E34 525i won't start

[maximus]

Hi Guys

Hope I can get some assistance....

Preface: Decided to clean my MAF and also check the state of my air intake rubber boot on Sunday. Did all of that, checked everything is in the right place and not missing anything. Started it, started fine (no funny sounds etc.), switched off.

Didn't drive it at all. This morning, I had to go write an exam and it won't start.

What happened: Insert key into poisition 3 (before the engine cranks), can hear the 'click' sound, full battery power, nothing on the dashboard indicating abnormalities, fuel level is on the "20". Tried to start,
it cranks but it just doesn't want to ignite.

Exactly like this in this video:
[video=youtube]

Could smell a faint hint of fuel when I went to the back the first time, it was quite cold in the morning but had never hindered from starting the car.

Diagnosis:
-Checked the fuel pump fuse, nothing wrong, cleaned it, put it back.
-Re-inserted fuel pump relay, nothing wrong, cleaned it, put it back.
-Checked the fuel pump itself, after removing it and hooking it up to a 12V battery, works, ensure wirings were correct and tightened, put it back. However I do not hear the whirring sound when you start the car.

Have Not Done:
- Check crank position sensor, ignition leads, rotors, spark plugs etc.
- Use a jumper to check fuel pump relay.
- Fuel filter? fuel pressure?

Any other suggestions greatly appreciated :thumb:

 

[racing snake]

sounds like the crank sensor

remove fuel rail and crank.
check for spark on the plugs.

if you have neither of these then the crank sensor is dead.

this is also why you dont hear the fuel pump prime after cranking. not getting signal to ecu

or it could also be a malfunction with the immobiliser

 

[maximus]

sounds like the crank sensor

remove fuel rail and crank.
check for spark on the plugs.

if you have neither of these then the crank sensor is dead.

this is also why you dont hear the fuel pump prime after cranking. not getting signal to ecu

or it could also be a malfunction with the immobiliser

Thanks will have a look.

Don't have an immobiliser, so thats out.

 

[racing snake]

cool.

please keep us posted with the outcome.:thumbs:

 

[ROAD-KILL]

Get yourself a simple OBD scanner - I have one the hooks up to my phone via bluetooth - adapter also available for earlier round diagnostic socket - worth every cent and was as cheap as chips

 

[maximus]

cool.

please keep us posted with the outcome.:thumbs:

Managed to get the CPS out, measured the resistance...was about 505 while bentley manual says 540 +-10% ohms...

While I was at it, took out the coils and checked the spark plugs, there's oil in all 6 cylinders where the spark plugs are...assume it's the valve cover gasket or some other gasket is the cause. Car doesn't smoke to my knowledge so wouldn't think it would be stem seals or rings.

Just going to clean and replug the CPS and see if it works or not.

---

Get yourself a simple OBD scanner - I have one the hooks up to my phone via bluetooth - adapter also available for earlier round diagnostic socket - worth every cent and was as cheap as chips

Reckon I should invest in one :thumb:

 

[Ralf*]

from you video

even though mine is a "tractor", it sound exactly like this

Cam shaft sensor replaced, 5yrs plus happy starting first time every time

 

[maximus]

from you video

even though mine is a "tractor", it sound exactly like this

Cam shaft sensor replaced, 5yrs plus happy starting first time every time

Holding thumbs it is

 

[Ralf*]

from you video

even though mine is a "tractor", it sound exactly like this

Cam shaft sensor replaced, 5yrs plus happy starting first time every time

Holding thumbs it is

it was this problem on my E39-530d, that via a "google-search" into starting problems led me to register here at the "fanatics"

as a process of D.I.Y. elimination, the cam shaft sensor was the easiest to replace (10 mins)...and luckily it was the correct fault elimination one first time round.

 

[A.C.SCHNITZER]

If its either the cam or crank, I would advise to replace both, my previous experience was that if 1 dies the other 1 is on the way, unless you changed 1 before and left the other

 

[maximus]

are both sensors the same? a quick google seems to be the same :dunno:

 

[A.C.SCHNITZER]

are both sensors the same? a quick google seems to be the same :dunno:

My understanding is Crank sensor is for the Spark and Cam is for Fuel. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, so they work together according my understanding.

 

[maximus]

are both sensors the same? a quick google seems to be the same :dunno:

My understanding is Crank sensor is for the Spark and Cam is for Fuel. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, so they work together according my understanding.

Just took both out, yeah they're different.

Oh and found this:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/foru...ver-wonder-what-all-those-sensors-actually-do

"Crank Postion Sensor (CPS) - controls when the plugs fire
Cam Postion Sensor (CMP) - controls when fuel is injected. fuel injection
Note: These two are tied together so it all happens at the right time"

 

[A.C.SCHNITZER]

A+ on my E36 I replaced them both, I inspected both the other was dead and the other (cam) was about to die soon. I used Bmw Factory Sensors as its siemens and I believe yours are Bosch, try to get OE.

 

[maximus]

OK replaced the crank position sensor with a spare one....after hearing that most is out of stock and an aftermarket one costs R1200?!

It took a while for the pressure etc to build up but it started...a little bit of a rough idle, rev'ed it a few times, idle was getting better. Switched off, started it again 10 mins later and everything was fine - drove around the block

Am considering selling this car before something major happens so decided to buy the 2nd hand part and not replace the camshaft PS..

Thanks for the help Gents!

 

[Ralf*]

:thumbs::thumbs:

glad its sorted

:joy::joy:

 

[racing snake]

:thumbs:

glad you came right!

why sell it? these things are bullet proof bro... and simple to fix

 

[maximus]

:thumbs:

glad you came right!

why sell it? these things are bullet proof bro... and simple to fix

Parents say other-wise, but I'll convince them :thumbs:

 

[A.C.SCHNITZER]

:bravo: I'm happy for you