97 Z3 1.9 Cranks but struggles to start

KP2000

Newbie
Joined
Jul 17, 2025
Points
1
Hi all this is my first post.
So I bought a 97 Z3 couple of months ago. Took for an MOT recently and a coolant pipe gave way and exploded during emissions test. The pipe was replaced but when I got in the car today it was cranking but struggled to start. I had to hit the accelerator a little to get the revs high enough and it would initially really rough idle like it was about to cut out. After a couple seconds driving it's completely fine. Seems to be an issue only on a cold start, once the car is warm it starts much easier. I've tried measuring the voltage on battery but it's fine so that rules out alternator and battery. No lights on the dash so does anyone have any suggestions?
 

IainP

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Feb 20, 2019
Points
125
Location
Out of my Tree, North of Perth, Scotland
Model of Z
1.9
Do check your battery is actually any good, it may be Ok on a meter and still not have enough juice on a cold start. Stick a jump pack, or another car/battery onto the jump point under the bonnet with leads.
Also, check your coolant level hasn’t gone down, even slightly.
 
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