Hi -
Posting this as a mid-point in tracing and resolving an intermittent "no-crank, no-start" issue with two similar 2006 Z4's, both with three pedals. One is my '06 Z4C (E86) and the other is my friend's '06 Z4R (E85). My friend's roadster has had the ignition switch and the starter replaced, but he still has a 'once-in-a-while' no-crank, no-start. My coupe has experienced a similar intermittent issue, and we have compared notes. These are US spec cars, and the cars will not start unless the clutch is depressed - I am unsure whether this is true for non-US 2006 spec Z4's.
I have inspected the engine ground strap - I removed, cleaned contact areas and nuts, and re-installed it (strap itself is perfect). I replaced the ignition switch, but found that it had already been replaced (disturbed red paint) at some point. After putting the new one in I can report two things: a) the old switch contacts seemed in good condition when I disassembled the switch, b) I don't think that I've had a no-crank event since I did this. Unfortunately, intermittent failures are frustrating because it's hard to know when they've been truly solved or not - so MAYBE a new switch fixed my issue or MAYBE the problem is not solved, and I just don't know it yet. :wink:
Since I drive the car daily in the Summer, and the starter is now at 98K miles, I bought a new Bosch unit to install and a new Clutch Switch. I'm replacing both items on age and mileage. When done, I will inspect / test each of those originals and report on what I find. The Clutch Switch seems to be a Hall effect solid-state design, though with age it may have gotten marginal on responding to the clutch piston position.
Posting this as a mid-point in tracing and resolving an intermittent "no-crank, no-start" issue with two similar 2006 Z4's, both with three pedals. One is my '06 Z4C (E86) and the other is my friend's '06 Z4R (E85). My friend's roadster has had the ignition switch and the starter replaced, but he still has a 'once-in-a-while' no-crank, no-start. My coupe has experienced a similar intermittent issue, and we have compared notes. These are US spec cars, and the cars will not start unless the clutch is depressed - I am unsure whether this is true for non-US 2006 spec Z4's.
I have inspected the engine ground strap - I removed, cleaned contact areas and nuts, and re-installed it (strap itself is perfect). I replaced the ignition switch, but found that it had already been replaced (disturbed red paint) at some point. After putting the new one in I can report two things: a) the old switch contacts seemed in good condition when I disassembled the switch, b) I don't think that I've had a no-crank event since I did this. Unfortunately, intermittent failures are frustrating because it's hard to know when they've been truly solved or not - so MAYBE a new switch fixed my issue or MAYBE the problem is not solved, and I just don't know it yet. :wink:
Since I drive the car daily in the Summer, and the starter is now at 98K miles, I bought a new Bosch unit to install and a new Clutch Switch. I'm replacing both items on age and mileage. When done, I will inspect / test each of those originals and report on what I find. The Clutch Switch seems to be a Hall effect solid-state design, though with age it may have gotten marginal on responding to the clutch piston position.
