I have a BMW L reg 316 and wont start..? started up one day then cut out a few seconds later... since then, it turns over, trying to start and wont fire up. spark plugs are ok but arent sparking? any help? please?!

That could be water in the fuel tank, dirty fuel injectors, or a dirty fuel filter, just for a start.

try disconnecting air flow sensor or replace it with a known good one

check TDI crank sensor. It might be missing pulses due to some faulty plug or connection.

try looking at the ignition lock/starter relay.as a fist step.

It sounds like an inlet manifold seal. Try to rev the engine up to about 1500 revs, if it runs ok, then it's either that or your air-flow mass meter

get it diagnosed correctly before you end up buring up the catalytic converters.

next time it wont start, spray some starter fluid into the air intake on the engine, if it fires then you have spark, if not.....prolly a spark issue.

BMW CUTS OUT
A few things to check.

1. Is fuel pump delivering enough fuel.
2. Is injectors clean. Perhaps dirt in fuel. replace fuel filter
3. Air leakage at top air intake of manifold at ICV idle control valve. Two hoses inside this housing prone to perishing.
4. Throttle position sensor faulty.
5. Mass air flow sensor faulty.
6. ICV faulty or dirty. comon fault on older e36.

Havent done it yet but ICV is easy to clean according to internet. instruction available at bmw e36 blog. All off above can be tested by yourself according to manual.

Not a problem, the fuel pump is in the rear passenger side (under the back seat) pop out the seat held by too clips onto the the rear seat, take out the sound deadining pad, undo the big black cover and get water pump pliers too undo the white cover lift out the pump, you should check the fuel gauge to see how much fuel is in the tank, no need to drain as long as you dont want petrol on your hands.
When you take the pump out, the most common problem is the thin Brown wire snaps off the sender unit, it buzzes but wont start. It should be around £30 for a good second hand pump.

I hope this helps.

either a wiring problem or a circuit board problem from behind the clocks.there are 2 type of clocks for this specific model.any reputable bm breakers can sell u 1 4 30-40quid.it will take 5mins to do all u need is a torquescrewdriver.2 small screws at top of clocks just under the top of dash