1997 540i No Start ???? - BMW Forum

hogs · 07-22-2010, 07:58 PM

HEy Guys,
Went into my car , been sitting for like a month charged battery up fulll, Now when I put key in and go to start...Nothing happeneds.. No clicking that I can hear and the lights in the dash all light up, But when I turn the key thwey don`t go dull or nothing....Its like the key is not even in when I turn it???

Any one can help as I have to get the car moved asap..would be really appreciated THanks so much in advance all....

hope this makes sense!

oh not sure if it matters but it is a 6 speed...Standard

hogs · 07-23-2010, 10:16 AM

Come on guys...Someone must have an ideal on this Yes???

Thanks

witeshark · 07-23-2010, 10:20 AM

How about checking the starter and solenoid?

hogs · 07-23-2010, 11:56 AM

starter and solenoid Are tyhese a known problem on this cars...As it never gave any clicking or ideal at all that they were even on the way out... also how the heck can one check them on these engines car is sitting on gravel can`t get under it easy and have no ideal where the Solenoid is located???

Thanks for the reply though...

witeshark · 07-23-2010, 12:36 PM

Maybe a look at realoem.com can help narrow things down.

hogs · 07-23-2010, 01:28 PM

Thanks I checked within there and couldn`t find any leeds..But thanks for that...anyone else??

Dirty_Tool · 07-24-2010, 12:53 AM

perhaps a faulty key? Do you have a spare key you can try?

hogs · 07-24-2010, 05:20 AM

Hmmm thats what I had thought... but there is 2 keys on the key ring and both do the same thing... Could the alarm thing be screwed up but it does unlock and lock the doors....? Could it be a weak battery in the keys , but like I said if it unlocks and locks the doors one wd. think thats ok or>>????

Thanks I appreciate the reply...

Dirty_Tool · 07-24-2010, 09:51 AM

If the key is OK then it still could be an issue with the driveaway protection system. This is separate from the remote key functions of opening the doors and trunk.

The normal things that could cause this complaint:

battery
ignition switch
starter
clutch switch
key or driveaway protection fault

I recommend checking all of those things or having them checked and i believe that you will find your problem somewhere along the way.

hogs · 07-24-2010, 10:37 AM

Thanks so much for the reply....!

key or driveaway protection fault I`m not sure what this is all about, you mean the remote with the key could be at fault or something insidfe the car or both..really don`t understand that.. the other items I can check or have check but that other feature to me or my friend is all a foregin langauge sort of speaking?? Thanks

theluis · 07-24-2010, 12:12 PM

you said it was a manual and its been sitting for a while try checking the clutch switch to see if its stuck closed if it is then just pull it gently also you could bang the hell out of the starter

Dirty_Tool · 07-24-2010, 03:32 PM

The alarm system and the keyless entry are two different things. The alarm system can be defective and causing the car to not start and at the same time the doors may be locking and unlocking with the remote just fine.

540iman · 04-13-2012, 02:31 PM

This just happened to my 97 540i, and it was a small piece of braided copper wire on the starter that basically disintegrated. The next time I went to start the car, nothing happened. My mechanic and I thought it was the clutch switch so he replaced that, because he said it looked a little damaged, but it wasn't the problem. Then he found the starter which just lost it's electrical connection. After I saw it I was surprised that wire didn't let go sooner. If I were you I would look at the starter. If your car is manual you can push start it if this is the problem.
Hope this helps.