ignition problem....... please help

[Rich328]

My bmw 328 has a starting problem, it doesn't start first time - it sounds like there could be a problem with the starter motor or something..... it whirrs but the engine doesn't start at first, sometimes it takes 3 or 4 times to get started.

[Furious]

moving to e36

[Furious]

the threee major components to the engine are fuel, spark and compression, you must check to see which one exactly is your problem, you could have a faulty fuel pump from the sounds of it. the whirr sound could be the engine wanting to turn over, but there may be no presence of fuel.

investigate further and get back to this thread.

good luck

[Rich328]

firstly, thanks for your reply....

I've just had the car in last week for a Inspection 1 service, so the spark
plugs are all new, so i have no idea what it could be.

My dad thinks it could have something to do with the starter motor.

[Kevin325i]

Sounds like the little gear that the starter engauges to crank the engine isn't clicking into place. I can't remember what it is, an actuator of some sort, that when you hit the power to the starter gets lined up to the engine to turn it over.

If you just hear a really fast "wrrrr" noise and no pop from the engine, this is most likely your problem. And it's a safe bet to say you'll need a new starter.

Kevin

[Rich328]

cheers mate, but does anyone know where the starter motor is situated
on the 328i, the haynes manual doesn't cover this car.... so i can't look there

[ausie320]

Just follow the fat positive lead from your battery. The starter motor solenoid may sometimes stick. Give it a tap with hammer (on the metal part only). The solenoid is the round part of the starter motor where the positive lead attaches.