Assuming this is an M20 engine...
The first check is to see if spark is present when cranking the engine. Spark at the coil lead, but not at all cylinders means bad ignition wires, bad distributor rotor/cap, or broken timing belt. A peek in the oil filler cap while cranking will tell if the cam is turning and thus if the belt is good. The next check is to see what the fuel rail pressure is while cranking. Too little or too much pressure will prevent the engine from firing.
If there is spark and normal fuel pressure the next check is to use a noid light to find out if the injectors are all firing. If they are and this is a 325e you need to check the cold start valve and control sensors. Otherwise move on to checking for intake leaks. That means a smoke test of the intake.
If it isn't obvious, you need the proper diagnostic tools (fuel pressure gauge, noid light, smoke machine) and may need spares (AFM, DME, Coil, etc) for diagnostic purposes. If you don't have all of that the best approach is to flat bed the car to a shop and have a pro figure it out.
The first check is to see if spark is present when cranking the engine. Spark at the coil lead, but not at all cylinders means bad ignition wires, bad distributor rotor/cap, or broken timing belt. A peek in the oil filler cap while cranking will tell if the cam is turning and thus if the belt is good. The next check is to see what the fuel rail pressure is while cranking. Too little or too much pressure will prevent the engine from firing.
If there is spark and normal fuel pressure the next check is to use a noid light to find out if the injectors are all firing. If they are and this is a 325e you need to check the cold start valve and control sensors. Otherwise move on to checking for intake leaks. That means a smoke test of the intake.
If it isn't obvious, you need the proper diagnostic tools (fuel pressure gauge, noid light, smoke machine) and may need spares (AFM, DME, Coil, etc) for diagnostic purposes. If you don't have all of that the best approach is to flat bed the car to a shop and have a pro figure it out.
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