E39 Won't Start

[MGL 4]

I drove the E39 to work on wednesday, like I do everyday. Went to leave and it just cranks over and doesn't start. Its a 1997 520i I6 2l engine M52b20 I think.

I've had a good internet and such but can't find anything that quite fits the bill.

Spent a fair bit of time on it yesterday. heres what we have.

-Full tank of 95

-If I spray engine start in the intake, and crank it, it fires.

-I Pulled the back seat out and checked that the fuel pump was making noise (it is)

-Checked all fuses and relays

-was was running a bit rough after I left it for a week, a week or two ago (sounded like it started on 5 maybe?)

-I replaced the cam and crank angle sensors a while back.

-we had close listen for the injectors while cranking, and were not sure we could hear them.

- after turning the car on to run, you can squirt fuel out of the valve on the fuel rail. (not as much fuel pressure as I'd have expected though)

So my questions are:

Is it enough to see that the fuel rail pressurises a bit to say that the fuel pump etc is not the problem?

I seem to remember that the cam and crank angle sensors were spark cut, not fuel cut, when in an error state, so

could it be that one of them has failed again?

Does anyone else have any suggestions?

I really need to get it going again in the next few days... I can't handle the bus!

I don't have access to a code reader, or have the ability / cash to get it to someone that does have one unfortunately.

Thanks very much!

Matt

[*Glenn* 854]

I'd be checking fuel pressure with a guage next... should be 3 bar without vacuum (not running)

[MGL 4]

I'd be checking fuel pressure with a guage next... should be 3 bar without vacuum (not running)

So it will actually not run if the fuel pressure is low? I sort of thought it'd cough and splutter a bit if it was on the low side.

got an easy way to see if the injectors are doing anything? listening down a screwdriver implied that they're not.

Will the injectors actually do anything if theres low pressure?

Thanks Glenn.

[MGL 4]

Bang on 3 Bar.

Using a tyre pressure gauge (worked a treat actually!)

[*Glenn* 854]

If you have spark and fuel pressure after the fuel filter... check injector pulse.....next... scan it

Can help next week...but you have a problem... it's only money though

Edited December 9, 2012 by *Glenn*

[elmarco 56]

Checked the plugs aren't dripping wet?

[MGL 4]

Nah, no injector pulse, so no fuel is getting through at all. Almost certainly a sensor or computer fault. but I don't really have the means to find out which at the moment.

Cheers,

[MGL 4]

Looks like I'm going to have to sell this thing to fund another car before Christmas.

$2500 if anyone's interested.

Beige leather, Oxford Green, 2l I6 engine.

Just replaced all the front suspension linkages.

Current WOF REG etc.

Front drivers guard is dinged in the corner.

EOI I guess? I'll stick this on the for sale bit soon.

Cheers

Edited December 12, 2012 by MGL

[*Glenn* 854]

Looks like I'm going to have to sell this thing to fund another car before Christmas.

$2500 if anyone's interested.

Beige leather, Oxford Green, 2l I6 engine.

Just replaced all the front suspension linkages.

Current WOF REG etc.

Front drivers guard is dinged in the corner.

EOI I guess? I'll stick this on the for sale bit soon.

Cheers

Don't do that just yet... give me a call in the morning Ph: (09)2722546