jrgrabill@yahoo.com

thanks so much, all other bmw guys say i could be anything and tell me to take it to there shop, this is some of the first real advise ive gotten, thanks again

Just got your message now...been away for a while. One thing to check for on the older BMW engines is vacuum pressure. The vacuum hoses have a habit of cracking over time and unable to hold a negative pressure. The engine will absolutely not run without proper vacuum. Newer engines have engine computers that can compensate for the lack but as you likely know, your 320i did not have much for an engine computer. In fact, it used a predecessor to motronic called "L-Jetronic" which...relied on vacuum pressure to properly maintain engine performance and general running condition.

So, check your rubber hoses. Also, if there are any open hose connectors on the intake manifold, make sure they are sealed. Of course, make sure there wasn't supposed to be a hose there to begin with (I've been across several E-3 and E-12's that had missing hoses...not surprisingly, they also didn't run).