93 E36 325is 85% Battery, New Starter...Not cranking over but all power works?

[Z.O]

This is my 1st e36 and ever since I bought it the past month, it will have its days when it doesn't want to start up. I turn the key and all of the radio,windows,light functions works but still not starting...Let is sit for a while then all of a sudden it cranks right up. I've had to get it jump started a few times and that makes the car start up right away with no hesitation.

I took it to a local BMW Mechanic and it shows the battery has plenty of power and the starter looks newer..but it never failed to start the 2 days I had them trying to diagnose the issue.

Any ideas? or has anyone else have this problem? Need it fixed ASAP so I'm not stranded.

[mustang_john]

When you say jump started, I assume you're meaning using jump leads and a second battery. If that's the case, I would get a second opinion on the battery. How was it tested? Also whilst car is running, test the output from the alternator with a multimeter. Should be between about 13V to 14V with everything turned on, lights, aircon, heated windows, the lot. If it less than 12.5, suspect alternator, if its more than 14.5V again alternator.

Other than that, next port of call would be a lazy starter or sticking solenoid.

After that you're into some kind of intermitent electrical fault .

Good luck.