79 240d stopped running
 

Was running great, then suddenly started to act like it was running out of fuel, then cleared up and ran for a few miles. Sat for two days and when I drove it it ran great for a few blocks and started to cut out again. Then it cut of and would re-start but ran poorly, then it would run okay for a few seconds and start to die again, or run really rough. Any guesses. Fuel filters look new, though I plan to install new ones today. Unfortunately, I don't have my tools, so i'm limited in what I can do. The temp was around twenty-five this morning, if it matters.
One day I'll learn to stop buying cars out of town without my tools.

If you just purchased the car and it had been sitting around for some time I would check for growth in the fuel. Is your pre=filter black? When removing main fuel filter pour contents in glass and have a look. Your description is almost absolutly fuel supply issues. Could also be an air leak as well but still amounts to fuel supply problems.

I did just purchase it, but the fuel looks clear. I
 

pulled the fuel return line and manually pumped the fuel pump. I also pulled one of the injectors and pumped. However, I never got a flow of fuel from the injector - is that normal? And when you say a air leak do you mean air in the line from an actual break in a line or a pump problem. I'm guessing that the fuel pump is where the fuel line goes in just after the primary filter and has a cap that is spring loaded for priming. Is that correct, (and if so does it need to be turned or just pumped). Anyway, after removing the lines and pumping I put it back together and it ran great, again, for several miles. You think I should anticipate the same problem again?

It sounds like your fuel filters were plugging up. Did you change them as Barry suggested, did you find "black goo"?:eek:

Also check your fuel shut off valve for holding vacuum. I have seen them actuall hold the vacuum and not release it fully causing the car to run terrible. But check your filters first.

Unfortunately,
 

I only had time to check the primary filter and it seemed okay with clear fuel in it. I started it this morning and it ran great for about 30 seconds before dying, and then it wouldn't re-start. I had to leave town so I dropped it at a shop to troubleshoot it. My other thought is that there is some contaminate in the fuel. Where is the fuel shut off valve?