1990 325i Guru's, I need some serious help. PLease look at what I have going on.

[Link]

Alright, So my brother, a diesel mechanic, and I are so confused on this.

I bought a car that did not run. After investigation we replaced the cap/rotor and plugs. We then got the car to run. But not very good, we searched for vacuum leaks, and found none so I installed a brand new CPS. Car still doesn't run...

The crazy part is that to get the car to start you must hold the coil plug wire right above the coil and let the spark arch across the small gap, once you do that the car fires up. You then can press the coil plug all the way onto the coil and it continues to idle. The idle is a little rough and if you give it throttle quickly it dies out, and you can sometimes ease into the throttle and get it to rev up.

What is the problem?!

We are going to check fuel pressure tomorrow to be sure I am getting the correct pressure.

[CarsSuck]

Try new plug wires? Sounds like you've answered your own question.

[absolutdog]

check your ground wires while you look at the elec issues

[Link]

Okay, The battery has been relocated on this car from PO. But there is a small orange ground coming off the motor connecting to the old battery tray, any other grounds you suggest checking?

Thanks for the thoughts so far guys.

[CarsSuck]

325s came with the battery in the trunk, only verts and four bangers had it in the engine bay.

Also, on BMWs ground is ALWAYS BROWN. There is a grounding strap that goes from the oil pan to the frame. There is a grounding lug under the brake pedal as well. I can't remember all the rest, but I think you should test all your plug wires for continuity.

[TobyB]

The crazy part is that to get the car to start you must hold the coil plug wire right above the coil and let the spark arch across the small gap,

sounds like either something is shorted in the high voltage side or conversely,
something is weak in the low voltage side.
Either way, the extra gap unloads the system enough to get SOME spark, and
then it'll run after that.

Me, I stay away from the wires when the engine is running.

hth

t

[Link]

If 325s came with it in the trunk why do they still have a battery tray? same shell I'm guessing?

Plug wires will go on tomorrow morning, and ill be checking grounds. hopefully that makes her run, ill let everyone know what happens.

[jlevie]

I would start by replacing the ignition wires, distributor cap, and rotor. I suspect that there is insulation break down somewhere (or in multiple places). That would explain why the car will start if you fiddle with the coil wire. What you do reduces the voltage peak in the remainder of the system and gives just enough spark to get the engine to start. The problem is still there, which is why it doesn't run right.

[CarsSuck]

Another thing, if this car has been sitting for a while, you definitely need to change to fuel filter and there may even be a bunch of rust in the tank necessitating an acid wash and reseal. You have put in fresh gas, right?

[Link]

a fuel filter may not be a bad idea, as far as gas it was new, about a week old, I put in new plug wires today and she fired up and revved up fine. but when i ordered wires from our local auto parts store plug wire 6 did not have the wire connected to it running to the plug by the cps plug. so i will be getting the correct wires tomorrow and my running issues should be solved. I will be sure to update this tomorrow to give the 100% after a road test.