1989 BMW 325 Car wont start, not the crank sensor, not cap/

AISHITERU_GRAPES

MEMBER
1989 BMW 325
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

My car stalled/died on the freeway right after I got on. It was a hot day, but it's never died on me before. Here's what happened, I had slowed down then car stalled when trying to accelerate again. Was able to steer to the shoulder, but then car wouldn't start again. This was one week ago. I have changed the crank sensor, cap and rotor, fuel pump's pumping, coil is working, crank is moving, but still my car won't start. Does try, but no turn over. What do I do? I miss having my car. I feel like I'm running out of options. I've had my car for 2 years now, but this one stumps me.

5 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Do below to determine if its fuel or spark problem

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, April 30th, 2009 AT 12:25 AM

AISHITERU_GRAPES

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you for the reply. We did try the fuel and it pumped out when cranked, had faint spark at wires, but not at spark plugs. Again, we just bought ignition coil and still no spark.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, April 30th, 2009 AT 9:56 AM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

If there is a spark at the coil but not the plugs then the cap/rotor/wires are suspect. Have you investigated this possibility?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, April 30th, 2009 AT 11:17 AM

AISHITERU_GRAPES

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Have replaced cap and rotor, but I will check on the wires though. That's our last thought right now. I sure hope it works.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, April 30th, 2009 AT 7:37 PM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

New spark plug wires and I would install a fresh set of plugs too. Bosch W8LCR is the right plug for that motor, do not try anything else, no super platypus plus power plugs, just the Bosch plug.