1995 BMW 325 No Spark.....sometimes???

1995 BMW 325
182,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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MAGEWULF
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My car has been having hard starting issues hot and cold. If cold, will take 4-10 seconds of cranking to start car. If warmed up, sometimes it will start, sometimes it wont, and there is a strong smell of gas from the exhaust while trying to start. Runs great once started and have normal MPG. I took it in to a mechanic, and after a new fuel pump and alot of hours checking things out, they discovered a no spark issue during the times it wont fire up and run. They dont have a clue why its obvious, but of course are insisting we throw parts at it and are now wanting to replace the coil packs. This car does not throw any codes, and has no CEL on except normally when starting. If I plug my code reader into it, it throws a "Vehicle speed signal not found" code. Would this cause the No Spark/ sometimes has Spark issue? If so what ssensor is it, where is it, and how do I fix it myself? Also, the CHILTON book says that some cars like mine had a ground strap on coil packs #1 and #6. My car only has one on coil pack #6. Could that be the problem? Any ideas and solutions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Jun 25, 2010 at 9:15 PM
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DOCHAGERTY
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Send the VIN so I know what car it is.
Jun 25, 2010 at 9:47 PM
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MAGEWULF
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Also it has the 413 DME in it and I have a spare that BMW says are good....dont know if that helps.... not even sure if those are the right dme's for this car.... they cam with the car when purchased
Jun 25, 2010 at 9:59 PM
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MAGEWULF
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VIN # WBACB3327SFE22112
Jun 25, 2010 at 10:00 PM
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DOCHAGERTY
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That is the correct DME. Try it and see what happens.
Jun 26, 2010 at 6:28 AM
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MAGEWULF
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Tried the spare DME and results the same.
Jun 26, 2010 at 9:12 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
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This could be something in the wiring harness or a power supply/ground issue. When the crankshaft position signal is compromised, the spark signal can be intermittent. The dual ground straps are not critical, as long as one of them is there.
Jun 27, 2010 at 11:12 AM
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MAGEWULF
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Wow sounds serious! Any way you can tell me where to start?
Jun 27, 2010 at 9:29 PM
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DOCHAGERTY
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Start with the obvious stuff, go to the esoteric. If you have a good connection at the battery, go to the starter and so on. The ground strap is at the right motor mount, check the basic stuff, then let me know what you have found.
Jun 27, 2010 at 9:33 PM
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