I have a 83 320 is with roughly 160k miles and recently I have been dealing with intermittent hard starting problem. This happens both with cold and hot engine. More sever in cold. One observation is that if I let it crank for a while the car will start after I stop holding the ignition key in the crank position. Also if I slightly press on the gas pedal while cranking and then let go of the gas pedal the car generally starts.
What I have done so far are changing fuel pump (under the car), fuel accumulator, fuel filter, spark plugs, rotor, ignition coil. I have also been in the lookout for vacuum leak by spraying carb cleaner in the areas subjected to vacuum and have not noticed a change in engine speed.
Anyways I appreciate any pointers from fellow e21 experts.
Thanks, David