1986 BMW 325es with an odd problem

Asked by stephreilly Jun 04, 2012 at 10:40 PM about the 1986 BMW 3 Series 325es Coupe RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Sometimes when it sits in the hot sun, it will not start.   But it does not happen all the time.  It sounds
like it is not getting gas; not a dead battery.  After the sun goes down, it will start.  The gas tank is full.  
The battery and fuel pump are both relatively new.  My mechanic could not find the problem.  i left the
car in his lot for a week but every time he tried to turn it on, there was no problem.  Any ideas about
what is causing this promblem?

2 Answers
155

Coy325i answered 12 years ago

I'm not sure where you live, but it could be vapor lock due to the ethanol in your fuel. Alcohol has a much lower boiling point than gas and it will boil and then it doesn't allow your fuel pump to work, so your fuel injection won't work. Just throwing it out there...

2 people found this helpful.
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5

Ivan answered 12 years ago

if you have a security system than check it or override it, the AFM could have a faulty air temperature sensor but do not know if that would keep the car from starting at least..

Mark helpful

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