Engine shut off/would not restart at traffic light

[TheGodfather]

Just when I though I was out, it pulls me back in. More problems related to the cold.

I had only been driving the vehicle for 3 mins, when after stopped at a red light the engine shut off as I attempted to drive upon seeing the green signal. All lights and electronics were functioning, only the engine died.

Observations:

- Smelled fuel in the cabin after start up.
- Fuel was a quarter full --> moisture in fuel lines, frozen, no gas?
- The vehicle started up however took a tad longer to crank than usual, I thought, for a split second I thought I would need a jump.
- Tried jump starting after the traffic light incident, no success. Cranking noises, all lights on and functioning, but no engine ignition.
- -15 degrees C, it has been hella colder than this, however it might be worth mentioning we have been fluctuating from +10 C to -30C frequently over the past week or so. No exaggeration. Perhaps this has led to condensation in my empty-ish fuel tank?

It is funny how within the last day or two I read on here, about someones recommendation to keep the fuel full for this very reason, and I thought,"hmmm, good advice." But never put it into action. I hooooppeee!! This is the culprit.

I am hoping this is a frozen fuel line incident. Any ideas?

Tomorrow I am going to fill up the tank, and try it out. It will be -6 C tomorrow, hopefully this is as warm as it needs.

Thanks,

[1stE53]

That's terrible. I had something similar happen to me in my other car. Just turned off when slowing for a turn. Happened two years ago, no one ever found anything wrong with it and it hasn't happened since. Wish I could be more help.

[JCL]

If it is spinning over OK, you don't need a jumpstart.

Could be fuel, or ignition. Since you could smell fuel, seems you had enough fuel flow and it would be more likely to be ignition.

Always a good idea to keep the tank in the top half in cold weather.

So is it stranded, or did it restart? Either way, start with the codes.

[TheGodfather]

Originally Posted by JCL

If it is spinning over OK, you don't need a jumpstart.

Could be fuel, or ignition. Since you could smell fuel, seems you had enough fuel flow and it would be more likely to be ignition.

Always a good idea to keep the tank in the top half in cold weather.

So is it stranded, or did it restart? Either way, start with the codes.

Thanks JCL,

It is stranded in a Taco Bell parking lot, luckily the lot was at the intersection the car died in. Some great folks pushed me out of the intersection and a tow got me in the lot.

I sure hope it is not the ignition. I agree that it is not the battery, though I was hopeful it was.

When turning the key, the vehicle makes the signature BMW "starting sound" over and over. If that makes any sense? The sound your X5 makes just before the engine ignites and you breath a subconscious sigh of relief. This as opposed to "clicking"which is what I heard when my battery was fully drained a couple of months ago.

As a further confession, I have been habitually not filling my tank up fully or even past half for a week or two now. Either due to being in a rush, or kidding myself in thinking spending less more frequently feels better.
^That's me clinging onto the fuel line freeze!!

The only unusual thing is, why would an ignition failure occur when the engine is already running? Perhaps I need some elaboration on what you mean by ignition? My understanding was that the ignition would be a factor if the car didn't start in the first place.

[JCL]

Essentially, engines only need three things to run: Compression, fuel, and ignition. Those things do need to be in the correct ratios, and at the right time, but that is it. Ignition is just spark. If you didn't have spark, you would flood it and smell fuel. An ignition problem could be anything from an ignition switch, to a control module, to a sensor, to the spark plugs. Ignition problems are far more common than fuel problems.

[TheGodfather]

Originally Posted by JCL

Essentially, engines only need three things to run: Compression, fuel, and ignition. Those things do need to be in the correct ratios, and at the right time, but that is it. Ignition is just spark. If you didn't have spark, you would flood it and smell fuel. An ignition problem could be anything from an ignition switch, to a control module, to a sensor, to the spark plugs. Ignition problems are far more common than fuel problems.

Makes perfect sense. Thank you.

[TheGodfather]

I noticed wet fuel around the fuel line located where the dipstick is in this picture. The connection was loose. When I pulled it out it gushed fuel. I re-inserted firmly. Could this initially have been a fuel pressure or obstruction problem?

X5 is still dead, and I imagine, if the engine is getting fuel, it is flooded by now.

I am going to get it towed to my place (free).

I am going to remove the spark plugs and change the oil so I can get fuel out of there. I will then let it sit to "dry up" while it is warm. Weather forecasts predict + daytime temps for a weekish.

If this is of no use, then it is off to the crappy lethbridge mechanics to deal with it.

Any suggestions on how to dry up a flooded engine?

[amacman]

don`t forget to have the diagnostics read in case it has dropped a cam / crank sensor .

[TheGodfather]

Originally Posted by amacman

don`t forget to have the diagnostics read in case it has dropped a cam / crank sensor .

Yea, I'm just going to throw in the towel.

Bite the bullet shell out the cash for a tow, diagnostic, and repair.

Knowing my car is sitting inoperable in a public parking lot, is just too damn stressful.

I have exams and classes to attend this week, what a bloody headache.

I just spent ~500 on the thermostat issue a month or two ago. Now I am guesstimating another ~500 for this. I know, I know its the cost of maintaining a BMW with 280,000 KM that is regularly subjected to the shittiest weather.

[TheGodfather]

It started!

But now VIOLENT SHAKING LOUD ENGINE NOISES!

Scary sounding, and now I feel worst than when it wouldn't start.

No engine light, tachometer does not jump.

The noise is very erratic, and loud, and physical.

Is this major misfiring?