Wont Start

[M3_KILL3R]

you probably have a bad starter why dont you get a new one?

[bucksworld]

They don't make new starters for the 318TI. This will be my third rebuilt starter if I choose to take it out again. Just want to make sure its not something else. Are you a mechanic?

[M3_KILL3R]

Originally Posted by bucksworld

They don't make new starters for the 318TI. This will be my third rebuilt starter if I choose to take it out again. Just want to make sure its not something else. Are you a mechanic?

no but my whole family is lol umm i say go find the nearest junk yard and ask for a starter from them. Rebuilding it obviously just isnt working out and another rebuilding will not do the trick. I say get the WHOLE starter system checked from the wires all the way to the ignition.

[M3_KILL3R]

btw buck i found this starter on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/START...49323200QQrdZ1
dont know if you want it but it says its new

[bucksworld]

No, sure wish I had not thrown out the original Bosch starter, don't want another aftermarket starter OEM model. Also, my mechanic is taken a look at the relay under the glove box for possible flaws and replaced the key antenna ring. Thanks for the advice thou killer.

He had to remove the intake manifold to get at the starter, this is not an easy job. I am hoping we don't have to do this again. This is worse then replacing the rear wheel bearing.

[tastade]

My car is doing the same thing. When it is hot and humid it won't crank. Battery is perfectly fine. All fuses appear okay.

Doing some searching it sounds like it could be the EWS (immobilizer system), or something with a the starter and/or a relay. What relays should I check? Also, is there an easy way to test if it is the starter? Someone suggested shorting pin 11 of the diagnostic connector to high voltage to test the starter. Is this valid on a 1995 M42 with OBDI (circular diagnostic connector)? How about an easy way to test the EWS?

I only hear a faint click from the dashboard (not from under the hood) when attempting to start the car. The lights do NOT dim at all when attempting to crank. It is the same symptoms as when you start the car, and turn the key one click off and try to restart where it prevents you from starting the car unless you turn it off and then try to start it again.

[tastade]

doing some more research it sounds like the starter solenoid in some BMWs can act up when it is hot out. It sounds like pouring cold water on the solenoid can temporarily relieve this problem. I suppose I will check the wiring and make sure there isn't excessive resistance (clean connectors), and try forcing the starter to crank through the diagnostic pin the next time this symptom shows itself.

[tastade]

Okay, I replaced my starter and it works fine now. So for me, it mush have been my solenoid, but you should check the starter relay first (as it is much easier to get to).