non-start issues

[Ral]

I bought an e23 a while ago, in good working order. It took a while to start occasionally, but it fired up, and everything worked. Turns out I bought a lemon- car won't start now, and only blows air through dashboard vents. I took it to a shop and had them look at it. It started right up for them with some starter fluid, and continued to start. However, it was very reluctant to start when parked uphill slightly, and would occasionally die on the road. (car was picked up, moved to my new house, and parked.. won't start now.)

My thoughts:

I'm guessing I'm not getting fuel, particularly at startup before the fuel pump has a chance to build pressure. So, either my fuel filter is clogged (I am going to replace anyway), my fuel pump's going out, my fuel pressure regulator is on the way out, the fuel lines are clogged, or it's a fuse/relay problem. Fuses are new, relays are not. I'm going to start with the fuel filter and relay and hope that solves the problem. Any other thoughts?

[BenM]

Definitely check/replace the relays with known good ones first, but it sure sounds like a fuel pump.

And the HVAC system will eventually fail on all E23s when not maintained. There are many moving parts and is the single biggest problem on the E23.

[Ral]

Just looked at it again with a friend.. the pre-pump is working when cranked. I don't think the main fuel pump was, but I'll have to check again (it's buried in the middle of the car between the rear wheels, and the battery was going out.) Also, both the main fuel pump and purge valve relays are different than what realoem, the wiring diagram, etc. says they should be.. but wires go to all the pegs on the relay, so I'm still not sure if this is the problem.

And, I'm a little perplexed by the air conditioning vents and broken fog light hidden under the back seat. I found some damn cool pog/slammers, though.