trouble starting

VinnieSquints · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 02:06 PM

I'm having a problem starting my 325i after its been sitting overnight or after work. I've seen a few posts already with some of the same symptoms but mine is a bit different. When i try to start some times it just gives me CLICK..CLICK..CLICK...and the interior and headlights flicker, other times it cranks but won't turn over and start. I've charged the battery but it still happens. I've noticed that when it happens in the morning if i open the hood and close it it fires up right away. Its starting everyday, but it just doesn't want to start on the first try if its been sitting for a few hours. I suspect maybe a bad sensor making the car think it's being stolen, but it isnt consistent with the way it chooses not to start, so i dont know. Anyone got any ideas?

Manolito · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 09:29 PM

If the immobilizer or the shifter lockout was acting up, it would not click at all.

The fact that it starts if you open and close the hood makes me think the starter is failing. Try this test: Open the hood, verify that the car still won't crank well, then take a long rod and bang on the starter. Now try the key again. If the car starts, most likely you are gonna need a starter. If it is like an e36, and I suspect it is, you have to pull the intake manifold to get the starter out. PITA.

Its a little early for your car, but if I had my intake manifold off, I would take that opportunity to replace all the heater hoses.

VinnieSquints · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 12:32 PM

Thanks I was thinkin it could be the starter. It did seem like the solenoid just wasn't engaging right, but with the inconsistency of what was happening I figured I'd ask for some advice.

gixerdave1983 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-03-2008, 11:58 AM

id definitely look at the starter!! if its clicking theres power going down to it!! cant be anything else really!

VinnieSquints · #5 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 07:43 PM

So i took the car to South Carolina this past week and after day one sitting it would only click. I was sure it was the starter so I left the car sit until I was heading back home. I had AAA come eye it up and it was the battery. Everything else checked out ok and as soon as he put the booster pack on it fired up beautifully. Made it home and tomorrow I'm gonna go get the new battery. If no more replies, consider the problem solved, if not hopefully someone can help me get to the root of the problem.

Manolito · #6 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 09:40 PM

Not uncommon for a failing battery to start a car that has recently run, but fail if the car sits for a day or two. However, the fact that it clicked but later started tends to point away from a battery. An intermittant problem, particularly one that responds to the hood being closed (i.e. vibration) , makes me still suspicious of the starter. Good luck.

VinnieSquints · #7 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008, 03:02 PM

I was thinking the same thing, but since I've had the new battery in it starts up without any issues. I hope that its solved but im keepin an eye on it until i can be sure.

Chet · #8 (**permalink**) 08-12-2008, 09:02 AM

I had simliar issue and it turned up being the battery not holding charge.

JTMONEYFLA13 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008, 01:38 PM

My 325i doing the same thing and i took it to Bmw and they changed the fuel sensor and it stopped for about a month then it started back up again...

tidyjim · #10 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 04:11 AM

Similair problem here.
My 2002 e46 330i Auto occasionally will not start. It cant be the battery as it happens at the oddest of times. I know this as I did a long distance drive, stopped over to refuel and it would not start again. If I jump the car it starts first time. Every time.

What happens is, when I try start it goes CLICK..CLICK..CLICK..CLICK..CLICK during which time the interior lights inc radio blink. I suspect that a previously installed anti theft devise may be draining the power from time to time but am not sure. Could it maybe be a fault in th ecu chip?

Anyone have any ideas ? Any advise would be great.

VinnieSquints · #11 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 08:05 AM

I had all of those same symptoms. The same click, lights, jump starts and the long road trip with the same problem. When I changed the battery, the problem was fine and I haven't had any problems since then. The battery said it was still good, and even when I put it on a charger the charger said it was good, but sure enough when it was in the car...CLICK.

tidyjim · #12 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinnieSquints

I had all of those same symptoms. The same click, lights, jump starts and the long road trip with the same problem. When I changed the battery, the problem was fine and I haven't had any problems since then. The battery said it was still good, and even when I put it on a charger the charger said it was good, but sure enough when it was in the car...CLICK.

Will give it a bash and let you know.

Thanks V.