Expert: Josh Fields - 5/18/2006

Question
I have a 1989 325i that was previously owned by a lady who very rarely drove it.  It only had 44k miles when i bought it.  I've had it since March of 2005.  I had to put a DUI device on it for a year. (Ignition Interlock Device that was attached to the engine--I had to blow into a tube w/ no alcohol for the car to start)  The device is off now.
I think that is the reason for the problem I'm having but I'd like to know what you think.  But this problem started when I had the device on the car.
For about 8 months, sometimes the car doesn't start.  Its very sporatic, sometimes once a month, every other week or weekly.  There is no pattern at all.
A couple of times, it would struggle to start and then start and then just stop running while I'm driving.
I brought it the BMW dealer here and they said it was the throttle sensor, they replaced it and the next morning the car didnt start again.
So that was not the problem.
I've also replaced the volume air mass sensor, spark plugs, and fuel filter.  Those didn't do it either.
Can we please help me?  This is causing a great deal of headaches and stress.  I just want the car to work like normal.

Thank you.

Answer
Cristi,
 Unfortunately there isn't much I can tell you, it's one of those things that has many possibilites, and you really need to be in front of the car to fix it.  
 You have replaced the Air Flow Meter (Volume air mass sensor), Spark plugs and fuel filter.  the spark plugs and fuel filter are regular maintanence parts, that need to be replaced every 2-3 years.  I would check the spark plug wires, distributor cap and distributor rotor.

 Find a good trustworthy mechanic that knows german/european cars and he should be able to fix it.  I'm not at all suprised the dealership didn't fix your problem.. they rarely can.

 Good luck!
 Josh