eta won't start

[E30 Wagen]

86 325es. Got in it one morning and it didn't start. It was really low on fuel so I put about 6 gallons in it, but still nothing.

It cranks over like usual, but that's all it does. No sputtering or anything. I checked spark by grounding a spare plug on the valve cover and didn't see anything. I checked the fuel relay and I can definitely hear the pump running and fuel moving. I've tried replacing the relays with spares, all the fuses are fine.

I took out my performance chip and put the stock one back in. I've replaced the rotor and distributer with new ones I had. I tried a spare coil and that didn't do anything, as well as a spare ignition control module. I tried a spare fuel pressure regulator. I see no point in messing with the transfer fuel pump.

It has done this before during the summer, but after it sat for a couple days (i was too busy to work on it), it just started right up without me even touching anything. But this time I'm at a loss. It was after a pretty cold night, but not super cold. I've had no warning signs, and it always ran really smooth, so I'm at a loss. But I just remembered that I didn't check the CPS, but I doubt it's that. Anything else I'm forgetting?

[dashboardmonkey]

I would start with CPS

[e30trooper]

try tapping the fuel pump ( under the driver side rear wheel ) and have someone crank it at the same time.

[E30 Wagen]

try tapping the fuel pump ( under the driver side rear wheel ) and have someone crank it at the same time.

tried that, i'm getting fuel no problem.

How exactly do I check the CPS? I did look at it and, I mean, it's there and looks okay? What could go wrong just sitting overnight?

[dashboardmonkey]

Switch the two in the bell housing and swith the plugs as well. Your tach may not work but its a good way to diagnose.

The sensors just go out sometimes, I mean shit, it's 25 years old.

[mrgraphics]

Make sure that your cold start injector is working. One way -
1) unscrew the two bolts that hold the injector in the intake manifold
2) position it so that it points into a clear container (so that you can see what it does)
3) start the car for a few cranks.

You should see fuel shooting in.

Or, you can simply
1) Get some carb cleaner
2) disconnect the hose on the side of the rubber intake boot
3) spray a bunch in there
4) Quickly reconnect the hose and try and start the car

If it is the cold start injector, it should fire.

If it doesn't fire or you see that the cold start injector is working, then I would go with Camshaft Position Sensor.