Newb question. Need help identifying this....thing...

[2gBoostin]

What is the thing in the pic that has a bunch of holes? (Similar to what I'd call a honeycomb)

Thanks for any help!

Edit: Anyone know if there is a schrader valve to check the fuel pressure? This is on an 85 325e, BTW.

[SpeicherBimmer]

Looks like the old style diagnostic port that was on my B34...

[Ferdinand]

Wiring diagram: http://shark.armchair.mb.ca/~dave/BMW/e30/e30_85.pdf

See page 12/205 - Diagnostic Connector

Grounding Pin-7 to Pin-1 will reset your Service Interval Indicator.

[jlevie]

That is the early style diagnostic connector (the cap is missing).

E30's don't have schrader valves on the fuel rail.

[2gBoostin]

Thank you all so much! I ordered a CPS and was going to swap it, but it seems to plug into that diagnostic connector. That's why I was wondering what that thing was. $50 down the drain I guess. Ugh.

Will the service indicator cause a no fuel issue?

[gp.plus]

The cps plugs in underneath the diag port, and will cause no fuel/spark.

[jlevie]

Thank you all so much! I ordered a CPS and was going to swap it, but it seems to plug into that diagnostic connector. That's why I was wondering what that thing was. $50 down the drain I guess. Ugh.

Will the service indicator cause a no fuel issue?

There is a timing sensor on the front of the engine that connects to the diagnostic connector, but that sensor is only for diagnostic purposes. The timing sensors that the DME uses on mounted in the bell housing of this car.

The SI board (or anything in the cluster) has nothing to do with the fuel supply.

The fuel pumps only run when the DME sees timing data from a rotating engine. So if there is no fuel being delivered to the rail at all the possibilities are:

No timing data to the DME
Bad fuel pump relay or fuse
Wiring fault
Dead pump(s)
A DME power/ground issue
Bad DME

If the engine has spark when cranking, the DME and timing sensors aren't the problem. If fuel is being delivered, but the rail pressure is incorrect the possibilities are:

Bad FPR
Clogged filter
Obstructed line
Bad pump(s)

[2gBoostin]

Jlevie: Damn good info there. Thank you.

I know the pumps work (shoots fuel when line is disconnected and key is on/cranking) and there is spark (starter fluid test). So, guess its down to the fpr, which I believe is at the front of the fuel rail.

[dnguyen1963]

Do yourself a big favor and download the free Bentley Manual!