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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
My son Ryan has a BMW Z4 E85 3.0 (2005). He loves the car, but we have not been able to get it started for a couple of weeks now!
I have checked the battery, alternator and starter motor, and all is OK. I have checked fuses & earth connections, and still no joy.
We have ordered a new ignition switch which should arrive tomorrow, I was wondering if the car key could be at fault...
Car is located in Burton on Trent. Any suggestions please?
Thanks - Kevin (Coventry)
I have checked the battery, alternator and starter motor, and all is OK. I have checked fuses & earth connections, and still no joy.
We have ordered a new ignition switch which should arrive tomorrow, I was wondering if the car key could be at fault...
Car is located in Burton on Trent. Any suggestions please?
Thanks - Kevin (Coventry)
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
Hi Kevin
Is it turning over or nothing at all
Lights on dash?
Cheers
Stuart
Is it turning over or nothing at all
Lights on dash?
Cheers
Stuart
If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way!
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
Hi Kevin,
Someone had a similar issue last week.
That turned out to be the battery. It showed 14.1v but (I'm no electrician) it wasn't pushing out enough amps to turn it over.
Diagnosed by jumping it from another car. Have you tried that?
Someone had a similar issue last week.
That turned out to be the battery. It showed 14.1v but (I'm no electrician) it wasn't pushing out enough amps to turn it over.
Diagnosed by jumping it from another car. Have you tried that?
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
Thanks for replies.
Car is not turning over, but lights on dash and radio working. I tried using jump leads using another fully changed battery but no result!
Car is not turning over, but lights on dash and radio working. I tried using jump leads using another fully changed battery but no result!
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
Well there is history of the ignition switches failing, so fingers crossed its that simple.
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Onlinebigwinn
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
That’s where I’d be leaning toward
No history of any aftermarket immobilisers fitted?
If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way!
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
Sorry you’re having difficulties. How do you know the starter motor is OK? This is quite a common failure and a do-able DIY fix.
2003 Maldives Blue 3.0i auto
Previously: Maldives Blue 2.5i manual (its back!) and another, and a Monaco Blue 3.0Si coupe
Previously: Maldives Blue 2.5i manual (its back!) and another, and a Monaco Blue 3.0Si coupe
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
Thanks for message. I removed the starter motor and tested it on the bench, using a spare car battery. Earthed the casting body, positive supply on terminal post, and bridged across ignition switch terminal. Gear pinion moved rearwards and was rotating at speed, all sounded fine. I therefore assume starter motor is OK.
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
Just in case anyone needs to remove the starter motor on a Z4, you do not need to remove the inlet manifold!
It’s possible to remove it on LHS, by removing air cleaner box and air mass sensor components. Thanks to YouTube video!
It’s possible to remove it on LHS, by removing air cleaner box and air mass sensor components. Thanks to YouTube video!
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
The new ignition switch arrived today, was fitted, but has not solved the problem. I plan to get a new key from a local auto. key specialist, but we are feeling very frustrated, having tried various potential causes, but still baffled!
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
One last stab.
Is it an auto? Wondering if it could be a failure of an inhibit switch if so? Thinking it's not in Park?
Is it an auto? Wondering if it could be a failure of an inhibit switch if so? Thinking it's not in Park?
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
It’s a manual gearbox. I’m going to get a new key, as that can be a problem if it can no longer be read by the lock barrel. Thanks to all for suggestions.
Kevin
Kevin
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
Is it not possible to reprogramme the old key?
Don't you have a second key to try?
Unlikely for both to fail.
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
I am the person with the fully charged battery with not enough amps to turn the starter motor. In this case I am still veering towards battery/starter motor. But the fact you tried a jump from another car does make me wonder a bit as mine then fired first turn of key. If engine is not turning it can only be a couple of things as circuit run directly from battery to starter via ignition. Not sure about failing battery in key, possibly a good try. I think these can be recharged enough by placing key next to a toothbrush charger.
You say you tested starter motor on a bench but it wasnt fitting against engine compression and additional forces. That still leads me to question the starter motor.
You say you tested starter motor on a bench but it wasnt fitting against engine compression and additional forces. That still leads me to question the starter motor.
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Z4 E85 3.0 - 2005 - will not start!
Thanks for support.
I will try a heavy duty battery from my Jaguar XJS, so worth a try. I will also check the voltage supply once again.
I plan to get one of the keys reprogrammed tomorrow.
It’s a process of elimination, albeit time consuming.
The Z4 is not the easiest car to work on!
I will try a heavy duty battery from my Jaguar XJS, so worth a try. I will also check the voltage supply once again.
I plan to get one of the keys reprogrammed tomorrow.
It’s a process of elimination, albeit time consuming.
The Z4 is not the easiest car to work on!