Engine starting problems

[whiteghost1]

I've had a problem recently where the car starts fine when warm/hot but will take 15-20secs of cranking before starting when cold.
Car runs perfectly otherwise hot or cold - car is a 1995 740i.

BMW dealer pointed towards the fuel pressure regulator so I replaced it.

Started fine the next morning (within 3-4secs) which is much better.
Today it won't start at all, cranked it for 1 min then the battery died.

Before I start throwing more parts at the thing, does anyone have any experiences or suggestions where to troubleshoot next?

I am thinking the fuel pump or relay but am not completely sure.

Your comments are much appreciated!

[datmetzkid]

It could be fuel pump or coil packs

Put the key to position 2 and try and listen for the fuel pump to kick on its like a humming noise if it dosent make and noise and it's most likely that

[whiteghost1]

Would multiple coil packs burn out at the same time = causing a total no-start?

How does one check the coil packs?

[datmetzkid]

Would multiple coil packs burn out at the same time = causing a total no-start?

How does one check the coil packs?

Anything is possible. And I'm not sure how to test them I just kno it can make a car not start and or miss fire

[acidfire52]

hard cold starts are usually an air leak somewhere in the intake.

[Mayorchuck]

CEL on? Might do a stomp test to see if you have any codes. Crank position sensor will cause a 'no start' as the DME does not know the car is cranking so is not sending info to the fuel pump to start.

[whiteghost1]

No CEL - I just literally just replaced the CPS before reading this and guess what, the car fired up immediately!

I inspected the spark plugs and they were dry so I figured to check the CPS.
Ohmed it out with my multimeter and the value was above spec and gradually climbing, something I've experienced before with a bunk CPS on bank 2 with my 750iL.

Thanks for all the responses = time to go for a cruise :D.

[Mayorchuck]

Glad you got it going.