530i doesnt start. HELP!

[94_e34_525i]

Hey whats up guys, I tried searching the forums and went to e34.net, but I still have a lot of question marks. My friend bought a 95 530i 5/speed while back, with my encouragement of course. And now the damn thing refuses to start anyway, Basically the car turnover but doesn't fire. What things should i check? Im thinking fuel pump, crank sensor, and iono what else. I know its not a heat soak problem. And i think the fuel pump is good, so is it the sensor? And if one of the coils goes out it will still start right? I hope you guys can help me out, cuz im in the dark at this point.

[bmwrp8]

fuel pump relay?

[Ferret]

If you lose one of the coils, the car should still start...

Is it just spinning on the starter or is it coughing and spluttering trying to start?

Does the fuel pump whine in the tank as you try to start the car? Check for wet plugs after a start attempt.

Have you checked whether you're getting ignition by pulling one of the coilpacks and putting a spare plug in it?

Finally, his keys havent suffered some trauma have they? They're coded keys after '92-'94 and you cant start the car without them, it'll happily turn over but wont even bother firing.

[Tiger]

Test Crank Position Sensor and then replace.

[chamilun]

if you hear the fuel pump in the trunk trying to work, try this.

hold the accelerator all the way down, and let turn over for about 10 seconds. i know it sounds like a lot, but if you hear the car trying to start, youll know you are on to something. once it starts, give it plenty of gas.

[winfred]

if you can't hear the fuel pump get someone to smack the hell out of the bottom of the tank while you crank it, this starts maybe 1/3-1/2 of the e32/34 tow in's at the shop

[94_e34_525i]

Wow, thanks for all these suggestions, i still havent had time to check his car, im going off of what he told me so far. I will keep you guys posted. Thanks.

[94_e34_525i]

Have you checked whether you're getting ignition by pulling one of the coilpacks and putting a spare plug in it? ummmm isnt that a lil dangerous i mean the coils produce around 20k volts right? but i will try it anyway.

[DaveVoorhis]

ummmm isnt that a lil dangerous i mean the coils produce around 20k volts right? but i will try it anyway.
It's not dangerous if you arrange the coil pack and the threaded portion of the plug so that they're both properly grounded on the valve cover, and then keep your hands off it. I'd worry more about poor grounding damaging the ECU on this sort of thing, then getting zapped by the high voltage. It'll make you jump, but won't kill you unless you've got a pacemaker or you've cleverly run the current through your heart or brain.

[94_e34_525i]

I see, there must be a safer way cant i just disconnect the connector and check it with a multimeter? And lets say there is no power to the coils what causes that?

[Dr. evil]

i would do a fuel pressure test before anything.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Inline-Ignition-Spark-Plug-Tester-BEST-Troubleshooter_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43989QQi hZ020QQitemZ300146081536QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW autozone has some too.

[94_e34_525i]

And if fuel pressure is fine and there is no spark then what?

[632 Regal]

my 94 doesnt have coded keys.




Finally, his keys havent suffered some trauma have they? They're coded keys after '92-'94 and you cant start the car without them, it'll happily turn over but wont even bother firing.

[Dr. evil]

And if fuel pressure is fine and there is no spark then what?
no spark could be bad coils. before i would buy coils i would then check CPS. or coded keys

[DaveVoorhis]

I see, there must be a safer way cant i just disconnect the connector and check it with a multimeter?
You can't check for spark using a multimeter, unless you want to destroy the multimeter.


And lets say there is no power to the coils what causes that?
A bad Crank Position Sensor, failed ECU, or an active immobiliser are typical culprits.

[94_e34_525i]

Thanks for the wealth of info, I will keep you guys posted on what happens. Thanks again.

[winfred]

8 coils are not going to go **** up at the same time, if it has fuel or spark then the crank position sensor is working


no spark could be bad coils. before i would buy coils i would then check CPS. or coded keys

[Dr. evil]

8 coils are not going to go **** up at the same time, if it has fuel or spark then the crank position sensor is working
i guess im wrong