1996 328 Cold Start Problems

slateblue911 · 12-08-2003, 08:31 AM

I have a 1996 328ic with cold start problems. This weekend the temperature outside got down to around 45 degrees. My car wouldn't crank. Today the temperature is around 60 degrees and I started with no problem. Is there some sort of cold start valve or sensor that could possibly need replacement. Please help before the dealer gets a chance to.

olds350 · 12-08-2003, 07:29 PM

Can you define "wouldn't crank". Engine not turning over, turning but not starting. Any details on your symptoms would help.

slateblue911 · 12-09-2003, 05:38 AM

The engine would turn over but it would not start. As if it wasn't getting fuel. After turning the car over again and again for over 5 minutes it cranked. Once driven it cranked everytime for the remainder of the day. The next morning I had the same problem. I have heard of "cold start valves" on other cars. I was just wondering if this appled to the 328 or not.

slateblue911 · 12-09-2003, 05:43 AM

My 1983 911SC had a "Cold Start Valve". When it wasn't working correctly it was hard to start in colder weather.

olds350 · 12-11-2003, 06:40 PM

I posted your question to some of other forums. Not many responses, but this one may address your problem. Best of luck.

From unofficalbmw.....

"I had a similiar porblem with my car. As I understand the FPR (fuel pressure regulators) can be troublesome with these cars. It's a pain to change, but it corrected my idle problems. My car would actually continue to stall/hard start until the motor warmed up.
I also replaced the charcoal canister, the PCV canister and I found a leak in the fuel return line back to the fuel tank.

No problems since!"