528i Will Not Start Intermitenly Help

[mike mulligan]

The problems on my 1997 528i can take on different symptoms - and it seems to be random but definitely getting worse. Typically when I am drive, the "P""D""N""R""ETC" will be gone from the dashboard panel - it remains lit on the shifter. Sometimes the car will jerk when I come to a stop or take off from a stoplight.
Usually, when I stop the car, if I don't start it again within 10 minutes or so, I try to start it again and most of the dashboard panel come up BUT the starter will not work at all and it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes to start again...always, I must open up the hood to let the car cool off even though the water temp gauge is in the normal center position. Sometimes, the car won't even start immediately. I have had the car in to BMW and European car places 5 times and because it is an intermittent problem they can’t ketch it happening.

IF anyone has had similar problems please let me know
Thanks
ghead

[fireblade97rr]

I have similiar problems in a 1998 528i. I have just recently started having them and I am still trying to figure it out. I have placed an article on this forum to get help but nothing yet. Some think it is the ignition switch but I am still waiting for a certain answer before I change it. I have noticed a lot of similiar issues with the 97-99 5 series but I cant find an answer to it yet.

[billB]

TO Mike and fireblade
You guys may want to consider going the easy/economical way out by first checking all related relays and fuses especially the fuel pump's; it will be easy and might cost next to nothing to change all relays and fix right. Also Battery- a little bit extra charge may help.

p.s. You said when you open the hood to "cool off" engine the car will start after 10 minutes; ya? But if your temp. gauge is normal you really don't have an overheating problem! I would think those 10-20 minutes wait before she decides to start again is your relay. Relays are funny creatures in that they tend to take that much time to reset. Try it

good luck

regards
billb

[mike mulligan]

Originally posted by billB@Sep 26 2004, 08:55 PM
TO Mike and fireblade
You guys may want to consider going the easy/economical way out by first checking all related relays and fuses especially the fuel pump's; it will be easy and might cost next to nothing to change all relays and fix right. Also Battery- a little bit extra charge may help.

p.s. You said when you open the hood to "cool off" engine the car will start after 10 minutes; ya? But if your temp. gauge is normal you really don't have an overheating problem! I would think those 10-20 minutes wait before she decides to start again is your relay. Relays are funny creatures in that they tend to take that much time to reset. Try it

good luck

regards
billb

[snapback]199711[/snapback]

Thanks Bill

I have heard that the relays can get flacky. I have also heard that the "Oil level switch" can get flacky. The oil switch can effect the transmission range display and the signal to the "EWS" or electronic imobilizer (keyunit).

If you or any bodyelse has heard of this condition please let me know.

Mike

[billB]

Start with relays first!! then we worry about the oil thing. Go the cheap easy way first then escalate your troubleshooting
good luck