1989 740 GL starts up then dies

[rgk]

Have you tried starting the car with the MAF unplugged? What other parameters are present when the car dies? For example, does it happen when you press your foot on the brake?

In any case, I know how you feel and I've been there. Don't give up.

Look at it this way: the problem exists because something is not functioning correctly. When you find what that something is, it will probably be very easy to fix it. The hard part is finding it.

But you know it exists. It's not in your head. You're not crazy.

You may be tired, frustrated, and hopeless. Maybe you need some time away from the problem. Maybe you need to relax.

Of course it's way more frustrating if this car is your daily driver. But if that is so, can you rely on another form of transportation, such as walking, biking, taking a bus, or asking for a ride?

Having some time away from the problem in order to relax will let you sort things out and organize them properly. When you can do that, you can efficiently tackle the issue.

I think a big source of your frustration is the fact that you have decided to tackle the problem by replacing parts one by one. This is an inefficient way of handling the problem. The more money you sink into the problem, the more hopeless it appears. But it still is, and always has been, one problem.

The silver lining is that now you have a list of parts which you know to be new, and probably not fail for a while. You can reasonably exclude them from future issues.

Let me say it again: don't give up. Had I given up years ago on the brakes to my (long gone) '85 244, I wouldn't be half the man I am today. I wouldn't have taken amazing road trips, gotten a great job, or owned awesome cars.

That repair took me four months to realize and understand. I persevered, stubbornly and angrily pushing through the problem until the answer manifested itself to me - how, I can't exactly recall, but I know it was due to a combination of research and experience.

Do your research and record your experience. You will be a better man or woman for it.

[GrogWrench]

Yo.
Did you ever resolve this?
Asking for me, who is about to buy one from WV and tow it home.

[volvolugnut]

GrogWrench,
Note the last post in this thread was 2015. Best to start a new post with your questions.
volvolugnut