325tds intermittent starting problem
Discussion
My 325tds is becoming reluctant to start from cold. This happens in the mornings when it has been stood overnight, but not in the evening when I leave work after it has been stood all day. 
I wait for the glow plug light to go out and sometimes it will catch first turn of the key, sometimes I will need to leave the starter motor cranking for 5-10 seconds before it will fire, other times I will need to try 3/4/5 times before it starts. As soon as it starts it settles into a steady idle of approx 800rpm. On the move it runs fine and pulls cleanly from tickover to the red line and doesn’t produce excessive smoke.
About 18 months to 2 years ago I had the glow plugs replaced to fix another staring problem – when it was sluggish to start and chucked out lots of smoke on start up.
I took it to my local BMW dealer who diagnosed a new fuel pump and £1200 + fitting + VAT.
A couple of BMW-trained independent mechanics don’t think it can be the pump because the problem is isolated to cold starting and it runs fine once started.
Has anyone got any ideas as to what could be causing this problem and how to fix it?
I wait for the glow plug light to go out and sometimes it will catch first turn of the key, sometimes I will need to leave the starter motor cranking for 5-10 seconds before it will fire, other times I will need to try 3/4/5 times before it starts. As soon as it starts it settles into a steady idle of approx 800rpm. On the move it runs fine and pulls cleanly from tickover to the red line and doesn’t produce excessive smoke.
About 18 months to 2 years ago I had the glow plugs replaced to fix another staring problem – when it was sluggish to start and chucked out lots of smoke on start up.
I took it to my local BMW dealer who diagnosed a new fuel pump and £1200 + fitting + VAT.
A couple of BMW-trained independent mechanics don’t think it can be the pump because the problem is isolated to cold starting and it runs fine once started. Has anyone got any ideas as to what could be causing this problem and how to fix it?
cptsideways said:
muppets_mate said:
It's parked on a flat road.
How would one identify or test for leaky fuel lines?
Any noticeable diesel smells? leaks even small ones? How would one identify or test for leaky fuel lines?
How long do you need to leave it before it does this?
It normally happens when it's been left overnight, so say 7pm to 8am the following morning. Shorter periods, ie, when I leave it at work (9 hours) don't create the symptom.
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