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

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.
5

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..

Your Answer:

3 Series

Looking for a Used 3 Series in your area?

CarGurus has 14,193 nationwide 3 Series listings starting at $1,200.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1986 BMW 3 Series

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Robert Charlson
    Reputation
    3,950
  • #2
    apbimmer98
    Reputation
    3,100
  • #3
    Abu Luca
    Reputation
    2,980
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW 5 Series
599 Great Deals out of 9,150 listings starting at $1,399
Used BMW M3
81 Great Deals out of 1,485 listings starting at $9,888
Used Dodge Charger
819 Great Deals out of 14,534 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford Mustang
947 Great Deals out of 19,852 listings starting at $1,950
Used Chevrolet Corvette
793 Great Deals out of 14,532 listings starting at $4,999

Used Cars for Sale

2024 BMW 3 Series For Sale
93 Great Deals out of 1,403 listings starting at $27,771
2023 BMW 3 Series For Sale
59 Great Deals out of 580 listings starting at $26,495
2022 BMW 3 Series For Sale
100 Great Deals out of 934 listings starting at $21,988
2021 BMW 3 Series For Sale
138 Great Deals out of 1,538 listings starting at $17,999
2020 BMW 3 Series For Sale
45 Great Deals out of 514 listings starting at $14,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.