car cranks,no start

[newbiebimmerowner]

Hello to everyone
I have an 85 528 BMW (with a 325 motor). It has been a joy to drive up until a month or so ago. It started idling a little rough, not bad and I started noticing the exhaust was really black and thick. Then it had a power loss..like trying to go up a hill in neutral..once it got going it would be fine...but it made me nervous to drive it out on the freeway. so I took it in to a mechanic and he replaced the spark plugs., dist. etc etc...ran a little better..but still no power pickup/backfiring..etc. I changed the fuel pressure regulator myself after reading many posts regarding running rich, etc...now, I try to start it and it cranks and cranks but wont turn over!!! I am VERY new this and I know a little bit here and there.....I am trying to figure this out on my own or try to get as much info I can...I dont want to get taken just because I am a silly little ole' female!!! haha... I have been told it may be the cold start valve..or the idle control unit...any advice, info..etc will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks to all ahead of time..............kp

[KC Ron Carter]

I would be suspect of the ECU temperature sensor on the thermostat housing.

It will be the single brown wire with a sealed connector.

There are three sensors on the housing.

The others are an unsealed connector single for the temperature indicator.

The dual connector one is the thermal timer sensor for the cold start valve.

There can be an issue with a BMW coolant recall also.
BMW added a valve in the coolant line to the throttle body to keep it from spewing collant incase of a hose breakage.
The valve is under the intake but BMW used the wire from the ECU coolant sensor to power it. The cure if this valve is the issue is disconnecting the valve connector and using a green 30 amp bladed fuse to bypass the valve.

Send me an e-mail if this is not clear enough.

Later,

[newbiebimmerowner]

Hi Ron and thank you!
I initially took my car in because of the lack of power and rich exhaust, etc... what was done was the spark plug, dist. change..didnt fix the problem so I did a little investigating myself online and many posts suggested the FPR for the lack of power etc..I changed that then I couldnt get it started. I believe I do know where the thermo. sensor (brass colored next to the FPR with a connector..is that right????) I am sorry to sound like a positive moron..but I really want to learn and know these things and at least try it myself!!! I absolutely love this car and havent had it a year!! Thank you so much for your time and expertise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will check what you suggested or at least get as far as I can and if you dont mind my questions, I dont mind asking!! haha.......all the best, kp

[momo2]

I have a 1990 Lumina car 3.1 engine and i changed the starter with a brand new starter and for some reason the car still sounds like the starter is done. It just keeps clicking and something is drawing power from the battery. Does n e 1 know of n e ting to get me car started im desperate!!!!

[ironman502]

Originally Posted by momo2

I have a 1990 Lumina car 3.1 engine and i changed the starter with a brand new starter and for some reason the car still sounds like the starter is done. It just keeps clicking and something is drawing power from the battery. Does n e 1 know of n e ting to get me car started im desperate!!!!

Quick tip: Try posting this in the Chevrolet forum- you'll get more knowledgeable replies that way. Sounds like a weak battery, I'd get a new one. If you still have a problem with a new battery, you have a parasitic drain. Take it to a mechanic and have them find the drain.

[DeadBemmer]

Originally Posted by newbiebimmerowner

Hello to everyone
I have an 85 528 BMW (with a 325 motor). It has been a joy to drive up until a month or so ago. It started idling a little rough, not bad and I started noticing the exhaust was really black and thick. Then it had a power loss..like trying to go up a hill in neutral..once it got going it would be fine...but it made me nervous to drive it out on the freeway. so I took it in to a mechanic and he replaced the spark plugs., dist. etc etc...ran a little better..but still no power pickup/backfiring..etc. I changed the fuel pressure regulator myself after reading many posts regarding running rich, etc...now, I try to start it and it cranks and cranks but wont turn over!!! I am VERY new this and I know a little bit here and there.....I am trying to figure this out on my own or try to get as much info I can...I dont want to get taken just because I am a silly little ole' female!!! haha... I have been told it may be the cold start valve..or the idle control unit...any advice, info..etc will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks to all ahead of time..............kp

not to be rude, but im having a simlar problem,with my 1985 325e bmw,
we had to change the 3 relays in the little relay box under the hood,in order to get the fuel pumps back to running,which we can now hear them,but now as well the car will turn over all day but will not even try to fire,we have no way of knowing which relay went where because someone had taken the covers off of the relays that were replaced,so we think we know the one that is makeing the fuel pumps run must be right,the others we have no idea what they do or where they go,id love to have some help with this problem,thanks a million.