engine has hard time starting

[serpako]

I have a 97 318ti that just had a had replacement on it, due to over heating from the former owner. The car starts up fine when cold "first start" but when ran for a while and then shut off, then go to start it back up after being warm, the car has a hard time starting as if its been flooded out. Takes about 3 turn keys to get the car to start.
The car runs like a bear after being started and has all kinds of power. Ive put about 1800 miles on it since head replacement, but I would like to figure out what the problem is with this statring issue. Any answers? Please, if so. Thanks!

[xxxJohnBoyxxx]

Originally Posted by serpako

I have a 97 318ti that just had a had replacement on it, due to over heating from the former owner. The car starts up fine when cold "first start" but when ran for a while and then shut off, then go to start it back up after being warm, the car has a hard time starting as if its been flooded out. Takes about 3 turn keys to get the car to start.
The car runs like a bear after being started and has all kinds of power. Ive put about 1800 miles on it since head replacement, but I would like to figure out what the problem is with this statring issue. Any answers? Please, if so. Thanks!

1. Most likely your problem is a bad coolant sensor for the DME. Car starts fine when cold but hard to start when warm. The sensor is bad telling the DME the car is cold at all times so it makes it real hard to start when it's warm because it's injecting extra fuel for a cold start which floods the car. blowin 4 just had this issue. Change the coolant sensor and your car should be fixed. Make sure you change the correct sensor...Not the coolant gauge sensor.

2. Leaky fuel injector? Check this by running car then shut it off check for fuel pressure at the check port on the injector rail after 5 minutes of off time. If no pressure you have a leaky injector.

Good Luck

[serpako]

Originally Posted by xxxJohnBoyxxx

1. Most likely your problem is a bad coolant sensor for the DME. Car starts fine when cold but hard to start when warm. The sensor is bad telling the DME the car is cold at all times so it makes it real hard to start when it's warm because it's injecting extra fuel for a cold start which floods the car. blowin 4 just had this issue. Change the coolant sensor and your car should be fixed. Make sure you change the correct sensor...Not the coolant gauge sensor.

2. Leaky fuel injector? Check this by running car then shut it off check for fuel pressure at the check port on the injector rail after 5 minutes of off time. If no pressure you have a leaky injector.

Good Luck

Thats what I thought, I figured something was telling the system that it was cold even after i ran it for a while, just wasnt sure where to look for that problem, only had the car for a short time, so im just getting to know things about this car. I'll let you know how I do, really appreciate your help!

[toie36]

My car did the same thing. I changed the coolant sensor and now it starts right up on cold/hot days.

[vap3]

i kinda have a same problem with a 97 318is with the m44 engine automatic. But sometimes I notice if i leave the key on the accessory position for at least 5 seconds or so the car cranks up right away, and sometimes it takes 3-5 seconds for it to crank and finally fire up the engine. Is there anyway to test the bad coolant sensor for the DME before ordering the part and replacing it to find out its not the problem? Is there a DIY for replacing it? How hard can it be?

Wouldn't a leaky injector indicate smelling gas or power problem when WOT? I really don't have any power problems, its there when I need it.

[serpako]

Originally Posted by xxxJohnBoyxxx

1. Most likely your problem is a bad coolant sensor for the DME. Car starts fine when cold but hard to start when warm. The sensor is bad telling the DME the car is cold at all times so it makes it real hard to start when it's warm because it's injecting extra fuel for a cold start which floods the car. blowin 4 just had this issue. Change the coolant sensor and your car should be fixed. Make sure you change the correct sensor...Not the coolant gauge sensor.

2. Leaky fuel injector? Check this by running car then shut it off check for fuel pressure at the check port on the injector rail after 5 minutes of off time. If no pressure you have a leaky injector.

Good Luck

Hey JohnBoy, Thanks for the advice once more. I checked the sensor,that has been changed when it was at the dealers when the head job was being done. I went with the injector problem. What i did, I used Chevron Fuel Injector Cleaner before my trip to NYC and when i got there after driving 76MPH all the way there, the injector cleaner worked. I must have had a dirty injector from sitting. The car starts up everytime time now with a bump of the key. For some reason this product from Chevron works with the BMW'S. I recommend it. Thought i would let you know,thanks again!

[hatchgrafix]

How long has it been since you changed your fuel filter?

Every 30k is about when it's due!!! On the TI's its sooooo easy, my grandma could do it.

[hatchgrafix]

Originally Posted by serpako

Hey JohnBoy, Thanks for the advice once more. I checked the sensor,that has been changed when it was at the dealers when the head job was being done. I went with the injector problem. What i did, I used Chevron Fuel Injector Cleaner before my trip to NYC and when i got there after driving 76MPH all the way there, the injector cleaner worked. I must have had a dirty injector from sitting. The car starts up everytime time now with a bump of the key. For some reason this product from Chevron works with the BMW'S. I recommend it. Thought i would let you know,thanks again!

You could have had bad gas too, water in the gas ect.

[marko]

cam position sensor OR crank position sensor...

Originally Posted by serpako

I have a 97 318ti that just had a had replacement on it, due to over heating from the former owner. The car starts up fine when cold "first start" but when ran for a while and then shut off, then go to start it back up after being warm, the car has a hard time starting as if its been flooded out. Takes about 3 turn keys to get the car to start.
The car runs like a bear after being started and has all kinds of power. Ive put about 1800 miles on it since head replacement, but I would like to figure out what the problem is with this statring issue. Any answers? Please, if so. Thanks!