E36 no start - help please

mfowler · 10-03-2006, 04:51 AM

Hello, I am working on a friends 1993 325i with a no start.
there is no power to the fule pump and no spark. Relays were checked / replaced. Cam sensor was bad and replaced with the same symptoms. Crank sensor tested OK.
Any ideas?
thanks, Mike

mfowler · 10-03-2006, 05:10 AM

I forgot, I also bench tested pump. It's good.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Is the computer pulling any codes? Did he recently wash his car? These early cars have a problem with the DME compartment flooding...

-Wayne

mfowler · 10-03-2006, 04:21 PM

Wayne, the car has sat for about 4 months. No codes were set.
I checked the DME relay, which is operational and slight rusting near the outboard mount for the DME. The plug did not show any oxidation or evidence of water at the plug or on the DME unit.
The DME has been opened at one time as the bendable tabs were broken off. I opened the unit and checked for cracked / broken solder and found none. The original chip is also intact...the DME is also original with the VIN Tags.

mfowler · 10-03-2006, 04:44 PM

I was just informed that the engine stopped while driving and had to be towed home. Timing chain?? Wayne, do you know if I can check "static timing" as there is no spark for my inductive timing light?

thanks again
Mike

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Okie, let's start at the beginning, this is a problem car that has been sitting for four months because it broke down. What other information do you have?

-Wayne

mfowler · 10-04-2006, 07:13 AM

Not much. I'm afraid. just the basic "it wont start, will you look at it"

I have no maintenance records whatsoever, no owners manual.
1993 325i, 4 dr. auto., build date 1/93.

Fluids are full, plugs are in good shape ( mixture wise ) grounds in tact and in fair condition. I plan a compression check this evening if weather allows as well as another check on the DME location.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

You've gotta pull the codes, see this article for getting them out of your car:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/Mult-Code_Reading/Mult-Code_Reading.htm

-Wayne

mfowler · 10-06-2006, 06:55 AM

Wayne, that's the most puzzling of it all. I ordered your book on tuesday, and read the online directions. The vehicle had no codes stored.
Is it possible that it sat so long with a dead battery that the DME codes were lost?

Mike

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by mfowler
Wayne, that's the most puzzling of it all. I ordered your book on tuesday, and read the online directions. The vehicle had no codes stored.
Is it possible that it sat so long with a dead battery that the DME codes were lost?

Mike

Hmm, not sure about that. I suppose it's possible. No codes stored, so it gave the 1000 OK code when you checked it?

If so, it may be something far simpler than a fuel injection problem, like a stuck fuel pump. Actually, with that in mind, I would listen at the back seat to make sure that you hear the pump running, if you haven't done this already...

-Wayne

mfowler · 10-07-2006, 04:33 AM

Wayne, that is where I began. No power to pump at crank, pump bench tested as is fine. then went through relays fuses Etc.

By the way, I received your book last night !!! WOW Awesome job sir......

Mike

LiquidBMW76 · 10-07-2006, 08:40 AM

I think I remember someone talking about the wires in the front floorboards becoming corroded: but I can't remember where they went. You might want to check there.Also have you checked the ignition switch?

mfowler · 10-07-2006, 09:37 AM

Thanks,
No I haven't checked the switch yet, but everything else seems to be operational throught the switch.
I'll put that on the list.

Mike

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Switches are a good bet, as they are a wear part...

-Wayne

mfowler · 10-11-2006, 06:42 AM

I have ordered a Bentley manual for the vehicle. I am going to get into it 110% this weekend. I'll post my findings and hopefully the fix as soon as I figure it out.
Mike

mfowler · 10-12-2006, 05:24 AM

Wayne, I've been thinking, is it possible that the service indicator system has a "shut down" mode if maintenance is totally horrible on a vehicle?

mfowler · 10-19-2006, 05:01 AM

Here's the scoop,
I finally did locate a wiring diagram and jumped the fuel pump, cranked the engine with no start. I checked the fuel injectors with a noid light and they had no pulse either. and still no spark.

Conclusion at this time is DME. All other checks were OK as listed in above posts.

Once again, No maintenance history was received with vehicle and it has 160,000 miles. I believe there is a possibility that the timing chains may need to be replaced.

Either way, reman or used DME is approx $275 - $375. I will wait to see what the owner wants to do.
Thanks for all the insight and comments

Mike

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by mfowler
Wayne, I've been thinking, is it possible that the service indicator system has a "shut down" mode if maintenance is totally horrible on a vehicle?

Funny! I think a lot of BMWs would be shut down by now...

-Wayne

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

There was a DME flood issue with these cars. Check out my article on DME repair:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-DME-Repair/E36-DME-Repair.htm

-Wayne