95 325i runs for a minute then stops

JOHN MCGOWIAN

MEMBER
1995 BMW 325I
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

1995 325i bmw will run for a minute or two at max and then kill over, already changed the fuel filter, any suggestions?

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 AT 7:35 PM

5 Replies

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

Hello John, I an not sure what Max means, could you specify please?
Also what the last 7 of the VIN are so I can tell more about the car and to help formulate a strategy to get your car repaired.

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Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 AT 8:24 PM

JOHN MCGOWIAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you for replying Dr. Hagerty. I meant two minutes maximum time before it stalls. The last 7 of my VIN is FM05430. I just changed the fuel filter and checked the power supply to the fuel pump. It starts and sounds like its idleing fine. I recently had a flush and my car started over heating while idleing, but then went back to normal while driving. Any chance that maybe a heat sensor of some sort can shut the engine down if it goes faulty?

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Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 AT 9:27 PM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

Actually what It seems to me is the fuel pump. The E36 bodystyle has an affinity for fuel pumps at that age and mileage, heat buildup in the pump and age are factors. And before we totally condemn said pump, I would put a pressure gauge in the feed line and see what it tells me. It might be working now, but as it dies at about the 2 minute mark, it could be due to the pump showing signs of checking out. Start heree and then when that is done, we can go to the next thing on the list, whatever that might be.

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Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 AT 9:34 PM

JOHN MCGOWIAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Im also thinking its the fuel pump. Before the problem got worst I smelt gas in the inside of the car while it was just being started. If I don't have a pressure gauge would I be able to tell by disconnecting the hose by the fuel filter and turning the ignition to on?

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Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 AT 9:55 PM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

Not really, the pump needs to be put to work or it wont fail, and thats what we want is to stress test it. At that age and mileage, you might just as well replace it anyway, those pumps do have a lifespan and I think you got your nickels worth from it.