Expert: Josh Fields - 7/28/2006

Question
Hi  , I recently purchased a very clean 1986 325 e.  the guy I bought it from told me that I needed an axcel, bt he didnt tell me about the  starting problem. When I went to pick the ar up  it needed to be started with  startng fluid. now I cannot get a spark  and it will not start. I bought a new coil and that doesnt sem to be it.What else should I check?plus how can I fix the axcel ..its making a clunking noise under the cars rear..what a car huh?

Answer
Levi,
 Actually the 325e is a VERY dependable car.  I had one with 325,000 miles on it, and had never been rebuilt.  But some of the cars weren't treated very well, and it shows.

 I would suggest a tune-up at least.  Spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor button.  This will make it run better anyways.

 Trace back where the spark is not coming from.  Is he coil firing at all, or are you just not seeing spark at the plugs?

 Good luck,
 Josh