Car not cranking over
-
- Member
- Posts: 146
- Joined: Mon Dec 28, 2015 1:07 pm
- Location: Erith, Kent
Car not cranking over
Just tried to start the z4 and it's not even cranking the starter motor. The lights turn on as normal but when I turn the key the starter motor doesn't even turn one bit.
The car is a e85 3.0, any help will be highly appreciated.
The car is a e85 3.0, any help will be highly appreciated.
- R60BBA
- Member
- Posts: 892
- Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2017 7:53 pm
- Location: London, United Kingdom
Car not cranking over
Dead battery?

Used to own the above.
Now I drive an E46 M3 Coupe:
- Engine: S54B32
- Colour: Carbon Schwarz
Instagram: bavarianjunkie
https://youtu.be/y0ymv8jOC0Y
- RustyZ4
- Lifer
- Posts: 3399
- Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2007 7:23 pm
- Location: Maidstone, Kent
Car not cranking over
Sounds more like starter motor if the lights are all coming on etc, my sons 3.0 E85 did this the other week, and his wouldn't even crank tapping it with a hammer
Z4 Mineral Grey, 28i MSport Auto, lots of goodies
Z4 E85 3.0, gone but now with son
Growing Old is Mandatory But Growing Up is Optional
Z4 E85 3.0, gone but now with son

Growing Old is Mandatory But Growing Up is Optional
-
- Member
- Posts: 280
- Joined: Wed Apr 05, 2017 11:39 am
Car not cranking over
I'd suspect starter too... low battery would try to start, tick and flicker all the lights on the instrument cluster.
you could try bump starting it if it's a manual, if it fires up easily it's almost certainly the starter.
Good luck
you could try bump starting it if it's a manual, if it fires up easily it's almost certainly the starter.
Good luck

E86 Coupe 3.0si Sport - Montego Blue, Pearl Grey with Piano Black dash
BC BR series Coilovers, powerflex bushes, 15mm spacers, Custom SS exhaust, CDV delete
BC BR series Coilovers, powerflex bushes, 15mm spacers, Custom SS exhaust, CDV delete
-
- Member
- Posts: 146
- Joined: Mon Dec 28, 2015 1:07 pm
- Location: Erith, Kent
Car not cranking over
I'd suspected it was, I've ordered a new Bosch unit. Hopefully that fixes it. Just been reading on here and it seems to be a very common problem as they go without much or any warning.
- DMC63
- Member
- Posts: 855
- Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2016 8:48 am
- Location: London
Car not cranking over
Starter motor? IF IT'S MANUAL Give it a bump as others have said. Mine went a few days ago. No warning, just silence when I turned the key 

BMW Z4 2003 2.5i and lots of bits and pieces
-
Online
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1176
- Joined: Wed Jan 25, 2017 4:59 pm
- Location: wirral
Car not cranking over
As above definitely starter motor mine went last week new bosch starter motor all sorted now 

2004 z4 30i auto Toledo blue stubby areo front back sideskirts and rear spoiler M/// MFSW DLV exhaust mod vanos overhaul 108s refurbed ram air scoop E46 M3 seats clear rear lights M/// sport black grills
-
- Member
- Posts: 793
- Joined: Tue Apr 27, 2010 8:04 pm
- Location: Northants
-
Onlineadam04
- Member
- Posts: 219
- Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:02 pm
- Location: Manchester
Car not cranking over
Sounds like a starter motor issue, few threads around recently about people having issues. Theres a how-to thread on how to change it yourself and you can pick up a motor from Eurocarparts fairly reasonably.
2003 E85 3.0i Auto Titanium Silver / Aerobody Kit / Cruise / Xenons / Cupholders....
-
- Member
- Posts: 146
- Joined: Mon Dec 28, 2015 1:07 pm
- Location: Erith, Kent
Car not cranking over
Ok, fitted a new starter motor and ignition switch didnt fix this, ended up being a faulty key..