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Car Starting Problem

Discuss problems you have had or are having with your Z4
Mike6
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Car Starting Problem

Post by Mike6 » Thu Apr 26, 2018 5:56 pm

Does sound like the starter motor on its way out. From experience on other cars they can be a bit fickle as they fade.

Baadshah
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Car Starting Problem

Post by Baadshah » Mon Apr 30, 2018 7:46 pm

Update...

Took both keys and ews unit to Ben @ BMKeys.
He couldn’t see an issue with them, but made sure the ews unit and both keys had the same code.

Tried both keys but engine still didn’t start.

Took car battery out and put it on an a charger. Think battery was only half charged. Left it on charge for 24 hours and just connected it to the car, but engine still didn’t start.

Looked on here and internet to see if I can identify the location of the starter motor. Couldn’t find anything clearly pointing it out. I think I found the starter motor location after a while, but not 100% sure. Hit it with hammer and wood, but engine still didn’t start.

Can any kind person pls send me a photo of exactly where the starter motor is located on a 2005 manual pls.
Is the starter motor easy to replace, or should I get it towed to the Indy and ask them to have a look at it?

I know some of you said it would be the starter motor, but I thought I would try some easier things first, in case they fixed it.

Thanks again for your advice, I really appreciate the help.
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Ewazix
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Car Starting Problem

Post by Ewazix » Mon Apr 30, 2018 8:13 pm

Identical issue to other members and it turned out to be the ignition key switch which seems to be a common fault and a cheap fix
Previous.... viewtopic.php?f=3&t=82194&hilit
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SeanConnor
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Car Starting Problem

Post by SeanConnor » Mon Apr 30, 2018 8:22 pm

Mine does the same. I have replaced:

Ignition switch

Starter motor

Battery

Key

I still does it now and again :-( Current theory is that it is either the key barrel antenna or the immobiliser unit. I had the car at an auto-electrician ( a good one) for three days and it wouldn't do it.A couple of days after of course and it takes three goes to start on BP's forecourt.FFS

Thanatu55 I think was having the same problem but I've not seen any updates.
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ph001
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Car Starting Problem

Post by ph001 » Tue May 01, 2018 10:28 am

Ewazix wrote: Mon Apr 30, 2018 8:13 pm Identical issue to other members and it turned out to be the ignition key switch which seems to be a common fault and a cheap fix
Previous....
Try to keep up! OP has already changed that twice. The starter is at the back of the engine below the inlet manifold. Bit of a bitch to get at from above, but can be changed without removing the manifold apparently...
E85 starter motor.jpg
E85 starter motor.jpg (69.24 KiB) Viewed 1361 times
Last edited by ph001 on Tue May 01, 2018 10:45 am, edited 1 time in total.
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ph001
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Car Starting Problem

Post by ph001 » Tue May 01, 2018 10:44 am

This post has a little DIY on changing and also describes symptoms very similar to yours... http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=359809
2007 E85 Z4 3.0Si manual :driving:
19" CSL's | Eibach Springs | Aeroskirts | Z4M front bumper | Clear brake light | ZHP | RCH+| Stubby

2004 E46 M3 coupe manual - gone but not forgotten.

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JamieZ4C
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Car Starting Problem

Post by JamieZ4C » Tue May 01, 2018 11:00 am

Reading this with interest as my start up is always a little sluggish.

OP, from everything I've read I think changing the starter is probably your next logical step.

If you do, please let us know how you get on! :thumbsup:
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Ewazix
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Car Starting Problem

Post by Ewazix » Tue May 01, 2018 4:56 pm

ph001 wrote: Tue May 01, 2018 10:28 am
Ewazix wrote: Mon Apr 30, 2018 8:13 pm Identical issue to other members and it turned out to be the ignition key switch which seems to be a common fault and a cheap fix
Previous....
Try to keep up! OP has already changed that twice. The starter is at the back of the engine below the inlet manifold. Bit of a bitch to get at from above, but can be changed without removing the manifold apparently...

