car wont stay running

[teximpala]

Posting for a friend.

Car is a 89 325i. Last week on the way to the airport she complained that the car was stumbling and acting like it didnt wan't to run, but it did go about 20 miles. Today when coming back into town the car cranked up and ran fine all the way home, but as she pulled into her apartment complex, it died. She can crank the car right up but it dies as soon as you give it any gas. She did say the needle was far from empty.

She doesn't smell any gas leaking, no engine lights came on. She is about to have it towed to a bmw specialist, but im afraid it is something simple. I have worked on the car before, but not any engine related parts, just wheel hubs and brakes.

Anybody have any ideas? I need answers quick before she waste a ton of money.

Thanks!

btw, this site helped me alot when doing the front hub. Thanks

 

[Tom]

Could be a lot of reasons, but my guess would be the fuel pump. If you do replace that, make sure you replace the fuel filter and relay as well.

I would also check to see if the car has any spark.

 

[Ben]

i second what tom said.

 

[teximpala]

Thanks for the info guys. That is kindof what im thinking. As soon as i get out of work im going to take a look at it.

1. When you turn the key foward can you hear the fuel pump kick on for a couple of seconds? I know on most fuel injected cars you can.

2. Fuel sending units ever fail on these? I am taking some fuel with me just incase.

3. depending on answer to #1, is there a fuel pump relay, fuse, or inertia switch?

Thanks again!

 

[AndrewBall]

could be bad injectors I know for some freak reason mine just quit, if there is no engine noise, clanking, banging, clicks or anything like that it might be that, or even bad spark plugs, take them out and clean them ro replace them. Also Check the distributor, might have a loose connection or even taking it apart and putting it back together, even thought you ddint see any dirt it might have been there and you prolly got it it might work then, a number of things check the ignition system, cause if there is no spark, there is not running, and no running means well...exactly that.

 

[teximpala]

Thanks for the info Andrew.

After looking at it last night I have updated info.

When she got back from the airport it died as she came into the apartment complex. It would only try to crank, did not start (sputter sputter....dead). I got there after it had sat for 3 hours. I jumped in and turned the key foward with my hand on the fuel pump and it turned on. Then cranked the car and it ran fine. Proceeded to drive the car around the complex with not a single problem, maybe 8-10 min. Due to limited time, i had to stop.

I am thinking it is the fuel pump. I read another post where the guy said his was doing the same thing. Fuel pump would sieze up after running for awhile and getting hot. I did pull the pump out and will replace it tonight. Fuel pump did not look bad, but im not sure you could tell.

BTW, the metal edges on the body by the fuel pump can be sharp. I cut my finger right open on it.

Thanks for your help. Kellie thanks you too.

 

[mikev]

One thing it could be is the ECU mine had a screwed one that if your hit it the engine cut out. started of happening once in a while then as it got worse the engine cut and it let too much fuel in. if your just starting off it will flood and stall but if you give it lots of gas it'll splutter and back fire!