Cold weather will not start

1994 BMW 525I
168,000 MILES
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JESSICAB522
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Hi guys, i know that this is a common problem, especially up north. But, i live in Texas.

The car will not start when the temperatures are fifty degrees or less.

It has been in and out of repair shops for years and they have never figured out the problem.
Sep 23, 2017 at 9:37 AM
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STEVE W.
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What does it do, crank over but not start?
Nothing?
Crank over and tries to start but will not?
What happens if you spray some starting fluid into the intake and try starting it then?
Have any parts been replaced while trying to fix the issue?

It sounds like it could be a bad coolant temperature sensor, if the ECU thinks it is warmer than it really is, it will not trigger the system to provide more fuel for a cold start.
Sep 23, 2017 at 11:50 PM
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JESSICAB522
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Thanks for responding. It cranks over, but, won't start.
Haven't tried spraying starter fluid. Of course, won't know until it gets cold enough outside.

7/13/11 - Catalytic Converter
10/15/11 - Air Mass Meter - 10/15/11

12/13/12 - Temperature Sensor - Drain Plug Washer

12/12 - DME Relay - Coolant Temperature Sensor - Intake Air Temp Sensor for Fuel Injection System

1/18/13 - replaced: Crank Position Sensor - 2 Relays - Thermostat Housing - Multi Rib Belt drivebelt

3/2017 - Pump Water Auxiliary
5/2017 - Radiator

9/27/17 - Water Pump - Fan Clutch - Radiator Coolant Sensor
Ordered Coolant Level Sender to put on

Sep 29, 2017 at 9:01 AM
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STRAILER
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It sounds like a fuel pump problem when it doesn't start can you hear the pump running in the back?
Sep 30, 2017 at 5:01 PM
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STEVE W.
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Hmm, know anyone with a cold storage warehouse? The other approach would be to use component cooler and spray each sensor until you found the one that doesn't like the cold.
I've seen just about ever type of sensor or module become temperature sensitive but they can be hard to track down unless you get specific failures.
You've had most of the common suspects replaced already. Another test when it gets cold enough involves a heat gun/hair drier. Heat up the suspected part and see if it runs.
Sep 30, 2017 at 8:03 PM