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Nick V · Joined: 07 Nov 2000 Posts: 1 Location: Sydney, Australia

I own a 1989 BMW 318i, 5 speed manual, 2 door coupe.The car sometimes suddenly loses all power when I am driving. The dashboard goes dead (speedo dead, rev dial is dead, fuel gauge is dead)and even if I try and start it while still in motion, nothing happens. I either have to pull over and stop or it just comes back to life whenever it wants. I have even tried to clutch start it while in motion but this rarley works. Has any one ever had or heard of this problem. It is scary sometimes as your are in 1st or 2nd gear and when it goes dead it rocks your body back and forth.

Bill C · Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2000 8:21 am Post subject: Car dies out while driving

Nick

I have a 1985 325e and also have the problem of car dying out. I have found it is related to engine temp. When the car is cold it works fine. As it warms up to about one quarter of the temp gauge it stalls, especially when stopping. When trying to restart it appears there is too much fuel being injected into the cylinders (lots of smoke). When it restarts and I continue to warm the engine to full operating temp the car runs fine. If I stop and the engine cools down to about one quarter again, the car will not start due to excess fuel. As I let it cool more, it starts. Has anyone experienced this and if so how did you fix it? Thanks Bill

Ken Juul · Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2000 2:51 pm Post subject: Car dies out while driving

Bill, there are a couple temperature sensors that may be causing your problem. Would check the FAQs on the home page or check Bentleys for location and proper operation.

Nick, I would check for loose or corroded connections. Main relay and fuel pump relays are good places to start,then work through the ignition system. Again the FAQs and Bentleys are good sources of info.