E86 - Engine wont start ….update….now running.

[j3nks79]

Good result, not sure what a BMW version of that is though :lol:

Basically the same but 5X the price

 

[chanlon1]

Good result, not sure what a BMW version of that is though :lol:

I think he meant get the official OEM part installed.
Looking online they are around £50.

Need to decide if I just leave what e has put on, or change it.

All I do know is the engine fires up super sweet now.

Oh that’s an easy fix then. When you were getting no fault codes it indicated a lack of power to the starter. Hence why I thought it might be the ground strap.

Unfortunately I didn't get the time at the weekend to investigate where the strap was or if it was at fault. Would have been satisfying to have solved it..but heyho.
Since I had AA membership anyway, I just thought I'd get them out. May as well make use of them.

Is there just the one ground strap?

 

[Z4Mariner]

Glad you got it fixed ! On my US-spec E86 there is only one ground strap (other ground wires). I've had mine off to clean & tighten, and it looks like your perished one. For LHD cars it's engine-to-chassis at the right side engine mount chassis bracket. If it's in the same spot for RHD cars, the access may be a bit tighter.

 

[chanlon1]

Glad you got it fixed ! On my US-spec E86 there is only one ground strap (other ground wires). I've had mine off to clean & tighten, and it looks like your perished one. For LHD cars it's engine-to-chassis at the right side engine mount chassis bracket. If it's in the same spot for RHD cars, the access may be a bit tighter.

Thanks. I’ll try to get a look later when the weather is better. I stupidly never asked the patrolman where it was fitted as I was in shock that he got it working!
Mind you I am fairly sure he didn’t have to go under the car, so it must be accessible from within.
A shiny silver object should be fairly noticeable 8)

 

[chanlon1]

Just as follow up to anyone reading this. The ground strap on the 3.0 N52 with silver top, is down the left side side of the engine.

 

[wolfgangCoupe]

Did you ever solve this issue on this? Was it the battery that was causing the issue?

 

[chanlon1]

Did you ever solve this issue on this? Was it the battery that was causing the issue?

Yes problem is now solved. No, it wasn’t the battery. It was the earth ground strap joining the engine block to chassis had corroded.
It was basically crumbing when you touched it.
I did change the starter motor, but it had no affect until the strap was also changed.
Once the new strap was in the car fires up every time like it was new.