problem cold start

[JohnnyA]

for the last couple of week I started having problem with my 1990 e30 325i.

The car would start then stall right after, The I hda to restart it, it would be harder to get it running, I had to crank it for 5-6 seconds. then the car would start no problem.

Now, after I recrank it's very rough, as soon as I hit the throttle, the car wants to stall.

any idea where to start looking for ?

[jlevie]

The usual suspects come to mind...

Start by critically examining all of the rubber parts associated with the intake. You'll have to pull the intake boot to inspect the bottom of it. Replace any parts that show cracks when flexed. A leak in the brake booster is easy to miss, but disconnecting it and plugging the hose is a good diagnostic. Then pull the plugs and check their condition and if they have significant mileage on the them replace them. If it has been over 15k since th last valve adjustment do the valves while the plugs are out.

Clean the ICV with carb cleaner and make sure that the valve is free to move. Then verify that the idle stop and TPS are properly adjusted (procedure is in the Bentley) and that the idle switch in the TPS is working. Make sure that the ICV is working. If the idle stop and TPS are right the idle should change slightly when the ICV is disconnected. And check the DME's engine temp sensor for proper operation.

If you are still having problems spray carb cleaner on the intake manifold gaskets and around the injectors with the engine idling. If the idle changes there's a leak. And as a last resort, swap the AFM for a known good unit.

[porsche gt1]

It could also be your crank position sensor. If it rattled itself out of place then it would create this issue.