Problem getting engine to turn over.

[Averagerainfall]

Hello everyone, i am very new to this site but i have been enjoying it thus far!

I bought my 1989 BMW 325i about a year and a half ago and it has had various problems. The one that bothers me the most is that the engine takes forever to turn over.

I usually have to sit and let it crank for 30 seconds, sometimes longer while feathering the gas petal for it to finally kick in and start up. Then, i have to keep the RPMs above 1000 or it stalls (only for about the first 5 minutes, then it wont stall on me.)

Also, It idles rough.

My father is a Mechanic and we have done some things to try and fix the problem. (he dosnt know much about BMW's and is a Boat Mechanic.) We have replaced all the spark plugs, and there was a small screw on the engine that was supposed to fix the problem but did not.

Anyone know where i could start? I do own a manual and have the use of a mechanic and any tools. Where should i start from now?

I really appreciate the help!

-frustrated at, but deeply in love with his car.
Cory!

[jlevie]

There's any of a number of things that this could be, but I'd start with a check for an intake leak, replace the ignition wires, rotor and distributor cap, and adjust the valves.

[redhatpat]

Good ideas above. Also, does it run fine above an idle? Test your ICV and temp sensor for the DME.

Its also possible to have leaking fuel injectors. After it sits for a while, test the fuel pressure in the fuel rail.

[Averagerainfall]

Okay so checking in with my father he told me we did actually, change the rotor and distributor cap and adjust the valves. He checked for an intake leak and said that the hose is cracked and its possible but he didn't spot any leakage.

he also checked the fuel pressure in the fuel rail, and it seemed fine. We didn't really know how long to let it sit, but still.

also checked the pressure of the fuel rail itself with the pumps going first.