BMW Cold start problem

Hello all, any ideas for this cold starting problem?

My 52 reg BMW 320TD has developed a cold starting problem this winter. Basically, depending on how cold it is, it can take a long time to get the engine started. Once started no problems until the car is left for while (usually overnight). I've had the car in the dealer twice now and they still haven't resolved it.

First visit, diagnostics reported a couple of glow plug fault codes. They replaced the all glow plugs, and tested the injectors. All fine now they told me. But nothing changed, problem still there.

I noticed that when the car would not start, if I kept turning the ignition on/off, after a while I could hear a slight whirring noise like a pump or fan start, and then the car started straight away.

I took the car back to the dealer, and explained the symptoms. They checked overnight and came to the conclusion the "pre supply" pump (which pumps diesel to the engine ?) was not starting when cold. They replaced it, and again told me everything was fine. You can guess it was not... again.

The car still fails to start easily on cold mornings, but once I hear the faint whirring noise, it starts straight away. So I suspect there might be a relay that switches the pre supply pump which is sticking ? I'd replace it myself if i knew where the relay was?

Does anyone have any ideas ? Regards Jake

Reply to
Waz
Loading thread data ...

under the dash there is a little panel with 4 relay sockets, only 2 are populated, it should be the one on the left.

Reply to
Mrcheerful

And obviously under no circumstances will you want to plug it into a dodgy copy of carsoft that you bought from ebay.

Reply to
Duncan Wood

Thanks for help is it on the passenger side i had i quick look but its dark.

Reply to
Waz

no idea, autodata just says facia 3, you'll have to hunt

Reply to
Mrcheerful

Ok thankyou i will see better tomorrow in the light. Thanks again

Reply to
Waz

I'm been looking today still not found any relays underdash. I know the fuses are in the glovebox found them. And there is a compartment on the top right handside under the bonnet with electrics in. Looks like the computer and there are 2 Relays there? I hoping that this is the location. My model is the compact 2003TD so might be in this other location. Thankyou for help :) Jake

Reply to
Waz

autodata still says 'facia 3' for the fuel pump relay.

Reply to
Mrcheerful

autodata just says facia 3, best I know, sorry.

Reply to
Mrcheerful

Have you thought of letting the glow plugs warm up for a few seconds before turning the key the last bit to start it?

Had the same problem several years ago on a diesel, and a 15 - 30 second delay (along with a good battery) sorted the problem.

Reply to
Unbeliever

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.