Engine will not turnover! - BMW Forum

Cronje · 01-14-2010, 01:32 AM

Hi All, I need some assistance. I have inherited my dad's old 1988 BMW 320i Automatic. The car was running well until I refueled and it began running erratically.

Now when I try and start the car all the lights come on but, nothing except for a ticking sound by what I think is the fuel injection system. Other than that nothing!

Could you please point me in some direction as I have no idea as to where I should even start to look...

carguy13 · 01-14-2010, 01:36 AM

i would say probably the starter...

carguy13 · 01-14-2010, 01:36 AM

great car btw...have any pics?

marti5 · 01-14-2010, 03:30 AM

Is the battery fully charged ?

brettski · 01-14-2010, 03:55 AM

If you put your interior lights on and try to start the car do the lights dim at all?

Cronje · 01-15-2010, 01:36 AM

I tried the horn and it sounds loudly. The interior light dim very slightly when I try and start the car. All connections to the starter seem secure. When I turn the key there is a clicking sound that comes form the glove compartment side (left hand side) could there be a problem with fuses/controller etc. I have checked all the fuses and they appear to be operational.

marti5 · 01-15-2010, 03:23 AM

If all else works fine, then this points to the starter motor as Carguy has mentioned, try shorting the starter motor with ignition on and see what happens...

brettski · 01-15-2010, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marti5

If all else works fine, then this points to the starter motor as Carguy has mentioned, try shorting the starter motor with ignition on and see what happens...

Make sure the car is in neutral when you do this.

marti5 · 01-15-2010, 04:36 AM

Its an automatic, so it wont turn over unless in 'P' or 'N'

brettski · 01-15-2010, 04:39 AM

Does that hold true even if you are effectively hot wiring it? Anyway, safety first.

marti5 · 01-15-2010, 04:56 AM

The ecu and egs will not allow the engine to turn over unless its in P or N, whether its hot wired or by normal means.

brettski · 01-15-2010, 05:00 AM

I can understand how they will stop the engine from firing, but how will they stop the starter from enagaging and cranking the engine over?

marti5 · 01-15-2010, 05:45 AM

They don't stop the engine from firing they stop the engine from cranking and send a signal to the starter not to turn. So even with the ignition switched on and in D or R it will not allow the starter to turn even if you short it. The only way you may possibly do it is to remove the ignition block from the rear of the starter...but then I think that wouldn't work due to the ECU detecting the disconnection which would then possibly immobilise the car and set the alarm off.

Also the Input shaft would be engaged in the transmission, the EGS will know this and and send a signal to the ECU, which basically shuts everything off to do with an engine starting, spark/fuel pump etc etc.

brettski · 01-15-2010, 05:50 AM

I guess I am taking a too simplistic view of the starter control, seeing it as a basic electric motor which would turn when there is 12v source applied to it.

marti5 · 01-15-2010, 06:00 AM

These cars are full of electronics as you well know, they are getting more complex by the minute and we are getting older by the minute and just cant keep up....I will have fun when I get hold of an e65/e66 or an FO1 in the future especially with the added bonus of idrive, I will definitely have to buy two and strip one down....