My 89 740 just died the other day, then was ok after "resting". Then a few days later really died - won't restart for anything. Took sparkplug out and no spark while cranking. Do you think it's the coil? Is there an electronic module in the distributor housing? Ideas?

Tom

Are you in the US? Is your car a turbo, or a normally aspirated car? 1989 US NA cars have LH 2.4 Jetronic with an RPM sensor mounted in a recess in the top of the bell housing, just under the distributor. The first generation of these is marked with a yellow band and are prone to failure. The second generation is marked with white and are much more reliable.

1989 US turbo cars still have the LH 2.2 Jetronic with Hall effect pick up in the distributor. The Hall effect does occassionally fail, and the plastic connector at the bottom of the distributor can also fail and leave all three wires to the Hall effect chafing on the distributor. I have had both Hall effect failures, and the bad connector with chafed wires.

The power stage (ignition amplifier) on the left front wheel well can also fail, but this is less likely.

Go to the 700/900 FAQ for more detailed information.