2005 325xi Car Starts Then Dies

Alright I just got done doing a coolant overhaul (thermostat, water pump, hoses, et, and sensors) and go to start my car and it dies within 2 seconds. I try this like 5x, same thing. It will rev if I give it gas but dies soon as I take my foot of the pedal. No ses light, no vacuum leaks, all sensors on tight, no tears in the intake. It does the same with or without maf pluged up. New battery and starter. I am stumped lol. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Did you put the belts on right? Does it sound normal for the time it is running?

I had the same problem yesterday with my 03 325xi....had a bad ignition coil...also replaced the fuel filter. Runs good now....

Everything is on right and the car doesn't have any codes so I doubt it the ignition coil

Pretty tricky, seems like the more you put into proper maintenance the more problems you'll have haha.

Soft fail of the fuel pump is a possibility. I'd try to find a local forum member w software to view live engine data. The absence of a check engine light doesn't necessarily mean your car isn't providing codes (aka clues!)

If the engine is stalling, there should be a code of some kind (misfire, lean condition, etc). Check spark plugs for fowling and then the fuel pump for proper operation. Also, check the connector to the fuel pump. Mine worked its way loose one time and the car refused to start. Tightened up the connector and it was good to go.

I have an obd scanner and there is no codes stay running if I give it gas but dies if I take my foot off don't think it's the fuel pump

Originally Posted by SamDoe1

If the engine is stalling, there should be a code of some kind (misfire, lean condition, etc). Check spark plugs for fowling and then the fuel pump for proper operation. Also, check the connector to the fuel pump. Mine worked its way loose one time and the car refused to start. Tightened up the connector and it was good to go.

+1 on something as simple as a poor fuel pump connection. Take some electrical connection cleaner and give the terminals a well deserved cleaning.

You'll get no codes when the idle valve starts to fail.

I don't really trust ODB readers, they can take forever to throw codes. I'd still try to find someone w PA Soft, INPA, etc who can see engine data in real time.

But if the icv starts to fail it should give some symptoms? The car had no problems prior to this and still doesn't through any codes. I am so lost. I guess it's time for new car.

Check the electrical connections on it. Can't hurt to pull it out and look at it. If it has failed, it'll be pretty obvious that it has.

My 2003 325xi does the very same thing except that it does that only once. It stalls at first when the car is started with cold engine. But if I start it after that first stall, it becomes fine. I am wondering if this is a similar problem? Or do you think it could be leaky sealing? like vanos?

^ That sounds like more of a fuel related issue. Pump is not delivering enough pressure right away.

Any resolution to this problem? I having the same issue.

Quick field test...

Lift the rear seat up and shove it partially out the passenger door. Pull back the rubber 8", fuel pump cover behind the drivers seat. Place your ear over the pump area. Listen to the pump as a helper rolls the key to position 2. Does the pump make any sound? Clicks or whirring?

Mine went DOA with no warning. Start-die-start-die. After 8 attempts finally - no start. No codes registered. Yours may sound labored or uneven as partially spinning. Mine made no sound whatsoever. Your results may vary.

Same symptoms as my car (2004 330xi) last year, replaced fuel pump.