523i 1998 wont start

[gareth kelly]

Hello people..i have a 1998 523i e39 5 series that wont start , the probelm started about november last year ,its got harder to start each day first thing in the morning when the engine is cold.is got worse and worse as time went on until now it doesnt start at all.When the car has been running and at normal working temp and i turn it off and leave it for a while 30 mins then try and start it again it starts straight away... i think its a probelm with compresson.. had fault codes looked at it said cam and crank both logging so changed them then the garge said the starter motor is faulty,changed that no they are sayingthat the timing chain has stretched and it need replacing.dont want to get that done as itey have queted 1000 pounds to fit a new chain as they have already replaced 3 compents at a cost of 600 pounds and it still doesnt work....think they are replacing what ever the want....Please help.. is it worth me trying a compression test on it ???

[Big Evil]

Sounds like they're they're just shot gunning it hoping to fix it. I'd find another shop to start with. Compression test would be worth it maybe, but what kind of fuel pressure are you getting? Could be a slowly dying pump, clogged filter etc.