1983 BMW 320i Cold Start Stalls

1983 BMW 320
Avatar
ULTRAVIOLET39
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
my car wants to stall when started in the morning unless gas pedal is applied generously and will frequently stall at stops until temperature gauge reaches normal operating level. i've also noticed that the headlights and dashlights will increase in intensity when gas pedal is applied during this warm up process. after car is warmed up lights steady at full intensity and car starts and idles normally.
Jan 7, 2006 at 5:23 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,594 POSTS
Check your cold start valve
Jan 10, 2006 at 5:21 AM
Avatar
ULTRAVIOLET39
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
ken thanx for the response. the cold start valve and split aux. air valve lower hose had both been recently replaced. sorry for not including that info from the start. it seemed to improve the performance but still running as stated in my first message.
Jan 10, 2006 at 6:17 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,594 POSTS
Check your coolant sensor or the thermo time sensor for the ECM. You may need to replace them. Also check the mass air flow meter, push the meter door to make sure there are no rough spots in the movment.
Jan 10, 2006 at 7:06 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

Check the coolant sensor and the thermo-time sensor for the ECM and replace them if faulty. Also inspect the mass air flow meter by pushing the meter door to confirm it moves smoothly with no rough spots. The cold start valve and split auxiliary air valve lower hose were already replaced and only partially improved the issue.

Conversation Summary

A 1983 BMW 320i stalls on cold morning starts unless the gas pedal is applied generously, and it often stalls at stops until the engine reaches normal operating temperature. During warm-up, the headlights and dash lights brighten when the pedal is applied, then remain steady once the car is warm and idle returns to normal. The owner reported that the cold start valve and split auxiliary air valve lower hose had already been replaced with only partial improvement. The expert advised checking the coolant sensor or ECM thermo-time sensor and possibly replacing them, and also checking the mass air flow meter door for rough movement.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle