bmwe21.net forums

Hi, my 323i is being a bit of a pain to start lately. It'll go eventually (from cold) but it takes a few attempts. Until this evening it seemed to run OK once started, but tonight it also started running on five cylinders. Previously starting from warm it was also doing this, but then would settle down to all six after 10-15 seconds but now it seems to not want to run on all cylinders.

I've replaced the dizzy cap, plugs, leads and coil recently (assuming it was ignition related) but could it be an injector problem maybe?

Any advice appreciated.

Dan

Did you check the spark plugs for color differences? Compression test? How old is the fuel filter? That would be basic info to me before investigating further.

When the car finally starts when cold, does it start really slow, at 300-400 rpm perhaps and slowly building up, or does it idle at 900+ rpm?

When she's running, is the car strong through the rev range?

Just trying to establish if it could be a fuel flow or pressure issue. However, in many cases the injectors cause problems. Deteriorated spray pattern, injector not opening correctly or injector not closing completely.

It was idling and running fine, once started, until yesterday. Now though it sounds really poorly, only maybe running on four cyls. I'll take a look at the plugs in the morning and also try a new fuel filter, I've had the car three years so it's at least that old...

Thanks

Dan