Car cranks but won't start

Mattkins99 · 24th March 2012, 19:10

Went to Starbucks in the morning, came out and the car wouldn't start. It cranks over fine, so I know it's not the battery. I unplugged the MAFs thinking that might be the issue but it still didn't start. I eventually had the car towed home thinking it's fuel related.

125k on the car.
Fuel filter was replaced within the last 15k
Fuel pump is probably original
Not sure which relay is the fuel pump relay... I need to dig out my Bentley manuals (I'm assuming it's the same as any other E39...)

Any thoughts? I pulled the codes and saw nothing fuel related (Secondary air injection code... and a CPS code that I haven't gotten to yet.)

-Matt

mfizzlenyc · 24th March 2012, 19:14

Fuel Pump is done...

bimmerule · 24th March 2012, 19:16

+1. Try kicking the right quarter panel, if the car starts again for a couple times, that's your writing on the wall.

Mattkins99 · 24th March 2012, 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfizzlenyc

Fuel Pump is done...

All of a sudden like that? I figured I'd see other signs first or at least codes indicating lean conditions or something. Any way to test it?

I was thinking with the fact I had no related codes, maybe there were other ideas... on the plus side, the fuel pump is relatively easy and cheap so at least you're not thinking something worse :-)

Mattkins99 · 24th March 2012, 19:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerule

+1. Try kicking the right quarter panel, if the car starts again for a couple times, that's your writing on the wall.

Anything less likely to scratch or dent the car :-) No way I'm going to go out and kick my car... my truck sure, I've done that many times, but not the M5 :-P

mfizzlenyc · 24th March 2012, 19:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattkins99

All of a sudden like that? I figured I'd see other signs first or at least codes indicating lean conditions or something. Any way to test it?

I was thinking with the fact I had no related codes, maybe there were other ideas... on the plus side, the fuel pump is relatively easy and cheap so at least you're not thinking something worse :-)

when Mine went it was out of the blue I just installed headers and the matching tune drove the car for a day came home from work changed got back into the car it cranked and cranked and nothing to get it going... don't keep cranking it or you will have to clean the fuel lines and tank for metal shavings from the pump it could be a relay but its most likely the pump...

bimmerule · 24th March 2012, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattkins99

Anything less likely to scratch or dent the car :-) No way I'm going to go out and kick my car... my truck sure, I've done that many times, but not the M5 :-P

Yes, try tapping hard with your hand. Sorry don't know why my first reaction was kick

Sailor24 · 24th March 2012, 20:24

Access your fuel filter and on the regulator house is a valve similar to your tire push that in and see if you have fuel pressure. Ideally you would hook up a fuel pressure gauge but... if you hold it until you have no pressure then try and start the car again if the fuel pump is working it will re-pressurize.

Silent · 24th March 2012, 21:26

Sounds like a fuel pump

jfoj · 24th March 2012, 22:04

Welcome to the club.

The pumps usually leave you stranded without warning.

Suggest you try Direct BMW and Mercedes Parts and Accessories, good pricing and usually they can ship overnight for about $15 if you need it quickly?

Suggest a fuel filer and fuel pump relay while you are at it. Fuel pump relay is not interchangeable with other relay in the car like the E46, so you might consider a replacement? If you get a replacement relay, put the original in a plastic bag and wedge it in between the wiring and relays so you have a future on board spare on for a fellow board member in the future!