...sounds like the fuel pump, restricted fuel filter causing pump backup (overpressurization before the filter resulting in reduced flow through pump causing heat buildup in pump), or the pickup screen in the intank pump is almost totally restricted. If you've recently run very low on gas or run out of gas, the pickup screen will be clogged and you will also have to change the fuel filter.
To verify, check your idle fuel pressure (3.0bar) and if possible, try to setup the pressure gauge to where you can see it while you drive. There should no dip...in fact a slight increase in fuel pressure when accelerating. As you back off the throttle, pressure should settle back down to 3.0bar.
You can also do a fuel delivery test...should get a little over a quart of fuel in about 40 seconds if the pump is functioning properly. You will have to pop the top off the FP relay and manually push the contacts together with your fingers to get the pumps to run. (USE CAUTION: ELIMINATE ANY SOURCES OF IGNITION...OUTDOORS OR WELL VENTILATED LOCATION...ABC EXTINGUISHER HANDY...GOGGLES...NEOPRENE GLOVES)

1986 L7 (04/86)
1985 528e (10/84)

• 88 535is shuts off without warning - pietern740il 2008-04-29 16:30:30 (73 views)
  • Re: 88 535is shuts off without warning - Sean 2008-04-30 08:22:36 (63 views)
    • The problem started two weeks ago - pietern740il 2008-04-30 18:55:19 (47 views)
      • Re: The problem started two weeks ago - Sean 2008-05-01 09:42:54 (54 views)
        • I have to run these tests tomorrow - pietern740il 2008-05-01 21:59:57 (38 views)
          • Re: I have to run these tests tomorrow - Sean 2008-05-02 07:50:33 (34 views)
  • Not used on your car according to the ETK. Also I have never heard of it. (nt) - Roy In GA 2008-04-30 00:02:12 (48 views)
    • Re: Not used on your car according to the ETK. Also I have never heard of it. (nt) - pietern740il 2008-04-30 18:55:49 (49 views)
      • Its 88 535IS auto (nt) - pietern740il 2008-04-30 18:56:37 (52 views)
        • Relay is overheating due to excess load (long) - Area52 2008-04-30 23:12:12 (43 views)
          • Pump makes noise a while driving - pietern740il 2008-05-01 22:11:07 (42 views)
            • Ace Hardware... - Area52 2008-05-03 09:51:17 (44 views)
              • Thank you, Thank You - Problem Solved - pietern740il 2008-05-06 01:11:25 (56 views)
                • Re: Thank you, Thank You - Problem Solved - Sean 2008-05-07 19:05:45 (36 views)
                • Huzzah!....New Jersey Nigel is two tests away from Master Mechanic! - Area52 2008-05-06 19:57:02 (38 views)
                  • What a feeling, it feels so good - pietern740il 2008-05-12 11:44:00 (38 views)
                    • Very cool...glad you understand the principles!... - Area52 2008-05-13 21:26:38 (35 views)
                      • Forgot to add...watch where you buy gasoline... - Area52 2008-05-13 21:42:15 (39 views)
                        • Thank, I only use name brand gas - pietern740il 2008-05-14 21:37:13 (33 views)
              • Disconnect the fuel feed to the rail at the back and add the gauge. (nt) - Roy In GA 2008-05-03 13:17:07 (37 views)
            • Re: Pump makes noise a while driving - Sean 2008-05-02 07:44:30 (38 views)