QuestionI have a 1986 bmw 325es that wont start. It cranks but wont turn over. I've replaced the distributor cap and rotor, the plugs and plug wires, the ignition coil, and the crank sensor. I've tried spraying starting fluid into the air intake and nothing. I'm getting power to both the hot and negative wires on the coil when turning the key. We've traced the wire down to the crank sensor and it's working, I'm not getting spark off the wire running from the coil to the distributor cap. So, what could the problem be? I've also checked the Reference, and speed sensors that are in the botom of the trasmition and they seem to be fine. I'm unable to get help from anyone else, so if you could PLEASE help me I would greatly appreciate it. It wouldn't start after parking the car and it sat for 3 days. I've had problems with it not starting in the past, but it always starts on the second try. It has been stalling out while driving, even while in gear, but it always starts back up. Not until this time has it never started. So, PLEASE help me!
AnswerThomas,
I have the basic problem in my head of whats happening to your car. I do have some questions though:
Do you know for sure that the new coil is good? You can always take 5 minutes to try another one off of a different car (doesn't have to be a BMW).
If the coil is not firing, then it's not being told to do so. Have you tested the wires going to the coil?
Personally I would suspect those transmission sensors again. I have never had a problem with them, but I do know people who have. One gentleman wanted to sell me his car because he could never fix it. I didn't need/want the car, so I told him what to do to fix it. It was, in fact, those reference sensors on the bell-housing of the tranny.
I would check them again, as they should produce similar symptoms to what you are having.
Good luck,
Josh