E85 starter motor.jpg
Yeees, got that in post 1 :roll:

OP Changed the switch and it started fine for a couple of weeks, changed switch and it worked again, and same again. If the only thing that happened to cure the fault on those occasions was to change the switch then either improbable coincidence is involved, or the switch(s) connections or feed are faulty. Just applying logic.
2003 2.5 SE, low miles, Sterling Grey, 108's & Eagles, no stubby here! Unmolested.
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ph001
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Car Starting Problem

Post by ph001 » Tue May 01, 2018 5:58 pm

Ewazix wrote: Tue May 01, 2018 4:56 pm OP Changed the switch and it started fine for a couple of weeks, changed switch and it worked again, and same again. If the only thing that happened to cure the fault on those occasions was to change the switch then either improbable coincidence is involved, or the switch(s) connections or feed are faulty. Just applying logic.
Must admit, I thought that was odd too but the chances of having a switch go faulty for a third time seem just as improbable. Dodgy connections / wiring to it, a distinct possibility though. The piece of 2x2 and a tap with a mallet is usually pretty conclusive though, as long as the OP is sure he's actually hitting the right thing!
2007 E85 Z4 3.0Si manual :driving:
19" CSL's | Eibach Springs | Aeroskirts | Z4M front bumper | Clear brake light | ZHP | RCH+| Stubby

2004 E46 M3 coupe manual - gone but not forgotten.

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Ewazix
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Car Starting Problem

Post by Ewazix » Tue May 01, 2018 8:55 pm

ph001 wrote: Tue May 01, 2018 5:58 pm
................... The piece of 2x2 and a tap with a mallet is usually pretty conclusive though, as long as the OP is sure he's actually hitting the right thing!
Per TIS v2.0 for the rare but desirable Lucas equipped Z4 built at Longbridge? :D

Worth a try.
2003 2.5 SE, low miles, Sterling Grey, 108's & Eagles, no stubby here! Unmolested.
2018 Cooper S Countryman
Fiesta Ecoboost

Baadshah
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Car Starting Problem

Post by Baadshah » Mon May 14, 2018 4:31 pm

Hi everyone!

Sorry for the delay in responding.
I was on holiday last week, so just getting back to fixing this now.

I have tried a few things as previously mentioned and nothing has worked :(
I don't have the time to spend on trying to fix it, so tomorrow morning I will have it towed to my local indy by my breakdown cover and get them to look at it.

I would have liked to have fixed it myself, but time (and mechanical knowledge!) is an issue.

I will keep you all informed on what the indy says.

Thanks for all the help...it is very much appreciated.
:driving: Black Z4 3.0 :driving:
!!!Everytime I look at it, I can't help smiling!!!

Ant25
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Car Starting Problem

Post by Ant25 » Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:30 pm

Hi Baadshah,

I've got the same issue and gone down pretty much the same path as you. (replaced starter solenoid, battery testing, checked volt drop from to rear and supply to the starter) I've also sent my EWS both keys to Ben at BM keys. My diagnostic tool listed the EWS as the fault. I purchased an Ebay EWS and Ben has cloned mine onto that. Yet to try as they've not arrived back yet. My next step is this ignition switch.

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ph001
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Car Starting Problem

Post by ph001 » Thu Jun 28, 2018 1:28 pm

Would be great to get an update on this OP??
2007 E85 Z4 3.0Si manual :driving:
19" CSL's | Eibach Springs | Aeroskirts | Z4M front bumper | Clear brake light | ZHP | RCH+| Stubby

2004 E46 M3 coupe manual - gone but not forgotten.

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robertboeke
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Car Starting Problem

Post by robertboeke » Wed May 25, 2022 8:06 am

OP did you ever get this resolved? I've just started having a similar issue(lights come on, everything works, but engine doesn't start). It's fairly sporadic at the moment.

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Panta Rhei
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Car Starting Problem

Post by Panta Rhei » Wed May 25, 2022 8:39 am

ignition switch (10 min job)
starter motor next step if first one fails

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