BMW 3-Series E36 (1991 - 1998) - 1995 328i - Breakdown!! Help!!

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Tue 4 Sep 2007 12:03
1995 328i - Breakdown!! Help!! - desmrics
My previously 100% reliable 328i touring broke down on me this morning. The engine simply started running a little rough which I thought might clear when the traffic started to move off but instead it cut out and wouldn't restart. The starter initially tried to start the car but after say 5/6 attempts the engine no longer turned over.
The car is 1995 with 104k and full BMW service history the most recent completed 3 weeks ago. Could this be a Nikasil issue?
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Tue 4 Sep 2007 12:48
Breakdown!! Help!! - Screwloose

A bit sudden for that. The fact that it isn't turning over is - hopefully - a flat battery; which could suggest a charging fault.

Recharge the battery and see what it does then - if it starts, check the charging. If it doesn't; check the water level.
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Tue 4 Sep 2007 13:08
Breakdown!! Help!! - Aprilia
Nikasil problem becomes evident over a lengthy period of time, not literally minutes, so I think you can discount that.

I doubt the battery/alty are the problem if the car was running OK and you had enough juice to crank the engine have a dozen times after it stopped (presumably 'lengthy' periods of cranking each time?).

I have no idea of you DIY abilities, but the obvious next steps are recharge battery, visual inspection under the bonnet (inc. oil, water etc etc) and then look for signs of petrol and sparks. Then take it from there. It could be loads of things, from a faulty sensor, fuel pump trouble, ignition circuit failure etc etc.
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Tue 4 Sep 2007 13:26
Breakdown!! Help!! - desmrics
Went back to the car to tow it off double yellows. Car started but ran rough for a few seconds then cut out again. Probably not the battery.
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Tue 4 Sep 2007 19:27
Breakdown!! Help!! - elekie&a/c doctor
These old 3 series models are reliable in the engine management dept.However at this age and mileage the fuel pump could be suspect or another common problem is the wiring to the fuel pump that sits under the pump/sender unit housing plate (in tank)becomes brittle and fractures on the crimp post.Pump unit sits under back seat ,drivers side.hth
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