Need help w/my no start, ready to sell!

[sfinsf]

Have tried just about everything, been to a very reputable mechanic and have replaced many key parts. AFM is about all that's left that might be the issue. Anybody have one they could let me swap in to test before buying a new one?

[sfinsf]

Any of you guys want to throw ideas in as to why this beast wont go?

We have literally tried everything that has been suggested and nothing seems to be working. Anybody have any experience with a M42 no start?

Flame away, I really just want to drive my 318 again.

[gearheadE30]

come on, we need more symptoms than saying "my car won't start". Give us some background, and then someone might be able to help.

[sfinsf]

come on, we need more symptoms than saying "my car won't start". Give us some background, and then someone might be able to help.

Sorry, I have written about it so much that I sort of forgot that you didnt have the history. Thanks for reminding me to tell the tale.

Initially died during acceleration on twisty mtn road. Thought it might be a failed injector. Had to tow it home
Since that time....
new fuel pump
new fuel filter
fuel pressure tested at rail
new Cam Position
junkyard Crank position that tests out to proper ohms
new intake boot
compression test
tank half full of fuel
cleaned ICV
spark test on each plug, wires not crossed
bench tested injectors, very solid
no fuses blown
no vacuum leaks
BMW tech had it for 4 days and could not solve the problem, everything tested independently
another BMW mechanic had it for another 2 days, got it very close to starting with replacement DME
yet another DME on it's way from M42 member
new FP relay
new Main Relay
started every time and ran great prior to 5500 rpm hiccup and death
any other questions?

[sfinsf]

tried a 3rd DME, still no life, c'mon guys I could really use some input here, I know I'm a noob but this is a serious challenge that needs your expertise, experience and wisdom

[roguetoaster]

Silly questions to follow, but I certainly need more info. I am sure you have cranked the engine by hand, is it spinning through properly? When you turn the key what happens? starter cranking? timing verified? pulled upper chain cover yet? Don't give up!

[sfinsf]

Silly questions to follow, but I certainly need more info. I am sure you have cranked the engine by hand, is it spinning through properly? When you turn the key what happens? starter cranking? timing verified? pulled upper chain cover yet? Don't give up!

cranked engine by hand and spinning properly
after turning key, starter engages, engines cranks over
timing verified by BMW tech, pinned crank and slipped cam tool on, lined up perfectly
no reason to pull upper chain cover, no mechanical changes occurred since engine was running properly
no silly questions, plenty more info if you should need it
not given up yet!

[bmwm42]

Stupid fucking question have you checked every ground if the coil ground isn't well umm grounded the fucking car will never start. Just a thought

[sfinsf]

Stupid fucking question have you checked every ground if the coil ground isn't well umm grounded the fucking car will never start. Just a thought

no stupid questions dude.... I have checked and rechecked every fucking ground that I could find, but I will continue checking them until the bitch starts

[roguetoaster]

Yep, sounds like you have it narrowed down to AFM woes. Do you still have the in line resistor or whatever it was fitted, looks like a harness extension on the wires for the AFM, if so delete it. If not hopefully it's just a wrecked AFM, although I have never heard of one failing on the go. The only other alternative is a bad wire somewhere shorted or chafed out of existence which will be very hard to find.

[sfinsf]

Yep, sounds like you have it narrowed down to AFM woes. Do you still have the in line resistor or whatever it was fitted, looks like a harness extension on the wires for the AFM, if so delete it. If not hopefully it's just a wrecked AFM, although I have never heard of one failing on the go. The only other alternative is a bad wire somewhere shorted or chafed out of existence which will be very hard to find.

well, a different AFM did nothing
pulled off the in-line resistor
have begun the search for wiring issues, so far nothing

[sfinsf]

for what it's worth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7opUunUzn2k&feature=plcp

[bmwm42]

Try starting it with the pedal to the floor. Car sounds like it wants to start

[sfinsf]

Try starting it with the pedal to the floor. Car sounds like it wants to start

pedal to the floor? why? this is a fuel injected engine, my understanding is that opening the butterfly will change the air flow and the ECU will try and accomodate which will further complicate the situation. Do I have my facts f'ed

[bmwm42]

James the sit owner suggested that in one of his threads for the m42 it has something to do with something? Searching for the thread now