1993 BMW 318 Car won't start, engine turns over but can't s

MROBERTS3

MEMBER
1993 BMW 318
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
70,000 MILES

Hi,

My 1993 BMW 318is wouldn't start this evening. The engine almost started the first time then died. After that, it keeps turning over but won't start.

About a week and a half ago I was teaching my brother stick shift and he stalled it. When he tried to start it again the above problem happened. However, after another try or two it started right up and was fine after that. Perhaps this was a clue.

I had a prepurchase inspection done in Oct 09 when I bought the car and they said nothing needed fixing. (Except to replace water pump and alternator belts in about 6 months).

Any advice?

Thanks,

Matt

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Hi Mroberts3, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation and selecting us as your auto repair site Feel free to ask questions at anytime

Lets do below to determine if its fuel or spark problem and get back with some testing results so we can continue

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it