No start: 1989 BMW 325i

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07-26-2009, 12:39 PM

just looked at a decent little car, 89 325i. has spark, has fuel going to the rail, but just turns over, not even a stutter.

any thoughts from possible bad relay to broken timing belt?

Owner is a complete dufus but if I buy it ($400) without knowing what is really wrong, I'll be x2.

tab tanner · 07-26-2009, 12:51 PM

Crank sensor, Is there any injector pulse?

trekkor · 07-26-2009, 12:53 PM

Turn it to TDC #1 by hand with the spark plugs out. See if the valves are closed.

Leakdown tool would be Ideal.

KT

Arizona_928 · 07-26-2009, 01:53 PM

use a noid light. sounds like the injectors are not getting a pulse.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07-26-2009, 03:49 PM

thanks Guys. what is the procedure for checking the injector pulse via crank sensor?

thanks KT, will see if valves are closed, leakdown tool is loaned out, really should have 2.

trekkor · 07-26-2009, 04:40 PM

Maybe the dizzy is loose and simply out of time

Wouldn't that be nice?

That might be the simplest thing to check.
( just a few degrees out +/- and it will not even sputter, as you know

)

KT

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07-26-2009, 04:53 PM

The distributor is definitely on tight, took a little work to get the HT lead off to test spark and I would have noticed, but good thought.

I also looked at an 87 325i convertible that had been sitting for years, needs almost all new front sheetmetal and was generally beat though had a new top, definitely restorable, but did run even though the smell of very old gas was overwhelming. Surprised is was running on that.

Guy wants $1500 for it which I thought was crazy. I was thinking $1K, front sheetmetal probably $500+ and it would start to be a decent car that could go for $3K+ next spring.

Am I crazy?

McLovin · 07-26-2009, 06:51 PM

Seems like a lot of work and time to try to make $1000-$1500.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07-26-2009, 07:22 PM

yes, but there's the fun of driving it for awhile. A front end with existing body-colored sheetmetal (it's white and there are a ton of this color, so wouldn't be hard to find decent panels) is a 1 day job, it's not terribly difficult.

the 89 sold, got an email that a guy bought it for body parts alone. thanks for the help.

trekkor · 07-26-2009, 08:42 PM

My BMW mechanic told me his friend sold a nice 320i for $3700 recently.

We're getting ours repainted and it runs really good.

KT

john70t · 07-26-2009, 10:24 PM

-Very fast cranking would be snapped timing belt.
-Gas smell at the tailpipe after cranking would be bad ignition and/or flooding.
-Spray a little carb cleaner/gas into the intake, and a stumble while cranking would indicate low fuel delivery.

trekkor · 07-26-2009, 10:32 PM

Interference or not, engine?

KT

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Did you check the DME Relay?

rammstein · 07-27-2009, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trekkor

Interference or not, engine?

KT

It is my understanding that these are interference, and use a belt, not a chain.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07-27-2009, 08:34 AM

Car sold guys, thanks. Wasn't really worth it to me plunking down $400 if the motor could possibly be junk, but the guy who bought it wanted the sheetmetal, which was very nice.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07-27-2009, 08:34 AM

Car sold guys, thanks. Wasn't really worth it to me plunking down $400 if the motor could possibly be junk, but the guy who bought it wanted the sheetmetal, which was very nice.