Sputtering/Barely Idles/Won't rev

[Slow]

I tried posting about this in general tech, but couldn't get any replies. Hopefully this helps.

The car is an '86 325E/auto with an '87 2.5/manual swap.

Originally I couldn't get the car to crank - the ignition switch would be "on", but wouldn't send a start signal to the starter. Bypassed it by crossing pins in the engine bay.

Then I couldn't get fuel - so I bypassed the relay. It seemed to work.

Now I can get the car to crank and "run", but it's EXTREMELY rough. If you try to crack the throttle, it starts sputtering and coughing, wanting to die. Occasionally you can get it to rev to 2-3K rpm, and it will sit there all day ticking along.

I replaced the plugs and pulled the boots while running - all cylinders seem to be getting fire. Also, the car has new fuel in the tank. I also cleaned the IAC valve, throttle body, drilled and cleaned the TPS, and sprayed out the AFM with carb cleaner. None of this seemed to help.

If I can't get the car running in a week or two, I'll be forced to sell it or take it to the scrap yard. My landlord is having a fit over this thing...

Ideas??

[jlevie]

The first things I'd do would be to verify that the fuel rail pressure is correct, that there are no intake leaks (via a smoke test), and that AFM is the one for the M20B25 engine.

[MT325is]

I kinda had the same issue although mine died and and wouldn't want to start. And it was idling very very rough, wouldn't rev.
Ended up being o2 sensor. Had no o2 issues with it before this. Just suddenly happened.
Good luck!

[Slow]

This is where I'm getting worried.

I paid $400 for the car, and it's designated use was to be an autocross beater.

If I start throwing parts at this thing, I'll be at a grand before I know it - and that's without even touching the suspension...

[AdmiralAckbar]

if you think it might be an o2 sensor, you should be able to unplug it and it will go into failsafe. it should run ok if it's the o2 sensor, i think it just uses assumed values - at least that's the way it worked when I forgot to plug the sensor in on my 1990 325i...