1996 BMW 318i, E36 series, auto

STACEY16

MEMBER
1996 BMW 318I
1.8L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC

I have a 1996 BMW 318i E36 series auto. Easy to start. Fires first go however will not maintain idle. Runs rough then dies. Strong presence of fuel odour. Car is low on fuel and oil. Some extra fuel has been added and made no difference. Low idle when engine running. No matter what I try it will not stay started.

Any ideas of what is going on? Also approx repair costs?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

If you smell fuel, have you checked for leaks? There could be a leak causing low fuel pressure at the injectors. Also, has the check engine light come on?

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Wednesday, March 19th, 2014 AT 8:39 AM

STACEY16

MEMBER
3 POSTS

No the check engine light is not coming on. Yes my partner has checked all around for leaks. We had another look last night and have found a split hose near the silver clamp on the top of the engine that appears to be a huge contributing factor. When that split has been covered the car recovers dramatically.

Thanks so much for your help so far.

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Wednesday, March 19th, 2014 AT 2:26 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

That would cause low fuel pressure to the engine. Check to make sure that pressure is within the manufacturer's specs.

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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 6:54 AM

STACEY16

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you so much for your replies and help. We have replaced that hose and serviced the rest of the engine. It is running like a dream again. Once again thanks guys. Really appreciated it.

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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 11:57 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS