Robotson Posted May 17, 2017 Report Share Posted May 17, 2017 My '03 330ci has just started to randomly not start. Its not the battery, because when it doesn't start, it isn't making that loud ticking noise (I've had failed batteries in e46s several times!). All the lights come on, everything is normal, but when you turn the key all the way to ignition, nothing happens - no ticking, no start-up motor noise, nothing! Everything just remains the same, almost as if you haven't even tried to start it. I was sat in a car park trying to get it to start, and eventually it did after I got out and locked and then unlocked it. Another time yesterday it also started when I pressed the brake at the same time, but I assume that was a coincidence. I'm dreading that its something to do with the immobiliser system (as in the OEM one). As when I changed the battery in my old e46's key, and the car then didn't recognise that old key, that car also wouldn't start in the very same way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rasa Posted May 18, 2017 Report Share Posted May 18, 2017 might have somethi g to do with the key fob battery,the codes get reset ,so i assume it could be immoboliser not getting code until you use key. Robotson 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robotson Posted May 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2017 On 5/18/2017 at 06:45, rasa said: might have somethi g to do with the key fob battery,the codes get reset ,so i assume it could be immoboliser not getting code until you use key. Hmm. But half the time it just starts immediately as if there is no problem at all. So far I've tried both keys, and the issue is identical with both, so that leads me to believe it can't be to do with the key(s). I cleaned both keys with electrical cleaner and tried again - and still the same issue. I don't think it can be the starter motor because like I said, half the time it starts immediately. So now I'm thinking ignition switch or ignition barrel? I'll get the RAC out on it this week to hopefully diagnose it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rasa Posted May 23, 2017 Report Share Posted May 23, 2017 even just a slight dodgy connection to starter can cause problems,also the inside/bushes can get worn and cause problems,id get starter checked,meliminate causes to find the rrot cause,always better than replacing oparts to find it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robotson Posted May 23, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 23, 2017 8 hours ago, rasa said: even just a slight dodgy connection to starter can cause problems,also the inside/bushes can get worn and cause problems,id get starter checked,meliminate causes to find the rrot cause,always better than replacing oparts to find it. There are bushes for the starter motor? Weird. I'm gonna call the RAC out as I get free breakdown with my insurance, hopefully they'll be able to diagnose it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rasa Posted May 24, 2017 Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 16 hours ago, Robotson said: There are bushes for the starter motor? Weird. I'm gonna call the RAC out as I get free breakdown with my insurance, hopefully they'll be able to diagnose it. sorry not exactly bushes,but the electrical componenets,i was having a senior moment and thinking of alternator.. Robotson 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LV426 Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 Crankshaft sensor ? Robotson 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robotson Posted May 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 Haha, shall we have a sweepstake? I'm going for ignition switch or ignition barrel. Something ignition based anyway! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LV426 Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 Maybe your car battery is a bit low ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robotson Posted May 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 I don't think it is the battery, because it's totally intermittent, and I'm not getting any of the clicking noise when it doesn't start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robotson Posted May 27, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2017 AA reckon it's the starter motor. Of course when they arrived it stated first time every time! 😂 But he said those symptoms are most likely to mean the starter. As the key is starting the fuel pump every time even when the car doesn't start. Eurocarparts are doing a sale this weekend luckily, so I got a new one for £50 rather than £80. ibrahimx2001 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robotson Posted May 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2017 As the starter motor is such a pig to get to, and you have to remove the exhaust manifold and other such things, is it a good time to get the vanos seals done at the same time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robotson Posted June 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2017 On 5/17/2017 at 13:04, Robotson said: My '03 330ci has just started to randomly not start. Its not the battery, because when it doesn't start, it isn't making that loud ticking noise (I've had failed batteries in e46s several times!). All the lights come on, everything is normal, but when you turn the key all the way to ignition, nothing happens - no ticking, no start-up motor noise, nothing! Everything just remains the same, almost as if you haven't even tried to start it. I was sat in a car park trying to get it to start, and eventually it did after I got out and locked and then unlocked it. Another time yesterday it also started when I pressed the brake at the same time, but I assume that was a coincidence. I'm dreading that its something to do with the immobiliser system (as in the OEM one). As when I changed the battery in my old e46's key, and the car then didn't recognise that old key, that car also wouldn't start in the very same way! So in the end.. it wasn't the starter motor. It was just the bloody key failing! £80 for a repair from a lovely polish bloke called Greg from http://bmw-key-replacement.com/ . Highly recommend them for any key/EWS/immobiliser/DME/ECU issues. Got all the little niggles fixed on the car now and its a joy to drive Next just going to get it de-tinted as I'm not a fan of the black rear windows, and then just have a little scrape on the rear bumper to get resprayed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
