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    #1

    starting issues

    Hello r3v!

    New to the forums and new to the e30. Just bought a 1991 318is and starting to rebuild parts of the car and turning it into an autocrosser.

    First thing is first; the car is having starting problems. The battery looks new and the previous owner concurred (since he recently replaced it). So would something like this be the starter?

    Also, another thing thats tripping me out. The negative cable (black) is hooked up to positive and the positive cable (redish) is hooked up to negative. Black is coming from the front of the car and red was already in the back. Is this normal?

    Mind you, I don't know jack shit about this car. I love it though. :D Thanks in advance.
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    #2
    Originally posted by ipunchfish View Post

    Also, another thing thats tripping me out. The negative cable (black) is hooked up to positive and the positive cable (redish) is hooked up to negative. Black is coming from the front of the car and red was already in the back. Is this normal?
    If the battery is in the back (and in a late 318 it should be), the positive lead should be long (disappear under the carpet) and will be black, and the negitive will be short, and sometimes brownish.

    Have the battery load-tested (Advance or Autozone do it for free), but maybe you should start by detailing the "starting problem"...
    1989 cirrisblau-metallic 325i

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      #3
      It takes about 5 to 6 seconds to get the engine running when I turn the key. It seems to be getting longer for it to turn over.

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        #4
        Intake leaks and/or a fuel system issue would be the most likely cause of your starting problems.
        The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
        Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

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          #5
          Originally posted by ipunchfish View Post
          It takes about 5 to 6 seconds to get the engine running when I turn the key. It seems to be getting longer for it to turn over.
          does the engine crank quickly enough? and it just doesn't start?

          or is the engine not turning over fast enough?
          1989 cirrisblau-metallic 325i

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            #6
            The symptoms are just like a weak battery start but the battery apparently is new. What else could cause that? This issue just started happening when we got our first rain. I have no idea if thats coincidence or some other problem looming.

            Im going to hit up Kragen after work I think and see whats up with the battery.

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              #7
              just because the battery is new doesn't mean that its good, it may also be discharged or weak

              or maybe the starter is on its way out...

              does the engine crank quickly enough? and it just doesn't start?

              or is the engine not turning over fast enough?
              if you tell us more about what the car is doing when you try to start it, we may be able to help. What kind of noise does it make? Do you hear the engine turning over? Fast or slow?
              1989 cirrisblau-metallic 325i

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                #8
                the Germans do wiring a bit different compared to what the American way is.

                BROWN= almost always a ground
                Black= could be anything.

                what exactly is the problem? is it cranking to slow, or is it taking to long for the engine to start running?

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