1984 BMW 528e major problems

SRMARSHALL

MEMBER
1984 BMW 528

I have a 1984 BMW 528e-5 speed. The problem I have occurs intermittently, usually within 5 minutes of starting the car, then clears up and the car runs fine, making it very difficult to diagnose. The car will start fine, and then it will begin to sound like it is not running on all 6 cylinders and will stall. To prevent it from stalling, I rev the engine and black smoke comes out of the muffler, along with a strong smell of gasoline. The car will run rough like this, with the engine revved, for a few minutes. Then it will smooth out, and usually doesn’t occur again until the engine has cooled. Also, the SI light on the dash is always on, and the indicator ‘check’ lights for the oxygen sensor, etc do not light up when the “check” button is pressed. I’m not sure if either of these are related to the problem, but any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated, as 3 different mechanics, including a local BMW dealership, have been unable to diagnose and fix the problems. The following parts have been replaced within the past 3 years in an effort to fix the problem:
Fuel Pump – Master and in-tank
Fuel Pump Relay
Ignition Coil
Spark Plugs/Wires
Cold Start Valve
Thermal Time Switch
Distributor Cap
Distributor Rotor
Thanks for any help you can provide!

2 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,602 POSTS

Did you check the fuel pressure regulator?

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Wednesday, January 4th, 2006 AT 2:43 PM

SRMARSHALL

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the question! Yes, the fuel pressure regulator was replaced in January 2005, as well as 2 Water Temperature Sensors. Also, I just went back through all my receipts, and found that one of the mechanics I took the car to tested the Idle Control Stablization Module and both the inputs and outputs were okay.

I'm really at a loss as to where to look next. This has been an ongoing problem for about 3 years now, starting out just occuring maybe every couple of weeks or so. But it has gotten much worse in the past year, where it will happen just about every time I start the car. Any advice or help is greatly appreciated! Thanks! :)