318ti won't crank
 

Hey guys i have a 1996 318ti 5 speed 160k miles

I was wondering if anyone knew that if the chip in my key was dead, would that cause my car to not start or crank?

We replaced the starter with a new one(ourselves...PAIN IN THE A&$), and it still wouldn't crank.. All the lights, A/C, Windows, radio..etc all work, it does have a new battery and components like the alternator and fuses all have power

Also if it helps, my car does not have a clutch safety switch at all, not behind the clutch pedal or anything, does the 96's not get it?

We had a mechanic come(That DOESNT usually diagnose Bmw's) and he said that the fuel pump and ignition aren't getting power when turning the key....so..
Would that be because the chip in my key is bad, and the EWSII isn't recognizing the chip and is Immobilizing those components due to it's Anti-theft system? So would this mean i need to order a new key from the dealer? And would that finally make my 318 start?

Any response/input is appreciated, this is my first car and i want this beautiful E36 on the road while i shift some gears

Sounds like you have a EWS alignment issue. The DME will not turn on the fuel pump until it detects engine rotation so if it won't crank no one can check for spark or fuel pump operation. Clutch safety switch is on all manual cars and if the switch is missing then the wires need to be connected so the DME thinks the clutch is depressed when you crank. Can you push start the car?

John S

Dang really? I've seen on this forum some people say theirs doesn't have a clutch switch and didn't come with one
And no i haven't tried push starting it, we really just want to actually get it to actually run by itself

But could my theory still be possible? I've read some people with the same issue and they said a new key with a working chip made their car start right up

No clutch switch would enable you to start the car in gear. There would be major lawsuits if that was possible from the factory due to people starting the car in gear and hitting or running over $hit.

John S

My '96 ti will start without the clutch pedal depressed and with the car in gear.

Paul