Not Cranking, quit starting... - BMW Forum

Jedz123 · 12-22-2008, 08:12 PM

MY 86 325e will refuse to crank...

I got up this morning to go to work and figured I would warm my car up a bit while I brush it off before I'd go to work. Well I get into the car depressed the clutch, turned the key and nothing... I sat gave it a minute, put my ears on max listening mode and tried again. I heard the fuel pump prime, watched all the lights come to life on the dash board and felt the blower fan come on but no crank from under the hood. Well I instantly assumed the battery was dead. I was confused on why it would die for I started the car 8 hours prior. I had to move it around early this morning in my drive so I could remove the 18+" of snow that built up over this weekend. So I put my battery charger on the car (the charger said it was near full) and let it charge while I was at work. I get back around 5ish and the battery is fully charged and I go to try again. Yet again nothing, not a peep from my starter only the whine of a priming fuel pump from the back. So slightly pissed I went down to my warm basement grabbed and took off my Miata's Fully Charged and very warm Battery from the trickle charger and I installed it on the BMW. Yet again not a crank. Both batteries are equal in cranking power which is 880 cranking amps.

What do you think is wrong with the car? The car has always started and the starter would always kick the car over after one or two cranks even in the coldest of weather. It always sounded healthy when it started the car. I find it puzzling on why it wont crank.

I have noticed that the car would start with or without the clutch pedal depressed so I'm not sure if that might have something to do with it. Not sure where to locate that switch either to diagnose.

Any ideas guys? All I know is that I'm carless until I get this thing fixed.

Thanks
-Jedz

witeshark · 12-22-2008, 08:32 PM

There is no clutch starter cut off (it'll start clutch up). Your next look may be at the starter itself and the electrics to it.

Jedz123 · 12-22-2008, 08:33 PM

I went to try it again for Funzies and yet again nothing I also observed a random little kinda electric motor noise coming from the dash, the brake lining light would come off, the brake light would dim down some, the electric window lights would turn off, the fuel pump would prime and or course the car wouldn't crank when the key was turned to the Start position.

witeshark · 12-22-2008, 08:41 PM

I suspect the starter then.

baker1702 · 12-23-2008, 03:16 PM

I would make sure to check starter relay and fuse box first. Also look at all electrical connections at the starter. Then check starter solenoid. Then take your starter off and take it in. Some part stores will test it for you. Also if you have a loose cable or bad ground this can sometimes be the culprit.

Crispy1st · 12-23-2008, 05:01 PM

Give the starter a knock, that used to work for me untill I finally had to replace it.

k.sidlosky · 12-23-2008, 06:36 PM

yeah hit it witha long pry bar or something if it doesn't work then check for the loose wires chances are your go ing to have to replace the starter I do believe we've replaced atleast two of them now in the cold months but they were on gm cars good luck to ya

vincentmb615 · 12-23-2008, 07:17 PM

are you sure it doesnt have a clutch shut off? some cars do if they go bad the car wont crank cuz it doesnt no the clutch is down

witeshark · 12-23-2008, 07:22 PM

There's none on my E30. AFAIK, never was.

vincentmb615 · 12-23-2008, 07:50 PM

you never know he might have an alarm with remote start that might require that you no what i mean also check fuse if not deff starter

Jedz123 · 12-24-2008, 08:35 PM

Thanks fellas Sorry for not getting back sooner been killer busy with work.

You guys know what number fuse and relay I should be going for? I don't have a manual and there only numbered on the transparent plastic.

The car does not have a Security system... If White Shark says there isn't a clutch switch I believe him...

I'll give the starter a good beating after I check my grounds and Power sources... If it kicks over after I hit it I'll know what my culprit is...

If I'm going to take the starer off for testing I'm going to replace it same with the crank sensor... I hate taking Intake manifolds off...

I'm guessing a starter replacement is in the cards the old girl has 250K miles on her so I'm guessing the starter is original..

Thanks guys!
-Jedz

Jedz123 · 12-28-2008, 10:50 PM

It's affirmative! All I did was knock the starter twice an the old girl kicked right to life... Unfortunately I know the starter is almost up for replacement... You think I can get through the winter with it or can it wait till spring? Crispy 1st how long did you go before you needed to replace the starter? I am not looking forward to that job!

marti5 · 12-29-2008, 07:27 AM

Hi, Mine last 18 months after I gave it a couple of whacks, so you may be lucky or you maybe not!

Crispy1st · 12-29-2008, 10:35 AM

Yah, mine lasted a good while longer untill I got tired of beating the thing up. Glad your rollin' again.

Jedz123 · 12-30-2008, 10:43 PM

My starter just received a letter grade and the grade is F! F for fail I went out to start it up and the car wouldn't turn over... I bought a re manufactured unit from my parts store for 100 bucks I'll be putting in that soon... A Write up may ensue...

Thanks guy Have a happy and safe new years eve!