Car doesn't start

[theskill]

My 93 325is will do absolutely nothing when I turn the key. Theres no clicking noise, no buzzing or anything of the sort. Are there any safety features in the car that will stop it from starting besides the clutch and shifter position? Or could this just be a bad starter?

[El Presidente]

When you say nothing, do the lights still power up, or do they not work either? If they don't, your cylinder is beyond busted.

In my car the clutch doesn't need to be in if the car is in nuetral, so I doubt its that. Starters usually don't just die though, they go bad over a period of time. Pus it should still make some noise.

The only time I have not heard my car make a noise when I tryied to start it was when I hit lock on my keyless entry (double locking the car with me inside) and then tried to start it. The car powered up, but the starter didn't even hum. Perhaps you have a malfucntion with that system and part of the car still thinks its double locked.

[justin93]

My car does the exact same thing, everything works but wont turn over, it just quit working one day......

[theskill]

Yeah.. everything works but the starter does nothing. Im sure its the solenoid because it gets power when the key is turned but does not click therefore not supplying power to the starter. If the battery was low it would buzz and if the engine was seized it would click. At least those are my thoughts.

[justin93]

what exactly is the solenoid?

[theskill]

A solenoid is a switch or valve activated by a switch or electronically... They are used to protect the smaller type switches activating them (like your ignition switch) from the high current required by devices that require large amounts of power.

[justin93]

So your saying it might be the selinoid and not the starter....how might this be fixed?

[IAm-Topik]

I work at a BMW shop and I actually just solved this problem with my 93 325is. You can start by taking apart the interior of your car underneath your steering wheel and checking the wiring connecting the key ignition to the starter area. The wire connecting the the steering wheel has a red plug connected to a bundle of wires, it goes down and connects somewhere down closer to the pedals. After replacing this wiring try starting the car again, if this doesn't work go ahead and replace the starter, because chances are its gone bad. Best of luck to ya :

[justin93]

thanks ill try that

[theskill]

Got it fixed. B) You can tell if your starter has gone bad when you turn the key and you see voltage come up on the smallest stud on the starter solenoid only when the key is in the start position and nothing happens. Also, make sure you have a strong battery and connections. If you turn the key and get no voltage here its up under the dashboard and your starter is probably fine.

[justin93]

wait im confused.....can you explain that again....so if i have someone turn the key and im under the hood looking at the starter i will see a spark or something comeing from the small bolt comeing out of the starter? please help

[theskill]

No, if you have a voltage tester on the smallest stud on the starter and you see the needle move when someone turns the key. There should be no sparks.

[justin93]

so if the voltage meter goes up on the stud that means the starter is good? or bad? used

[DShaw]

Got voltage, starter doesn't turn, starter bad.

If you don't know this you probably shouldn't touch it

[justin93]

well great, ill replace it!