318ti wont start

[addesigns33]

I drive a 95 318ti. Steering wheel locked up recently. Got it home, replaced the ignition coil (thought that might be the issue for the steering locking up but starting and driving even though the wheel was locked) After we got the bottom of the panel off it started up but killed after 20 seconds. New igition coil is in and working fine. Does anyone have any ideas on what could be causing it not to start. No wires were damaged that I can see as i was careful. Got the steering fixed by drilling a hole in the bottom and pulling the spring. She want to start but just wont fire. Almost like the timing is off. Im hoping that it might not have anything to do with the ignition and is just something that was going to fail and happened to at this same moment.

[addesigns33]

I meant to say the lock cylinder. My buddy said he cranked pretty hard on the key while in the old tumbler. After that is never started. Could the key not be sending a signal possibly. The key is less than a year old (ran over the old one with a forklift) and looks fine.

[fast2002]

also may be the fuel filter

[anthony318ti]

Originally Posted by fast2002

also may be the fuel filter

If it stars up and dies check the barn gate on the Air Flow meter might be stuck!

[anthony318ti]

When any car i work on does not start i do these steps first.

1. Compression Test
2. Ignition System Test (test coil pack, plugs)
3. Fuel System Check (pump, fuel rail pressure, injectors)
-------------Test fuel pump, Ensure fuel is being supplied to the rail, ensure fuel pressure is on rail constantly when motor turns over sometimes the fuel pump relay shuts off the fuel pump after it has primed and stays in the off state so car will start but will die out soon after, do a continuity and powered test on the injectors make sure they are not sticking ------------

Once all these are tested if fine and car isn't running i proceed with testing sensors,
Crank Sensor, Crank position, Crank Pulse, Cam Angle Sensor, Throttle Position Sensor, Air Flow Meter. If these are working and still not starting i move to the electrical, check DME/ECU for proper supply, constant 12V, ignition trigger, relays in the engine bay.

-----------------
But reading that you changed the tumbler i will tell you my story i had the same issue where the key was stuck in the barrel (once) and on the second occasion (pulled the key out with the steering lock and still remained lock key would not turn)

I didnt remove the barrel / tumbler while it was still attached to the steering column i removed the back of the key thingy that is attacked to the steering column the part that has the electrical bits in it (main switching part that makes contact when you turn the key) popped out the little notch the steering was unlocked and key was free to move in the barrel. One thing to note is the position on the switching part when putting it back together because if set on the wrong position you will not get to start position or may not hold ignition state. Something to think about.

I imported a MaxiDas 708 now so diagnosing issues on my TI is much faster. If all fails get it scanned and isolate the electronic issues if there are any and go on from there.