89 535i starts, but won't stay running.

[Ramm328]

I am trying to help a friend out. He has an 89 535i auto and it will start up and idle fine, but as soon as you give it any gas it will shut off. I am thinking it might be a fuel filter or the fuel pump. Please give me some insight into what you think it might be. Any help is greatly appreciated. TIA.

[E34N]

injectors? ICV? FPR? Vacuum (or lack there of)

doesn't sound like a fuel filter or pump because if it consistantly starts and idles fine, then the fuel is getting there. It has to be somewhere after that.

EDIT: Check the vacuum lines and FPR first.

[Ramm328]

Thanks for the info.

Sorry Noob question, but what is an FPR?

[fc3stech]

fpr is fuel pressure regulator. I would think a vacuum leak as well, but i also had a car do this when the throttle position sensor went bad. does it die when the car is sitting there with no load and you give it gas, or when you try to take off driving

[Ramm328]

Thanks^
The car only dies out under a load.

It will start and idle fine. You can rev it up without a load, it just dies when you put it in gear ad try to drive.

[BavarianFanatic]

I think vacuum leak might be #1 culprit. Check the intake boot. While idling, pull the dipstick and see what happens.

[Ramm328]

Thanks for all your help guys.