Z3 2.8 E36 Cranks ok but refuses to start

[John Carmichael]

Could anyone please help me, I have a 2.8 Z3 E36 that has been in storage for a few years and while it cranks ok it is now refusing to start on its own,
note, I can force it to start with 'Easy Start' but when it stops it won't start on its own again,
I'm using your Creator C310+ to try and diagnose the problem

Issue 1, Cam Sensor
The C310 keeps reporting Cam Sensor faulty, but I have replaced both the Cam and the Crank sensors, if I clear the fault code it then returns (see pic)
Question, Does the new Sensor have to be 'programmed' into the DME? Can I do that with the C310?

Issue 2, MAF (Mass Air Flow)
When I have forced the engine to start using 'Easy Start' the C310 seems to reporting '0' from the MAF sensor (see pic)
Question, Does that suggest the MAF needs replacing, or maybe programming?

 

[colb]

Non working maf sensor will cause problems disconnect the wiring plug to it and that will force the DME to run on default settings, see if it starts and runs with it disconnected.

 

[Pingu]

Did you replace sensors with BMW sensors?

 

[John Carmichael]

Did you replace sensors with BMW sensors?

Both Cam & Crank sensors have been replaced, no longer get sensor reports from code reader - yet engine still won't start!

Update - seems that there are no ignition sparks during normal start sequence (so no wonder it doesn't start!) - yet sparks will come if engine forced to start with 'Easy Start' - Crazy car!!!

 

[colb]

If it fires using easy start maybe it's the fuel pump not delivering fuel hence no normal start. Other possible cause is red has lost sync with the DME and not releasing fuel and ignition.

 

[Matt Barnes]

Having just endured 7 weeks of trying to fix my crank no start issue.. I can offer a few crumbs...

if it's been in storage, you MIGHT have a mismatch between the DME and EWS codes, especially if the battery died. Have you looked at the DME code and compared to the EWS code? depending on which DME you have it'll be a 3 or 4 digit Hex code. It might need an EWS alignment ?

Sticky Idle Control Valve or Throttle Position Sensor getting stuck will also stop the car firing. If you pull the plugs on the ICV and TPS does the car fire for a few seconds and then die ? (doing this forces the DME to use a pre programmed config that ignores all the sensors).

Check the Fuel rail pressure, as that does matter...

check the spark plugs again and if you have a tool, check the injectors click. The resolution to mine was fitting the fuel pipes the wrong way round but let's not go there !