Puzzling start-up issue, always on the second try

[Rascal2pt0]

So I brought my e30 home last night from its tomb of a field in lynchburg, VA.

The issue is that I'll go to start the car up and the engine just keeps turning over but won't start.

When I try to start it a second time, it starts without issue reliably. This seems to happen for the first start of the day, and if the car has been sitting for more than a minute.

Any thoughts? I unfortunately don't know enough about the startup of these cars to know if there is a specific system that isn't functioning.

Thanks for your help,
Chris

[jlevie]

That could be a sign of a weak fuel pump or a clogged filter, probably in conjunction with a leaking check valve or FPR. Those can cause a loss of rail pressure when the engine is off and pressure will be slow to come back up to normal.

[Rascal2pt0]

I tracked it down to the fuel pressure regulator. I replaced the fuel relay too, but that didn't solve the problem. Replaced the FPR and now it start up every time after about 3-4 cranks, Idles a LOT smoother now and seems to be happier.

[Stanley Rockefeller]

I'm facing the same issue. I just replaced my battery so the starter will spin faster, but my engine doesn't really start any easier.....
...oh shit, wait a sec...ever since i've filled my tank, the car seems to start much easier. When on the lower half of the tank, the engine seems to crank forever.

Would you guys recommend just replacing the fuel pump and filter all at the same time?

it's for an 88 325is and I've already checked the FPR and there also seems to be an issue when the engine is hot (seems to take longer to start when it's hot and the tank is less then half.)

thanks in advance