1997 p38 wont start as if out of diesel

i have a 1997 p38 2.5 diesel (bmw engine). if i try to start it, it will just turn over for ages and then start firing and eventually start, once its running i can pull off and it cuts out as if lack of fuel. i try to start again and it turns over again and takes ages to start???? can anyone help as its doing my head in driving our lasses punto......thanks.

in tank fuel pump mate,had same problem myself. check for bubels in clear fuel line,if there is then thats your problem.

Had the same problem with mine too (when I had it). I found that if I kept the fuel level above a quarter, the engine pump was enough to pull the fuel through. Below that and I'd get the same as you're getting. Ran it like that for a couple of years with no problems.......

Derek Ward said:

Had the same problem with mine too (when I had it). I found that if I kept the fuel level above a quarter, the engine pump was enough to pull the fuel through. Below that and I'd get the same as you're getting. Ran it like that for a couple of years with no problems.......

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nice one cheers mate its just under quarter aswell. thanks very much

thomas tiernan said:

in tank fuel pump mate,had same problem myself. check for bubels in clear fuel line,if there is then thats your problem.

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cheers mate ill check tomorrow thanks

I had same problem and it turned out to be the glow plugs