My old BMW E36 won’t start.

Avoriaz

My elderly 1993 BMW E36 325i, 125,000 miles, has been very reliable and normally starts on the first turn of the key.

The last few times I drove it, it hesitated for a moment and then started.

Now the starter motor won’t turn the engine at all.

The battery is fully charged.

I have checked the fuse box and there is nothing marked for the starter motor, although there are a number of unidentified large cube shaped relays etc.

What should I look for? Is there a logical sequence of eliminating possible causes.

Thanks

catflea

What happens when you turn the key?

Nothing? A Click? A whirr?

Avoriaz

Nothing happens.

No click, no whirr, no sound of the starter motor spinning or trying to engage.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Borrow a battery from elsewhere and try to start it on that.

flang

Hiya,
I also own and love E36s and have starting problems in the past.
Things to check.
When you turn the ignition do you hear a click from the relays (you will need to remove the plastic relay cover found inside the fuse board cover)
Does you vehicle have an alarm system?
Do you have movement sensors located above each door frame?
Have you checked all fuses including the fuel pump fuse?
BMW do not label relays although I have labelled all of mine, I can check which ones which tomorrow if you are still having problems.

somech

starter motor or dirty connections on starter motor.

lomb

Give the starter motor a tap with a hammer. YES! i really said that. The contacts are worn inside the motor and lightly tapping it allows contact allowing the motor to turn. Keep a hammer in the car from now on. I drove my peugeot 405 for a few months with a hammer before finally scrapping it, You will need to have the motor changed sooner or later though.

colino

Does it have an aftermarket alarm/immobiliser? If so, check for dodgy connections there too.
Is it an auto? Try starting it with your foot on the brake and "waggling" the gear selector.

Oldernotwiser

There must be a lot of it about!

My Fiat Marea ground to a halt this morning and now won't start but makes a screaming noise when i turn on the ignition.

Anybody any ideas?

Kilty_2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

There must be a lot of it about!

My Fiat Marea ground to a halt this morning and now won't start but makes a screaming noise when i turn on the ignition.

Anybody any ideas?

Timing belt? :eek:

Avoriaz

Thanks for all your replies and suggestions.

I have removed the battery and will trickle charge it overnight and see if that makes a difference.

I don't think it is the battery as the radio and other electrics were working and normally even a flattish battery will turn the engine over slowly.

I’ve found my Haynes manual and that suggests the solenoid might be faulty but it doesn’t tell me where it is.

Does anyone know where that is to be found?

On or near the starter motor I assume.