About Josh Fields Expertise I can answer questions related to the BMW e30. These are the cars produced from 1984-1991 (1992 for convertable) in the United states. I am more fluent with the six cylinder models, although few things changed for the 4 cylinder cars. I know most of the problematic areas of these cars, and have found ways to fix them.
Experience I have owned six different E30's over the last 10 years. I do all my own work, and know about ever nut and bolt on these cars.
Question I recently bought a 1995 525iA, E34, M50, production date 6/95.The DME on this car was missing and I borrowed one from my friend who owns a 1994, 525i. I installed it on my car and after few/many crancks, it started my car several times so I returned the DME to my friend and started to look for a used DME. I located one from 1995 but it did not start it so I decided to look for a 1994 and I did locate one on the internet and istalled it on my car and again after many crancks, it started it. My car was sitting idle for few months, so I did not expect it to start right away. every time I try to start it It takes a long time and finally it will not start. So I took to Century BMW in Greenville, SC and they told me I needed a cranck position sensor. so after replacing the sensor, the car will not start. Century Bmw started to lean towards the DME and said they were 99.9% sure the problem is in the DME. So when I said ok you can install a new DME but, if it does not take care of the problem, I expect you to take it back. They said ok get a used DME then. I said why don't you try to reprogram the DME to the spec of my car and disable the security system and they did and nothing happened. Meanwhile, they got a car similar to mine and they took my DME and installed it on the other car and it started it then, they told me your DME is fine. Then they started to tell me maybe it is the camshaft sensor and they replaced that and still cannot start the car. Finally they said we do not know what is wrong but if you want us to find out and start it, we will do it but we don't know how long it will take and how much it will cost you. I decided to take it away from the BME dealer and put it at a some BMW garage and they are still working on it. The problem is that there is no sparks coming to the spark plugs and the problem is between the DME and the spark plugs.By the way my DME was installed on another car at the garage and it started it! ANY suggestions.
I look forward to your reply.
Mike
Answer Mike,
I live in Gainesville, GA (not too far from you), and there is a local BMW scrap yard called Strictly-German. He also owns another yard in Grover, SC (relatively close to you). This guy is a whiz and fixing these cars, and he ONLY works on BMW's. I've learned a ton from him and he should be able to give you a hand. Unfortunatly the 95' has a different engine from what I'm used to working on, so I'm not going to be of much help.
Be weary of the dealerships, they are always quick to say "It's the DME (computer)" no matter what the problem is. I first thought of Crank Position Sensor as the dealership did, however you said they replaced it.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but I just dont know enough about these later model BMW's and their more-complex electronics.
