I have a '97 540I with 230k miles that's been running perfect until now.

I drove a friend to work this morning, and shut the car off. As I was going to leave, the sar started, idled for a few seconds, then stalled. It did this a second time, and then it wouldn't start at all. I tried starting it a few more times, and the engine cranks over without firing.

I let the car sit for a few minutes, then tried starting it again. Just like before, it started and died. I started it again, and it died again. After that, the engine cranks over without firing.

When it does run, I can hear that it's at a VERY low RPM, and that the tach doesn't seem to move much. I also know that within the past year, the previous owner had a problem where the car would't start one day. She replaced the fuel filter and pump, which didn't solve the problem. She finally replaced the CPS (cam position sensor) which solved her problem.

Does the problem I'm having sound like a CPS to any of you? My car is miles away from any shop, and to "have the codes read" would require the aid of a tow truck.

Sounds like a fuel problem to me, but I'm not familiar with BMW's. I would definitely ask bmwguru

If you need the check engine light read, I have an OBD2 scanner here, Kalkaska is a short drive.

Sounds like fuel to me too, but thats just where I would start if I was unable to get any better ideas from the comptuer.

Also... does it have gas in it? lol...

Dont know about BMW engines, but older cheaper engines Id start with removing the air filter and feeding it starting fluid to see if it would run better \ longer as a confirmation. Also open the gas cap and listen for the pump. It should run for 2 seconds when the key is turned from off to run, and anytime the engine is cranking.

quote Originally posted by RWDPLZ: Sounds like a fuel problem to me, but I'm not familiar with BMW's. I would definitely ask bmwguru If you need the check engine light read, I have an OBD2 scanner here, Kalkaska is a short drive.

As of right now, the car is sitting in Traverse. I had to get a ride home from a friend this morning, and have to go fetch the car sometime later today. I'll PM you my phone number.

Well, here's what we figured out:

-Got there and checked for codes, no codes stored.

-Tried starting it, fired right up and ran. No obvious problems, suggested driving it home while it was still running. Has a little over half a tank of gas according to the gauge.

-Car breaks down before we can get out of town. I drove back, checked the codes again, and there was a transmission fault code pending, but that was it. Tried starting it, dies after a couple seconds.

So now it's sitting in another parking lot in town

^^^That about sums it up. I even tried starting it a little bit ago to limp it to a friend's house for the night, and now it won't even start. It just cranks over.

Thanks for your help today, RWDPLZ! I really owe you one for the help, and we should definitively get together sometime soon so shoot some pool or something.

That's not normal? I thought all BMW's did this? At least my half-brother's did. He managed to fix it by selling it. I don't know anything about them, but I'd start with whether or not it had spark and fuel.

[This message has been edited by carnut122 (edited 11-09-2011).]

I was going to suggest you hit "www.bimmerforums.com" but I see you're already a member.

All BMW questions should be PM'ed to BMWGuru... he is the BMW Guru after all. He helped me on a lot of odd things when i had my 325i.

Edit: to me it sounds like an exhaust clog. make sure exhaust is coming out while trying to start it.

[This message has been edited by Finally_Mine_86_GT (edited 11-09-2011).]

I'm towing the car home today. I talked to a few people (BMWGURU included), and the fuel delivery system is the first thing to check. I guess if the fuel pump fails, I'll have all the symptoms that I'm having without throwing any codes.

+'s to all those who chimed in that didn't have one from me already, and I'll keep you guys updated! I appreciate all the help!

Update: Well, after 2 days of having the car stranded, I finally got the car home and we were able to start diagnosing the problem.



For those of you who guess a fuel problem or fuel pump, you are correct! I'm getting power to the pump, but nothing from the pump. I'm ordering a fuel pump today, and it should be in later this week. Hopefully, this fixes the problem.

[This message has been edited by Deabionni (edited 11-13-2011).]

I'm not sure on the E39's, but the E46's had a pass-through under the rear seat. Made changing a fuel pump a breeze. Probably the only thing BMW engineered right on that car. I'm glad I sold mine.