Update on my Ignition Fault

N

n1k_85

Member
 Wolverhampton, UK
Hi all,

When I first picked up the car I started a thread on here regarding starting my BM. When i jump in the car, put the key in, put my foot on the brake (with the Auto box in Park) it takes me a couple of attempts to get her started :(

I originally thought that maybe it was something I was doing wrong, especially since I was used to a VX220 with a push button engine start.

After now living with this daily for the last month, I am now sure it has a problem. It only really seems to happen (or happens much more) when i start the car from cold, Overnight for example.

I have driven my boss's 5 series and his wife's 3 series many times and never had any problem like this.

I have uploaded a very bad quality video that i took last night. I already predicted that it would not start before i even got in.

The video shows me turning the key a full turn, the dash lights up, stereo comes on but no cigar. On the 3rd attempt it starts and i'm doing nothing different on that attempt than on the other two. It seems to be an immobiliser problem.

What do you guys think?:

th_Video002.jpg

Any help, suggestions or advice would be great.

I only have one key so trying the spare is not an option, and i'm reluctant to take it to BMW who wanted to charge £35 just to tell me the 4 digit bluetooth code that i found myself in 5 minutes :x
 
nope :(

I tried to take the key apart to have a gander/clean up in there but i couldnt open the case :x
 
Whatever the answer I'd get that sorted sooner rather than later as you may find if some wiring is dodgy it gives up completely soon and you get stuck somewhere.

My best guess would be to get it hooked up to some diagnostic equipment to see if there's anything showing, does the auto require the brake depressed to start? Dodgy lead there possibly?
 
Andy said:
does the auto require the brake depressed to start?
Click to expand...

Yeah it does, i do really need to get this sorted ASAP.

Do you think its more likley a car problem or key problem? :?
 
I'd say Car, but it's hard to know.

Know a good independant? I can recommend a guy here in Worcs who I bet would sort it fairly quickly as he has all the Autologic kit.. might be worth a trip over?
 
hmmm, i did used to use a pretty good indy in Wolverhampton on my old Mini (BM Euro). I'll give them a call :thumbsup:

If i have no joy there i'll PM you for the details.

Thanks for the help :)
 
Maybe they left most the ignition wiring on the other side of the car... :poke: :poke:

I'll chime and say that definitly isn't right either. The only thing I could think of would be the brake/clutch not pressed in, but it looks like you had em pressed.
 
Do you hear the starter clicking? If so, then the starter could be bad. Have you tried jiggling the shifter back and forth when the key is in the start position? Maybe the safety switch there is bad? I know I don't need to hold my brake pedal down to start the car. Is that the only odd electrical issue you're having?
 
Probably good advice to always have a spare key so might be worth getting one cut all the same. This way you'll atleast be able to rule in/out whether its a key issue.

Cheap key off fleabay and the stealer to code/cut it.....? :)
 
Yeah that's the only elevrical issue im having. The starter doesnt click or even sound like its attempting to start.

To me it feels like an immobiliser fault.

Any idea BMW would charge to cut/program one of those ebay keys?
 
n1k_85 said:
Yeah that's the only elevrical issue im having. The starter doesnt click or even sound like its attempting to start.

To me it feels like an immobiliser fault.

Any idea BMW would charge to cut/program one of those ebay keys?
Click to expand...

you could try yourself: Program Keys
 
Why are the counters flashing? You also need a brake fluid service by the look of it, but I have not see the odo meter flash before ...
 
pvr said:
Why are the counters flashing? You also need a brake fluid service by the look of it, but I have not see the odo meter flash before ...
Click to expand...

Don't listen to pvr! He will just tell you to buy an M car! :roll: :poke:
 
Shouldn't you wait until all the warning check lights disappear? Maybe the Immob has'nt even had chance to check for the key. Either way, the immobiliser will usually just kill the fuel rather than prevent the starter from turning (as you'd still be able to jump start it).
 
pvr said:
Why are the counters flashing? You also need a brake fluid service by the look of it, but I have not see the odo meter flash before ...
Click to expand...

Ive never noticed, all the lights go off after a few seconds. It was only serviced in January by BMW. :?
 
It looks like you have a clock symbol above the mileage reading. Is that correct? Only there when starting the car?

If so - it means the timed service is due.
 
Hi Guys, a few weeks on and i still hadnt had the cash to order a new key, the car was still intermitantly starting.

I jumped in yesterday morning and it wouldnt start at all :( the RAC came out and quickly diagnosed the problem as a loose connection on the starter motor. He fidled about with it and for the rest of the day it was great and started first time.

This morning however, it was back to not starting. I messed about with the starter connection and got it going.

The RAC guy recommended that I get a garage to completley remove the starter and clean up the terminals as there was 'powder between the connections'?

Anyone have any idea how big of a job it is to remove the starter? or even how you do it? :?

Any help would be great!

Thanks
 
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