2002 e39 wont start

[MD E39]

Hello, new here. I was looking for threads regarding my issue but nothing quite fit the bill.

I own a 2002 e39 530i with 170k miles. The car recently stopped starting entirely. But prior to that the issues were becoming apparent. During start there would be occasions where i would have to do multiple attempts for it to start, other times it would start right up. In stop and go traffic during the initial first rev the car was on the verge of stalling, I had to ease into the rev for it to not stall. Also during idle with the heater on i would get a weird smell and it would also start to get smokey (grey smoke not black). When the car was running at normal cruise and even opening her up she ran just fine. I checked my fuel pump. checked the fuel rail, spark plugs coils, MAF.

My CEL is on and the only codes it gives me is p0171 p0174 p1085 p1083 for lean mixture. I agree it could be a vacuum leak but for it to be so severe as to prevent my car from starting without an obvious visual cue is confusing to say the least.

I could just throw parts at it but I would like to do some proper troubleshooting before spending money. If anyone has had a similar issue youre input would be greatly appreciated.

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I failed to mention that its cranking it just wont turn over when attempting to start

[jclausen]

I would check for fuel pressure, when the pump dies it can set lean mixture faults

[pleiades]

.... I agree it could be a vacuum leak but for it to be so severe as to prevent my car from starting without an obvious visual cue is confusing to say the least.....

The codes scream vacuum leak to me. Have you been hunting? The crankcase ventilation system and all its assorted hoses, or the smaller elbow on the rubber boot leading into the throttle body. Also the CCV hose leading down into the lower part of the dipstick tube. These would be good places to check, but you may have to at least remove the air intake or crawl under the car to get a good look.

[R Shaffner]

+1 on checking for a vacuum leak. Inspect everything that connects to the intake. I like doing a simple cigar smoke test. Google it. Cheap and easy. Has worked for me dozens of times.