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BMW: 325E Fuel/Air Problem, air flow meter, tank pumps


Question
Josh - I replaced the AFM, and it did help some. I can now get an idle when I first start up although it is a little rough. However, the minute I shift to R or D, the engine dies immediately.  Once I reach normal operating temperature, the idle smooths out considerably and I can put the car in R or D without it stalling although the idle in R or D is rough and erratic. Any other thoughts or suggestions?
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Followup To

Question -
Josh - I have a 1987 325E that has been driving me crazy, and that is the only place it is driving me.  When I start it, it will turn over and run for about 10 to 15 seconds and then it dies.  I can restart it and the same thing happens. Sometimes it will restart quickly and sometimes it takes 5 to 10 seconds for it to restart.  If I run it up to about 3000 rpm, I can keep it running.  After it warms up, it will idle but erratically.  If I then put it in gear, it dies.  I have replaced just about everything (plugs, wires, caps, ICS, speed and reference sensor, etc.) except the fuel pumps and relays. I also replace the water pump several months ago, but I was very careful about the timing chain. I put a jumper on the 30, 87 plugs of the relay terminal and the main fuel pump came on (key on or off), but I didn't hear the in tank one (will check it today).  Does the one relay control both fuel pumps? What is the other relay for? How important is the tank fuel pump? Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Answer -
Tom,
 Sorry to hear about all the trouble.  Sounds like you have either a large vacuum leak, or the Air Flow Meter (AFM) if not working properly.  It could be several things, but I would place my money on the AFM before anything.

 After 1987 BMW removed the external fuel pumps, and only ran the in-tank pumps.  I would test for fuel pressure, and if you are getting 35-40psi you should be alright.

 Also make sure your valves are adjusted every 20k miles, once the valves get out of spec, it will cause idleing problems, however I doubt this is your problem.

 hope this helps,
 Josh  

Answer
Tom,
 I would do a vacuum leak test.  Take some ether (starting fluid) and spray on the hoses while the engine is idleing.  If you hear the engine increase rpm, it means that the engine has inhaled the starting fluid and is burning it.  The spot where you sprayed it is allowing air to get around the AFM, and it's not being metered.

 This sounds like your problem, that or you need a tune up.

 Hope this helps,
 Josh