are under there.  In any case it 
shouldn't be especially loud, unless it's going bad, like mine did....

Good luck and Happy Bimmerin'
Gary T
88 535is
past: 88 325is, 87 535i, 81 528i (3.3), 76 2002

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