[Mosaud1998]

Someones gotta have an idea of what this can be.

I had this same issue during the beginning of 2021 and a year ago(Jan 2020) after I got the Valve Cover Gasket and Oil Pan Gasket replaced(where it would take 2-3 seconds to start/turn over).

Ignition coils and Spark Plugs were done 1k miles ago.

I had the ground wires taken a look at by my Indy a few months back when I had them replace the Valve Tronic Motor gasket (Under Warranty). Those are fine.

Battery was tested, that's good too. This same starting issue happened last week and twice today. I am out of ideas.

No codes showing up either.

And no this is not normal for BMWs

Link to Video:

[nsjames]

my long start issue with no codes was the ESS.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by nsjames

my long start issue with no codes was the ESS.

My indy replaced that when I had the oil pan gasket, etc replaced. Still under warranty.

[nsjames]

you've checked fuel pressure and all the other things?

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by nsjames

you've checked fuel pressure and all the other things?

Nope, I don't have access to the tools to check fuel pressure.

[nsjames]

you can rent the tool at autozone.

make sure that it's reaching spec'd pressure before you hit the button. it should run and prime the rail when you unlock the car.

[lowrydr310]

Originally Posted by nsjames

my long start issue with no codes was the ESS.

The day after I bought my used 330i I had the long crank in the morning but it started and had no other problems throughout the day. The morning after that it cranked and cranked but wouldn't start at all. It was a bad ESS and replacing it solved the problem however there was one single incident after replacing it where it cranked slightly longer than normal. (Unrelated to this topic, but I suspect this is why the owner was selling the car. I didn't get to see the cold start, though it's not an issue since I fixed it and the car is the exact configuration I wanted.)

If there are no codes I would focus on the eccentric shaft sensor, crankshaft position sensor, or camshaft position sensor.

Mosaud1998 I remember reading a few posts you made about this issue - didn't you replace all of these things already or am I mixing you up with someone else? If they were replaced, do you know if they were replaced with OEM parts? VDO is the OEM for the ESS, I'm not sure about the others.

It's challenging when you don't have any codes to narrow it down, but I'd think that if one of these components was faulty you would eventually get a code.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by nsjames

you can rent the tool at autozone.

make sure that it's reaching spec'd pressure before you hit the button. it should run and prime the rail when you unlock the car.

I'll go pick one up when I head out on Friday.

Does the N52 have a fuel pressure nipple on the rail?

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

The day after I bought my used 330i I had the long crank in the morning but it started and had no other problems throughout the day. The morning after that it cranked and cranked but wouldn't start at all. It was a bad ESS and replacing it solved the problem however there was one single incident after replacing it where it cranked slightly longer than normal. (Unrelated to this topic, but I suspect this is why the owner was selling the car. I didn't get to see the cold start, though it's not an issue since I fixed it and the car is the exact configuration I wanted.)

If there are no codes I would focus on the eccentric shaft sensor, crankshaft position sensor, or camshaft position sensor.

Mosaud1998 I remember reading a few posts you made about this issue - didn't you replace all of these things already or am I mixing you up with someone else?

It's challenging when you don't have any codes to narrow it down, but I'd think that if one of these components was faulty you would eventually get a code.

Mosaud1998 I remember reading a few posts you made about this issue - didn't you replace all of these things already or am I mixing you up with someone else?

I did make a post about this a while back.

The ESS was replaced by my indy before this issue arose. This issue started happening after. So, it could be the ESS is bad.

[lowrydr310]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

Mosaud1998 I remember reading a few posts you made about this issue - didn't you replace all of these things already or am I mixing you up with someone else?

I did make a post about this a while back.

The ESS was replaced by my indy before this issue arose. This issue started happening after. So, it could be the ESS is bad.

Can you confirm that the indy used a VDO/BMW part?

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

Can you confirm that the indy used a VDO/BMW part?

Just checked the paperwork from my indy.

They replaced the OEM ESS with an OE VDO one.

[nsjames]

there's a port on the rail.

I'm not sure if the loan a tool will have the right adapter.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...0fuel%20system.

[Fritzer]

The engine sounds like it's trying to start but it's being starved of either fuel or air. There is obviously power going to the starter fully, you already serviced the ignition system....

Either something in the intake, like your throttle body or a Disa valve, could be getting stuck and not opening right away. Do you notice a delay in power if you accelerate?

The other possible issue would be somewhere in the fuel system. Which is, what I think, the more likely scenario. Check things like fuel pressure, pump, fuel filter, the lines, etc. If you don't have the skills or expertise to do that take it to a BMW Independent mechanic and ask them to inspect the fuel system as a possible cause for this. That's what I would do.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by Fritzer

The engine sounds like it's trying to start but it's being starved of either fuel or air. There is obviously power going to the starter fully, you already serviced the ignition system....

Either something in the intake, like your throttle body or a Disa valve, could be getting stuck and not opening right away. Do you notice a delay in power if you accelerate?

The other possible issue would be somewhere in the fuel system. Which is, what I think, the more likely scenario. Check things like fuel pressure, pump, fuel filter, the lines, etc. If you don't have the skills or expertise to do that take it to a BMW Independent mechanic and ask them to inspect the fuel system as a possible cause for this. That's what I would do.

I’ve gotta appointment with my Indy April 7th.

Not sure if I should let the car sit and not drive it or if I can still drive it?

Thinking about doing a pressure test myself tomorrow

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

I’ve gotta appointment with my Indy April 7th.

Not sure if I should let the car sit and not drive it or if I can still drive it?

Thinking about doing a pressure test myself tomorrow

You could pressure test it, or could just wait. Does the car drive and accelerate normally or does it break up at certain RPM during acceleration? Is the long crank the only issue?

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by Fritzer

You could pressure test it, or could just wait. Does the car drive and accelerate normally or does it break up at certain RPM during acceleration? Is the long crank the only issue?

Car drives and accelerates fine. Drives and accelerate the same way it did two years ago when I brought it at 67k Miles from the PO.

It doesn’t break up and certain RPMs either.

Long cranks is the Only issue

[Mosaud1998]

Well, here I am again. This time, the long cranks happen every day when I start it.

Same exact thing happens just like the video I posted. Indy couldn't find anything wrongs.

[lowrydr310]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

Well, here I am again. This time, the long cranks happen every day when I start it.

Same exact thing happens just like the video I posted. Indy couldn't find anything wrongs.

Do you know if they tested the fuel pressure?

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

Do you know if they tested the fuel pressure?

Not sure. I knownthwy tested the battery and starter. I'm assuming the regulator is going bad

[yonversace]

my fuel pressure regulator cracked and caused this. replacing it today so hopefully no more long cranks

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by yonversace

my fuel pressure regulator cracked and caused this. replacing it today so hopefully no more long cranks

How hard is it to replace and where did you get the part from?

[POBEP]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

How hard is it to replace and where did you get the part from?

Not hard, takes some patience. FCP euro.

Mosaud1998
When you decelerate in a gear to ~1,300rpm (no gas, no braking) for 15-20sec and then apply medium load while keeping in the same gear, does it choke between 1,400rpm and 1,800rpm?