Running, but not starting - BMW Forum

mystical beemer · 09-07-2011, 03:09 PM

Hi all,

New to the site, I have been trying to find a solution to my particular problem on the internet but to no avail............

So am trying this medium to see if I can get some answers on here.

Right then,will try and keep it simple~

I have a 1987 BMW 325i (e30) my problem is that the car will not start by turning the key in the ignition(although it will turn over and wants to start)

It can be pushed and will bump start,and keep running but when you turn off the engine and try to restart with the key my baby says noooooooooooo.

M B

brettski · 09-08-2011, 05:34 AM

What shape is the battery in? If you connect it to a known good battery or a heavy duty jump starting kit, will it start then?
If you put your lights on when you try cranking it over, do the lights dim dramatically?
Once its running, does it idle and rev ok, even with the high beam & AC on?

mystical beemer · 09-08-2011, 08:28 AM

Battery was a brand new 1, 7 or 8 months back.

Haven't tried heavy duty cables,(none readily available),also figured that with it turning over the battery is good.
Didn't try lights as it was in daytime when I got it running by bump start.
AC works fine as do the leccy mirrors and stereo... admittedly I hadn't or didn't consider the charge in the battery

when she was running she sounded ok, but to the 'trained ear' the idling tickover was dipping and rising very slightly.

hope this helps

Jack Dabsy · 09-08-2011, 01:39 PM

Does the starter spin freely or would you say "Not as I would like it to" ?
Does your E30 have an ECU or Dizzy?

dj_rookie · 09-08-2011, 01:46 PM

what is the battery kicking in volts without engine running? it should be around 12 v... then bump start it or whatever you need to do to get it running and check with the engine running.... it should be at around 13.5v giive or take about .3-4v... it may be your battery and/or it may be your alternator.... also check all of your fuses

Jack Dabsy · 09-08-2011, 01:47 PM

Good answer DJ, missed that one lol

dj_rookie · 09-08-2011, 01:51 PM

cheers dabsy, was just trying to help with a bit of common sence lol. im sure you thought of it, but didnt mention lol

Jack Dabsy · 09-08-2011, 01:56 PM

Yeah, I was working from the ground up lol

mystical beemer · 09-08-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_rookie

what is the battery kicking in volts without engine running? it should be around 12 v... then bump start it or whatever you need to do to get it running and check with the engine running.... it should be at around 13.5v giive or take about .3-4v... it may be your battery and/or it may be your alternator.... also check all of your fuses

Non running @ 12v, will bump again tomoz and re-check whilst running,all fuses have been checked and are good.

thanks for info/ideas:

Alternator,battery voltage running/not running

mystical beemer · 09-08-2011, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dabsy

Does the starter spin freely or would you say "Not as I would like it to" ?
Does your E30 have an ECU or Dizzy?

spins freely...........

An ecu last 3 digits 173, replaced this when I first got the car

Jack Dabsy · 09-09-2011, 02:07 PM

Does it match your chassis number?
The LAST five digits need to match or it will be a donor and the key may not be programmed to it !!
Otherwise, it could be an air lock in the fuel line as the starter won't turn it over as quick as a bump-start...
Try purging the injector rail using the valve then try starting with key!