Help Troubleshooting a Starting Issue After Sitting 2 Years.

[fbmbirds]

Hello,

So long story short My 1995 M3 has been sitting in storage for about 2 years or so and I just got back and threw a battery in it and to no avail I can't get it to start.

It had some gas in the tank when I left her and I added a little of that fuel stabilizer at that time. Before I tried starting it for the first time in almost 2 years I added a few new gallons of gas and some Seafoam to the tank.

I try to turn it over and nothing, it acts like it wants to start but it wont. Nothing has changed with the car except it sitting for 2 years. Do you think a fresh oil change would fix this problem? I feel like its something related to the fuel system because its cranking over but Im not getting any ignition, I doubt the spark plugs are bad.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I also uploaded a video to youtube of the check engine light diagnostics but I have not clue how to decipher that damn thing.

[ScotcH]

Key battery dead? Maybe the EWS is preventing a start. Does it try to start at all, or just cranks, and no coughs or anything ... Oil change won't do anything. Not a bad idea to do, but it won't prevent starting.

[fbmbirds]

Key battery dead? Maybe the EWS is preventing a start. Does it try to start at all, or just cranks, and no coughs or anything ... Oil change won't do anything. Not a bad idea to do, but it won't prevent starting.

They key doesnt have a battery. I was thinking it could be something ews related but it does act like it wants to start and it doesnt. It will crank and crank then make a jittery sound and nothing.

I have a new battery on the way.

[in4lee]

By trying to start I assume you mean crank, if that's the case check the fuel pump. When you turn the key to position 2 you should hear the pump prime. I bought a car that was sitting for at least three years and the culprit was a rusted fuel pump. I also replaced the fuel filter and spark plugs.

[1000hp]

Thought I heard one single click at one point. Is that what it does? If so, sounds like the starter is locked up.

[ScotcH]

Thought I heard one single click at one point. Is that what it does? If so, sounds like the starter is locked up.

That was just the video of the CEL codes flashing.

Post a video of you actually trying to start it

[fbmbirds]

Thought I heard one single click at one point. Is that what it does? If so, sounds like the starter is locked up.

If the starter is locked up how do I go about getting it unlocked. All I know is the starter is in the worst possible place on this car.

[marvinstockman]

First no crank is different than no start. If car will crank, use a little starting fluid, and see if it will start and run for a few seconds.

No crank, charge battery first. Also, sometimes animals will build a nest in your air intake.

[fbmbirds]

After sticking a new battery in the car and trying to start it I can tell the starter is good because the car is cranking and I can tell the fuel pump is working because I can hear it and also smell fuel after flooding the engine. So I take it I am getting no spark so I need to investigate why that is.

[fbmbirds]

You know what this reminds me of, The Crank Position Sensor going out.

[ScotcH]

You know what this reminds me of, The Crank Position Sensor going out.

That is possible ... common on the 95.

[fbmbirds]

I had to replace my sensor on my 95 325is not that long ago. I might just swap the sensor out and see.

[fbmbirds]

So I got a replacement crank position sensor and a new battery. Not sure what the hell is going on now. Video for the record, To me it seems like the starter is engaging then it disengages after a few cranks.

The car prior to this would just keep cranking and nothing. It wasnt until just recently that it starting cranking then make the sound you hear in the videos. Hopefully I didnt something up by cranking it over so many times.

I will say I just replace my valve cover gasket and when doing so I checked the spark plugs and they looked good. The next thing I will be doing is replacing the fuel filter then probably gonna go ahead and change the oil since I reset the chucking oil service indicator lololol.

Really hope this isnt a starter issue because Im not looking for that type of commitment.

[AJLM34A]

Pull a coil, stick any spark plug in it and wrap a wire around the plug and ground the wire. Have someone turn the key trying to start it an watch the plus for spark.

[fbmbirds]

I'm like 90 certain it's gotta be a starter issue. Not looking forward to taking the intake manifold off and checking to make sure its the starter but I guess the one good thing in doing all that would be making sure everything else under there is good and clean.

[AJLM34A]

Since your starter is turning the engine over and it won't start, there is more going on than an intermittent starter issue. Charge the battery, check for spark when cranking.

[fbmbirds]

Since your starter is turning the engine over and it won't start, there is more going on than an intermittent starter issue. Charge the battery, check for spark when cranking.

Ok with that being said, I could spray some starter fluid into the intake and see if she will want to start. If it acts like it is then It has to be a fuel delivery issue then right? ie Fuel pump, fuel relay or clogged fuel filter

[ThreeD]

Drain the tank get new gas replace the plugs and crank it for a good minute or two

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[fbmbirds]

I just replaced the fuel filter. While doing I left the fuel relay and fuel pump fuse in and when I disconnected the filter there was zero pressure. I even turned the key over just to see and still zero pressure. So Im going to take it the fuel pump is shot and will need to be replaced? Is there any sure way of testing the pump to tell?

[AJLM34A]

Is there any sure way of testing the pump to tell?

Check fuse 18?
Jump pins 6&7 on the fuel pump relay.
Check pin 2 on x638 for voltage and pin for ground.

Screen Shot 2017-09-16 at 8.29.08 PM.png

http://wedophones.com/Manuals/BMW/19...g%20Manual.pdf

[fbmbirds]

Just wanted to report back and let everyone know it was the fuel pump. Such a simple replacement procedure to! I remember changing the fuel pump on my wifes' van and I had to drop the tank and it was a pain in the butt. N

Got the car running and it feels good since my other bmw now has a tranny issue im trying to work.

[adv injector]

Bosch injectors are notorious for sticking after not being used for a while.
I see it at least twice a week.
I'll bet that's your problem.

[ScotcH]

Bosch injectors are notorious for sticking after not being used for a while.
I see it at least twice a week.
I'll bet that's your problem.

Or, you know ... the fuel pump, as stated in the post above you, lol.