Re:(READ THIS) HELP! HELP! 320i will not start! (archive)

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Hi there,
My name is Mazen and as an Owner of 4 BMW's (528e, and 3 320i) I feel obligated to share some of knowledge with other BMW owners.
Regarding your car not starting do the followings:
1) Check for spark. If you're not getting one then check your coil and specially the wire between the coil and the distributer. If every thing seems to be ok check your main relay and also wiggle the main connecter that hooks to the fuse box. If all these are ok, then take your out and take it to Auto Zone to test it for you. One of the main overlooked resons for rough idle in E21 is a weak distributer which causes a very low vacuum. After your car starts hook up a vacuum gage to the special fitting on the intake manifold (Below by the dip-stick) and look at the reading and how the needle fluctuates. Obtain a vaccum needle movement diagram from any major auto manual like the Chelton manual and compare the different diagram to the sitiuation you saw with your needle. this will tell you a lot about the condition of your vacuum, distributer, and general engine condition. A good vacuum is between 18-22 psi with a steady needle.
2) If you are getting spark, then you need to test your fuel pressure. First, pull your fuel pump relay and clean the connection and bend them a little to confirm a good connection when replaced back. It's very common these relays comes loose and the car won't start.
3. If you ask me about a general manual for 320i there's only one "haynes" and you can buy it at |Auto Zone for about $15. In my opinion, it's a piece of shit manual that's not very clear and doesn;t get into real positive details.
4. If you are trying to understand how a K-Jetronic fuel system works you MUST have a fuel gage (about $60.00 from BMP design)and believe me if your problem is due to fuel you'll NEVER figure out what component is bad unless you have a gage and fuel injection manual for K-Jetronic. I suggest you buy "How to tune and modify your fuel injection system- K-Jetronic" from BMP design along with the fuel gage. There 4 different fuel pressres in the K-jet system and you have to measure all four to locate the problem precisely and trust I had all these weired problem with idle and I fixed them all and all my cars starts right away and accelerate strong right after I start then even in the coldest weather.
4. If you have a hard stating problem when hot, then your rest pressure is weak and you may have a bad system pressure regulator.
Good luck... and if you need something specific then post it and I'll get back with you ASAP. I can't list every thing in detail but ask me and I'll respond.
Good luck...
Mazen

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