Engine start issue

[rick_bubu]

Hi folks,
Latest issue with my facelift E85.

Returned back from a 10 day holiday over a week ago and the engine sometimes just refuses to start. Sometimes it starts perfectly fine first time, but when it doesn't it takes upto 20-30 attempts turning the key. What I thought was odd is that the lights and radio come on fine, but then nothing. Not even sound of the engine struggling to start. I have driven a good 400 miles in total in the past week

Is it likely to need a new battery or maybe something with the started motor?
Apologies for sounding like a noob. All advice and suggestions appreciated

Kind regards

 

[enuff_zed]

Hey noob!
When you say nothing, do you get the starter turning? Any clicks, burps or whirrs? Or just nuffink?
I'm thinking that, if after all those attempts it then starts fine, it's probably an electrical contact issue. I'd be starting with the ignition switch I think.

 

[colb]

Starter motors are known for failing without advance warning, had it with mine. Give the starter motor a few good clouts with a hammer and see if that brings it back to life. If it fails to spin then check the electrical contacts on it are clean and give it another go. If it still wont engage and spin then more than likely its dead and replacement required. I replaced mine with a RTX unit from Carparts4less been perfect ever since.
Also be an idea to scan the car for any codes as a failing camshaft sensor can affect starting found that out when I forgot to plug mine back in after doing a job on the front of the engine.

 

[rick_bubu]

Hey noob!
When you say nothing, do you get the starter turning? Any clicks, burps or whirrs? Or just nuffink?
I'm thinking that, if after all those attempts it then starts fine, it's probably an electrical contact issue. I'd be starting with the ignition sawitch I think.

Just nuffink. No sound whatsoever. Although lights and stereo come on fine on the half turn of the key.

Regards
Rick

 

[enuff_zed]

I’d agree with Colb then. Possibly the starter

 

[NS66]

As above I would put money on it being the starter motor - I had the same in the summer.
Replacements are cheap and easy to do.

 

[rick_bubu]

Thanks for your kind help, folks

Regards
Rick

 

[colb]

Easy change, just disconnect the Battery first then the starter connections, two bolts on the bellhousing and it will come out, install in reverse order. Enough room to use a spanner on the bolts between the bellhousing and the firewall.