car not starting

[justin93]

hey,
First, went outside and started car and then turned it off, next i came back out about 20 min later and it would even turn over so i tried to jump start it but it would start, everthing works(ie light etc.) but wont turn over.....any help? Thanks

[Scarface]

Originally posted by justin93@Jun 30 2004, 01:18 PM
hey,
First, went outside and started car and then turned it off, next i came back out about 20 min later and it would even turn over so i tried to jump start it but it would start, everthing works(ie light etc.) but wont turn over.....any help? Thanks

You probably have the problem I have, the starter... From what I have been told, the e36 has a common problem once the starter has aged, and since it is so close to the exhaust manifold, when it gets hot outside or the car has been running a while, for some reason the starter will not engage...I am no expert mechanic, I don't know if it is some relay, or something in the starter itself, but mine has been doing it a hell of alot worse this summer than it did last summer... On cool mornings I can get in start right up and go, after it's been sitting in the sun all day at work, sometimes I have to coast a little bit then pop the clutch to start it, so I know it isnt a fuel problem...I am in the process of getting a starter... I don't know if that is your specific problem but it sounds like mine!

[justin93]

yea, it sounds like that could be the problem....when you car doesnt start does it make anynoise at all? Because mine doesnt do anything.... Thanks

[Scarface]

doesn't make any noise, doesn't turn over at all...all the lights, aradio, ac works but no start...

[justin93]

yup, that has to be my problem

[iantosca]

I had the same problem where the ac works and the radio etc. but the battery and check engine lights would come on. My engine would actually sound like it turned on and would then turn off. All I did was rev the engine for a little while until the rpm's started sticking and the engine didn't shut off. I gotta new spark plugs and fuel injector un-clogged, but if that's your problem, give it a try and maybe you can get it going till you can get it to the shop.

[justin93]

thanks guys ill look into it

[justin93]

if this is the problem, can anyone tell me where to get a starter from online?

[whamman]

If it doesn't do anything at all and you have a clutch stop, check the bolts on it. My car didn't start then I noticed the clutch stop had come out a little bit. I fixed it and it worked.

[justin93]

bump

[Scarface]

check with bmpdesign.com

[justin93]

does anyone know if thier are symptoms to if the starter is going bad?....like when you turn the key and it takes a longer time to start?(like 5 seconds.) or are all bmws like that? used
Thanks

[Scarface]

yes mine does that too, im telling you its the starter, i am ordering mine next week, why dont you take it to a mechanic just to be sure?

[justin93]

ok ill buy one, but do you mind if i ask how much your getting yours for?

[Doogle325]

good post guys .....I have the same problem......looks like there are a bunch of us out there .......my delay in the start is only about 1 second but sometimes it does nothing ....and I have to turn the key like 5 or 6 times