Stalling

[Ferrett 1962]

just a quick question to the experts here, in the last couple of days the mighty bimmer has developed a problem. Today has been the first time it has let me down since I got it, after stopping to give way the car stuttered and died and would not start, I pushed it out of traffic and sat wondering how to get it home to fix the problem but after 10 min or so it started and seemed to run ok although I feathered the throttle and kept the take offs slow. It feels like no fuel getting through could this just be a case of a blocked fuel filter, I changed air and oil filters not long ago but didn't change the fuel filter(s) does any one know how many and where they are in a 1995 525i Australian build since this is where I will start to look for the problem? Even if this is not the cause it can't hurt to change filters at any time but could this be the cause of the problem, I run 98 ron fuel and the car goes well and this only seems to happen after breaking when I try to take off.

[632 Regal]

Change the fuel filters, your problem leads right there. You should have at least 1 if not 2 behind the right side rear wheel. When I changed mine (with no issues) they dumped what looked like mud out of them.

[shogun]

that is easy to check with the VIN in realoem. 525i should have 1 fuel filter
Fuel supply/single filter BMW 5' E34, 525i (M50)

[Ferrett 1962]

Thanks for the info, since the stalling just happened today I haven't looked yet to find the filter but I will check behind the right rear wheel tomorrow. The car has been great untill this so I hope it is just the filter,I was not sure if it had one near the tank and another in line before the fuel rail for the injectors but filter was my first thought as the car seemed to run out of fuel and no other warnings came up in the dash and with seperate coil packs if spark was an issue I would expect to see warnings from the management system, can only hope it is that simple.

[Tiger]

Rarely ever the fuel filter... I have never seen a clogged fuel filter.

If your crank position sensor is original... I'd check on the resistance... most of the time, it will check out ok.... So you need to check that while the engine is hot... the condition where your stalls.

It is most likely the crank position sensor... when it happens... pour water on the sensor and your car should start right back up... definitely the CPS.

[urpin]

Yes, I agree with the crank position sensor. I had a similar experience and it was difficult to determine if it was electrical or fuel related.
My sensor became intermittent and would fail sporadically, heat was not a factor.

[Ferrett 1962]

Thanks I will check the CPS but I will start with the cheap and easy option as well, it can't hurt. I looked at the filter today and it looks like it has been there a long time so it should be changed, the car runs well along roads at speed and only stalls after breaking for corners ( I could try not slowing down) and then trying to take off but like you said I have not heard of a totally blocked filter although it could just be restricting fuel flow and is the cheapest starting point. Parts cost heaps where I am so I will order a CPS on line and try the filter while I am waiting.

[632 Regal]

200k is a lot of miles on an original filter. Back in the old days the fuel filters were much smaller and they would clog at much less miles. Then again it was a rarity that a car would make it to 100k

[Ferrett 1962]

No local aftermarket filters so will get one from BMW dealer for $66 tomorrow, he says he has one in stock and he also agrees it is the place to start looking for the problem. This is still the cheapest place to start at this stage, there is a gauze filter on the bottom of the pickup in the tank but I won't go there unless I have to, could have picked up some crappy fuel as both the servo's near me are owned by supermarkets and they get the cheapest stuff they can. The only other thing that changed is I started parking the car with the nose facing downhill in a steep driveway because I still havn't solved the blocked sunroof drain at the back and it has been raining a bit, it was after doing this that the problem started (dosen't mean it is the cause of it) anyway I will start at the filter and work from there.

[genphreak]

Have you checked under the power distribution box (under the back seat) for water ingress? This can cause annoying electrical troubles.