M42 318 Wont Start. ECU problems?

[Numark318i]

Ok, so although this issue is almost resolved, I figure it can help someone out who might be having similar troubles.

My 1991 E30 318 has had a lot of issues lately. Outside of the suspension needing an overhaul it started to idle funny, randomly the idle would jump from 650-1500 RPM, and basically i had no idea what was going on.

I though to first clean out my throttle body and any surrounding areas. This seemed to help a little, but the problem with the funky idle persisted.

From there I checked some vacuum lines, found one to be cracked. Fixed most of the funny idle, but still issues.

Changed my throttle position sensor( this is not found in the 325's, those have ICV's{idle control valves}). that did..well nothing for me.

I just learned to deal with the problem till the car finally stopped running. It would turn over, was getting fuel to the engine. I had no idea what was going on. Car left me stranded..first time ever. Took it to a local mechanic(works on BMW's full time at a shop but he took me in as a side job.) had him look over the entire car.


Now what he is telling me is that the ECU's from the late E30's have ECU issues. Basically would have to swap out the ECU. I guess the soldering is not of the highest quality on all of the ECU's. He has seen more and more issues like this lately.

Solution for me is going to be garaging the car till i have money to fix it. Was going to sell it, but i just cannot let me baby go. Shell get a makeover after i graduate college. E36 M3 engine would be sweet.

So...if you have a E30 318 with random "not starting" issues consider the ECU. If you have a rough idle check the vacuum lines, clean your throttle body, and maybe check your throttle position switch(which mine was not working up to par, so i switched it out..but it didnt fix my main problem).

[denyo77]

thank you a lot.
My 88 325i has had various starting problems, sometime I have to turn the ignition for about 4-5 seconds before it will start...this has been for about 2 years now and I was really wondering what was wrong.
I have changed the sparks, the ignition distributer, and the spark coil, so I'll have a look at the ECU...
maybe after I get my new camshaft

[B3M2W5i]

Hey at least now you know what's going on... I have been seeing a couple E36 M3 engines on our local craigslist so

[nick_318is]

Good to know I hope the Dinan ECUs and other aftermarket chips don't have the problem, also happy to hear your keeping it. If i drive my e30 out to cali track day (e30 style?) when yours is back in condition?