Car cranks but won't start - Ideas??

[Adnan]

UPDATE:

I went over to the car this morning and she started right up, as if nothing had happened. It would seem than that this is in some way temperature related. I recall that there is sometimes an issue with hot start on the M30, as reported by others. I'll do a search but if anyone has direct knowledge of this, I'd love to hear.

Again, thanks.

Adnan

Hi,

I just got back from a three week vacation and the first thing I did was make a run to the grocery store. Car fired up right away, like normal and ran just fine to the store, a two-mile trip. Car is a '91 535i, 5-speed.

Getting back to the car, she refused to start. Cranking is strong and every now and then, she would hiccup as if she were trying to catch. I think I heard a backfire-like noise a couple of times (but not that loud) and I smelled gas in the exhaust.

My guess is that I have either a Crank Position sensor problem, or fuel delivery or spark issue. I had filled the fuel tank fully before I left so it's not a moisture condensation problem. Any suggestions on a trouble-shooting procedure or areas to focus on? I'm going to have her towed home by AAA since it's close by.

This is the first time the car has done anything like this as she has always been completely reliable (other than one time when the battery drained). Oh, when I first started her, I received a brake light message but the bulbs are fine. I doubt that's related but you never know.

Thanks for any assistance,
Adnan