cold start problems with 320i

[andy111]

Having real problems trying to start a 320i when its cold, it can sometimes take 10 mins to get it going which is going to eventually knacker the starter and battery. The car runs fine for the rest of the day after its been started but the problems start again the following morning. Had the same problem last winter but in the summer it always starts with no problems. Occasionally it sarts first time but this is becoming less frequent. Have changed the ecu, plugs., leads and cold start thermostat but it hasnt made a difference.
Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[ldsbeaker]

Try a new battery.

[sweetlilbug]

I feel ya! I have the same problem with my 325i every cold morning.

[and0pand0]

Battery:
What's the CCA (cold cranking amps) rating on your battery? Make sure it's about 500-550 or more. Also, clean the terminals on the battery and the ground to the body. If the battery is in your trunk, just follow the negative cable to the bolt that has all the corrosion on it =) If the starter sounds like it's turning at decent speed (more high pitched) then the battery should be OK.

Starter:
Don't run the starter for more than 15 seconds at a time, or it will heat up and stop working entirely. If the solenoid is bad on the starter, your starter could spin and spin and spin all day long, but if it's not engaging the flywheel (solenoid's job) it wont start the car. Itermittent starts can be narrowed down to a bad ring gear on your flywheel sometimes. Try to remove the starter and look at your flywheel. Is your ring gear still attached? Spin it (in neutral, but it will be hard to move). Are teeth missing?

You could remove the starter from the car, along with your battery, take it to a workbench and get a couple heavy cables and someone to hold it down while you jump it. The pinion on the starter should pop outward and spin very fast. This is how you will know the starter/solenoid is good, and this is how most shops test starters, only they charge you for an hour's labor. If the pinon doesn't pop out, the solenoid is bad. You can do this yourself with basic hand tools. Just jump the B+ side on the solenoid to the ground on the starter.

[WardJ]

could be a few things:
battery dead
something wrong with the fuel system
fuel injector leaking

look at those! let me know

-Wardo

[andy111]

thanks guys. sorry about the delay in replying-dont have one myself and have to use my bro's. car was particularly bad at starting tonight but will check the battery and CCA rating tomorrow and let you know. Dont think it can be the starter though as the problem only happens in the cold

thanks

andy