car won't run ( jumped time ? )

[dksix]

I went out to start my car this mourning (1992 E36 325i ) and it would start for run for just a second and die . I kept trying to get it started and it would run longer and backfire and die . when I raised the hood I found that the idler pully on the alt. belt had came apart , The part that rides against the belt has come off and the belt was riding on the innner part of the idler . The car ran fine last night when parked and I have had no problems at all with the car ever starting . Could this be a timing issue , if so what would have caused it , Thanks for any help .

[Jeron]

Check the belt tensioner for proper operation and replace the idler pulley. You might as well check the other tensioner, other pulley and both belts while your at it.

I wouldnt bother worrying about timing until you've fix your idle problem. You might need to charge your battery too.