Starting problems? Solenoid?

[mrw187]

2004 BMW Z4 Auto

Not turning or even attempting to turn.
Petrol is above E/reads 31km and battery is fine/tested with a fully charged jumper as well.
For a while perhaps maybe close to a year sometimes it's turned on instantly and other times a few chugs before it turns. Mostly it chugs once or twice then turns on.

Today when I first attempted it did a couple lacklustre chugs then stopped and subsequent attempts no chugs no clicks when trying to start car.

I have also tried wiggling gearstick.

Any ideas?

 

[wonkydonkey]

The ignition switches give up on these. Could be worth a shout, if you're already certain that your battery and starter wiring is all in good order and terminals are securely fastened?

 

[mrw187]

The ignition switches give up on these. Could be worth a shout, if you're already certain that your battery and starter wiring is all in good order and terminals are securely fastened?

I don't even know where to look under the bonnet hehe

 

[wonkydonkey]

Sounds like it's time to take the car to the garage then

 

[ph001]

Do you have breakdown cover? Tow it to a garage and tell them it’s probably the starter motor. If they say thats ok, tell them its the ignition switch

 

[Chippie]

It sounds like the starter motor / solenoid to me, if you’re not mechanically minded I suggest calling a mobile mechanic to fix it for you. Please report back when you get it fixed

 

[mrw187]

Do you have breakdown cover? Tow it to a garage and tell them it’s probably the starter motor. If they say thats ok, tell them its the ignition switch

No cover unfortunately...

 

[mrw187]

It sounds like the starter motor / solenoid to me, if you’re not mechanically minded I suggest calling a mobile mechanic to fix it for you. Please report back when you get it fixed

Yeah I've emailed a few mobile mechs in my city. Yep I will

 

[Argyll Andy]

Do you have breakdown cover? Tow it to a garage and tell them it’s probably the starter motor. If they say thats ok, tell them its the ignition switch

No cover unfortunately...

Take some cover out now, afaik you can’t use it for the first 24 hrs but can after that which looks ok as it doesn’t appear to be your daily.

Just remember to add home start. If they send a mechanic out and not just recovery agent you might even get it diagnosed too

 

[mrw187]

Yep starter motor was gone. Mechanic replaced it with a new Bosch one. I'll have to get used to the new startup sound but its cool I can tell it has more grunt. $656NZD inc parts (approx £320) for the mobile mechanic to come out and do it.

 

[Chippie]

Glad you got it sorted and thanks for reporting back