Z3 Cranks over but not starting, then I try a few times later and it starts?? HELP!

[wdavies3927]

Recently bought a 1997 m44 Z3, drives really well etc… intermittently I go to start it and I can hear the fuel pump go, the starter goes to start as normal but it doesn’t fire…. Then I try about 5-12 times later and it starts. I have no idea what to look for. The cabin smells of fuel so could it be fuel pump related ? Thank you. I’ve also cleaned the MAF sensor and cam shaft sensor.

 

[Zephyr]

Check for air leaks in the system. (Hoses).
Then clean the Crankcase Ventilation Valve with carb cleaner.
if this also does not work, disconnect the engine coolant sensor and try again.
if nothing of the above works, find a code reader and do a “smooth running test”. If you see values over 2 and when you first start the car in the morning you see blue smoke from the exhaust then its valve lifters.

 

[wdavies3927]

It does have a split hose on the air intake, I’ve only had the car for a few days so going to change this. Where is the crankcase vent valve located ?

 

[wdavies3927]

And the location of the engine coolant sensor located ?

 

[Zephyr]

First of all repair the split hose.
This is the no1 and most probable cause.
tape it and use some silicone to seal it until you replace it.
the valve looks like the one in the first photo and is located on the right side when you stand in front of the engine, behind the intake “snail”
Check these first and then we will trouble shoot the coolant.
cheers

 

[wdavies3927]

Ok, thank you, I will give this a go tomorrow and I will get back to you! Thank you

 

[Paul Jan]

And? @wdavies3927, problem solved?