Hard to Start after Rain / Wash

[tabascobobcat]

We have a '95 325ic w/ 100.000 miles. Recently it has become hard to start after driving in the rain or a good wash. It cranks srong and free but doesn't fire. It acted the same all 3 times it has occurred. Crank (on and off, not continuously) it for 5 - 7 minutes, and it fires without even a stumble and runs fine again until the next run in with water. Looking for advice to help short cut the analysis process. Nothing obviously wrong under the hood. Plastic cover is still installed. I did however recently replace the valve cover gasket and plugs. Looking for advice and opinions. Thanks. Dave

[LeRoux Strydom]

You may have a water leak in the DME compartment, it is a common problem. Search this forum for "wet DME". You'll find detailed descriptions on how to open up the DME compartment, seal the DME after drying it out and cleaning the connectors, as well as a permanent fix to the water drainage design flaw.

LeRoux

[tabascobobcat]

Thanks for the advice. You were right on the mark. Drain hole was plugged, and the DME cover has deteriorated. I have some water proofing to do.

[Ad Hoc]

You're fortunate to have caught it early. The design and location of the DME compartment on an early to mid 90's E36 was a recipe for disaster - I paid the ultimate price: My DME got completely fried.

This Pelican article is great: http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-DME-Repair/E36-DME-Repair.htm

I've personally used plastic bags and waterproof silicone roofing caulk to waterproof mine.

Bottom line for me is I don't go through car washes. They dump 50+ gallons on your car. Even with all the precautions I've done to my DME and its compartment, I still wash by hand

[tabascobobcat]

Handwashing is a must for my cars too. I must use too much water. Now if a drove a Chevy...........