car dies while driving

[jonmar]

I have had this problem with my '86 325es for about 2 months now and it's driving me nuts. At first it was only every now and then, but now it happens frequently. While I am driving, the car will suddenly just stop running. Everything else works and the car will turn over. A couple of times I was able to restart the car before I had even come to a stop. But the condition has become worst, to the point that sometimes the car will not start after I shut it off after having driven it for awhile. Sometimes when I let it sit overnight, it may or may not start.

The first time it left me stranded where I could not get it restarted at all, I had it taken to a repair shop that specializes in imports. They kept it for 3 weeks and could not figure out what was wrong with it. It started for them every time. They eventually replaced the fuel pump in the tank to the tune of $435. The car ran okay for about 3 or 4 days and then died and left me stranded again. So I decided to take it to the dealership after a few days. Ran fine going up there. They said it was just some bad relays which they changed to the tune of $165. Ran okay for a few days and then boom, won't start one morning. However, I did notice that while driving the car, it seemed fuel delivery was not smooth, like it was coming in surges. Very subtle, but noticeable. More noticeable on acceleration.

Any ideas. The fuel pump on the driver's side in front of the rear wheel has also been replaced as has the fuel filter.

Thanks in advance, Jon

[Jeron]

I would take it to a BMW mechanic.

My guesses are fuel pressure regulator, crank sensor but those are just shots in the dark.

[whosyadadie01]

it could be the cam sensor but it that was it then it would eventually start ...

[Sever0n]

I don't know if you ever figured out what was going on with your car but I just figured out what was causing that to happen on mine, Have your O2 sensor checked. Mine did the exact same thing, intermittent surges of power, with the new sensor it runs great.

[E30Hooligan]

This might sound obvious but is your battery terminals connects tightly. Both sides from the battery and to the chassis/Engine compartment hook up.