95 325i wont start!!

[skye36]

it acts like it wants to start, it just doesn't catch. i have eliminated a few things that i thought might have been the problem. I started with the fuel pump. it worked. just to make sure the pump was actually pumping, i disconnected it from the fuel filter, and tried to start it. fuel came out. so just to make sure its pumping al the way to the engine, i checked to see if fuel was getting to the fuel rail. it was. im doing a compression test later today. im thinking it may be the timing belt. what else do you think it could be if its not the belt? maybe a sensor?

[96_323]

What was the compression test results? I cant imagine it would be all 6 cyclinders causing the problem though!
It may be the crankshaft position sensor.....
Wouldnt be the the timing belt cause there is none, its a timing chain the E36 uses and there would be very very evident signs of that on its way out.
Let us know how it works out with the crankshaft position sensor.
That failing then id start checking the sparks and working back from there.
That failing and you wanna start checking the E.C.U.

[skye36]

i did the compression test. starting with the cylinder closest to the front of the car and working my way back. they were:
100
135
105
110
80
130
the one is a little low but not enough to where the car wont start. where is the crankshaft position sensor?

[96_323]

Yea cyclinder 5 is low but as you said it wouldnt cause it to not start, misfire maybe but not not start.
The sensor is located in around the front crank pulley and connects in under the intake manifold.
After a bit of research iv found there was a manufacture recall for the C.P.S. Give your nearest dealer a ring with your V.I.N. number and they will tell you if it had the recall part replaced to the 12v reference signal under the recall, or if its still under as the 5v reference signal.
If its still under as the 5v then you should be able to get it replaced for free........

[96_323]

Sorry meant to say crank position sensor not camshaft position sensor or C.P.S.
My bad, sorry.

[skye36]

so you think thats the main cause for why its not starting.

[96_323]

Im not saying its the main reason, its very hard to tell without seeing the car.
If you car get your hands on a dynostics and see if it throws a fault, some ''stealerships'' rent them out for a small fee. Off the top of my head i think the code 1101 is the crank position sensor. Where are you???