help with 3 series starting, HELP!!!

[compucycle]

Hi All,

I am relatively new to all this BMW lark so if I appear thick please excuse me!

I currently own a J reg (1992 I think) bmw 316i I have just driven a 15 mile journey with it running without fault. I turned off the engine and went into the house, upon returning to the car it would not start, it appears to be turning over but it is almost like there is no fuel getting to the car as at first ot sounded like it was going to fire but then didnt almost as if it was just using the fuel that was left in system then that was it

Forgive me if I am wrong but this could either be a fuel problem or electrical problem, however logic tells me if it was a fuel problem I would of noticed some kind of 'juddering' on the journey but it ran faultless.

The only thing I have noticed different is that after I arm the alarm there seems to be one long loud blip after the usual blips that I have not noticed before, but then again I might just not of noticed it.

The car does not have a after market alarm or immobiliser fitted just standard bmw fitted. Hope you guys can help before I have to call a mechanic as I am no expert and due to it not being at my house and 15 miles away dont know any mechanics there so could get robbed!!

cheers,

Lee

[kazzoo]

Well the first thing I would do is check the fuel pump fuse,and make sure there is fuel in the vehicle,gauges can tell lies.

[tedmacwpg]

I had a similar problem with two different Audis a few years ago. They'd start fine when cold, but you'd run the battery dead if you tried after it'd warmed. The problem both times turned out to be the check valve in the fuel line. Don't know if that helps...

[beemer5]

pull out the back seat and remove the cover for the fuel pump, then try the key again... you should be able to hear the pump running... if you can't hear it the next thing to do is check the wires going to it with a meter... at the pump, pull the plug and put the meter leads in there, then try to start it again.....