help needed with my BMW 525 TDS diesel - starting problems

[geoffbmw]

can anyone please help, i own and run a bmw 525 td and am having problems starting it, fuel seems to be going through the pipe from the diesel filter to the engine but nothing is happening, it started off where the car was just not starting every now and again (poss glow plugs) but now it is trouble starting and then when it does, runs for 5 to 15 seconds then cuts out and dies.

please help

[350Matt]

Hi

Sounds like low fuel pressure, just because you've got some fuel coming through the filter doesn't mean its enough.
I would change the fuel filter first ( they're only a few quid) and also check the lift pump under the car (there are two, 1st one is inside tank)

Matt

[stevieturbo]

could also be a slightly leaky pipe letting air into the system from tank to pump.

I had to fit a non return valve to stop diesel drainin back to the tank on my old 525tds.

Boy I was glad I got rid of that car. One of the worst Ive ever owned. Was very thirsty, autobox was crap, and the car gave no end of trouble.

[geoffbmw]

thankyou very much, will try all that in the morning

[geoffbmw]

Many thanks everyone, the car is running as sound as a pound now, changed the filter and glow plugs, and and also had to renew all the injector return pipes as they just fell apart on moving them,

I would like to thank everybody that has helped on this, now all i need to do is get and change a starter motor for my laguna.

thanks again

Geoff

[geoffbmw]

grrrrrrrrrrr, right, car been running fine last couple of days, ran outta fuel( stupid i know but needle said 1/2 tank which is ok now) so filled up with 20 litres and worked fine, 24 hours later, the car is stalling and taking time to start? please help....i just want to enjoy driving her lol

[steve-V8s]

Not certain if the 525 is as per the 530 but suspect it is. Mine was reluctant to start a couple of times and then gave up completely. There was very little fuel pressure arriving at the engine end. There is a fuel pump which is accessed via a hatch under the driver side rear passenger seat. This on mine was working fine, there is however another pump half way down the passenger side which it turns out is notorious for becoming intermittent. Swapping that got it going again.