Diagnostics Doctor

BMW 3-SERIES

Poor starting

Q Over the past week my trusty high mileage (198k) 2004 BMW 330D auto has become more difficult to start, with the result of a complete non-start yesterday. It normally ‘churns’ over for about 2-3 seconds before firing but in the past days this ‘churning’ has become longer until yesterday evening when it just wouldn’t fire-up even when warm.

When started it runs like a dream – 45-50mpg, ultra-smooth, no oil usage, no smoking, no warning lights etc. and is a joy to drive.

I had thought that there may be a glow plug problem but I discounted this yesterday after I tried an unsuccessful restart a couple hours after a 100-mile round trip, with the engine still warm. My other thought is the possibility of a blocked fuel filter (wherever this is located?) as it has seen no replacement in my ownership.

I connected my Foxwell NT650 Elite scanning tool and the only faults that are displayed relate to the ABS/ESP system and airbags.

Any assistance would be much appreciated.

Richard Carr

A Although I am not confident that renewing the fuel filter will rectify the problem, this is something which I would certainly carry-out first. The fuel filter on your E46 BMW is a cylindrical filter 274mm in length and 55mm in diameter – the Crossland part number should be 503110208.

This is fitted in the fuel line under the vehicle and is normally covered by a shield.

If this does not prove to remedy the problem then BMW do state that when experiencing lack of power or problems starting then the high-pressure pump and injectors should be checked along with the pressure control valve, they