E34 won't start :(

[Lennyz525i]

Howdy,

My E34 (M20B25) just died on me. The car won't start, engine does not rotate. I'm looking into it right now but I'm pretty busy. Is there a common ignition type of failure among E34s? I'm looking for a quick check guide where too look first for an E34 that won't start. The battery is fine.

[Jose]

Does the starter actually react at all when turning the key? If it does, but the engine seems jammed, try turning it by hand at the crank with a 22mm spanner. If it doesen't turn, check if the cam beld isn't broken.

[Lennyz525i]

There's no reaction whatsoever when trying to start up. "try turning it by hand at the crank with a 22mm spanner" Could you elaborate on that? Much appreciated.

[Lennyz525i]

Some more info. When I attempt to start I hear two quick "clicks", plus the idle control valve is buzzing.

[632 Regal]

the battery real low?

[bullyd]

sounds like a dead battery to me!

[Lennyz525i]

Battery is fairly new, lights etc light up bright as they should. It's not showing dying battery symptoms.

[Lennyz525i]

Jumped the starter relay, no results.
Btw, what's making the "tick tick" noise at start up? I'm trying to determine up until where the ignition system is working.

[Javier]

you have 12 Vdc there when key starting. If not, jump 12 Vdc there and see if it cranks.

If 12 Vdc there and no starting, you have starter issues, as long as all connections to the starter are solid.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/electrical/e36_reset_service_lights.html

Javier

[Lennyz525i]

you have 12 Vdc there when key starting. If not, jump 12 Vdc there and see if it cranks.

If 12 Vdc there and no starting, you have starter issues, as long as all connections to the starter are solid.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/electrical/e36_reset_service_lights.html

Javier

I checked, there's 12vdc at port 11 when attempting to start. I've got a strong feeling it's the starter. How can I tell if it's the ignition switch and not the starter? Also, in case the ignition switch is bad, can still bump start the car?

Thanks

[Lennyz525i]

Btw, where can I get a bad solonoid/starter rebuild? BMW indies over here tend to only want to sell you their inflated priced new parts + labour.

[Javier]

ignition key and starter relay are doing its work. From pin 11 it goes straight to the starter, so if having 12 Vdc there and no cranking, guess you have to check the starter.

If manual transmission, having no starter still have the chance to start down the hill.

Javier

[BMWDriver]

Any fuses blown ?