ATTN: BMW Specialists - I need help with my 1999 323i E46!!!!

[puffinpuffer]

Okay, this is another "My car wont start posting", hopefully someone here can help me out and point me to the right direction, because I went to a local european shop and they said it's going to cost around 800$ to do, and that made my jaw drop lol.

1999 E46 323i Sedan - Automatic - Stock everything.

Heres the story...

I just got off work, it was pretty hot outside, my key fob buttons never really worked, the only button that works right is the trunk button. I usually just use my key to lock/unlock my car. So I go to my car, try to unlock it with the key, and it had resistance, and became no resistance. Great, I think I just broke my lock cylinder.

Now, I did leave my windows open with about a inch gap. I took a metal rod, and opened the latch in the drivers side door, it opened up, now the alarm went on. Had to open up my key fob to play around the buttons then it finally disarmed im guessing. I also accidently took the battery out of the fob because my key fob's casing is just messed up.

I try to start the car, all the dash lights work normally, but the engine wont crank over at all, no sound really. So I went to the trunk, disconnected the battery for 5-10 mins, and put it back in, still wouldn't start. Tried the fob again, arming, disarming, blah blah, but still no start... So I had it towed back to my house.

We even jumped the car just incase its the battery, I even check the battery through the dash to see voltage, its showing around 12V.

What could cause this car from not starting? It never had a problem starting at all before, so I doubt its the starter?... Im leaning towards its a alarm problem of some sort. But damn, I really dont have 800$ for a shop to fix this, and im fine with having no lock cylinder, I just want to keep driving this car to work so I have transportation.

Theres no check engine lights or anything with this car, it was running great and everything, any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!!! And if your in the bay area, nor cal, i'd love for someone to take a look in person, and i'll hook you up with a little somethin' somethin'. Thanks!!

[millerbmw323]

Your problem is the ews, or the anti theift system, and or the key it self. Do you have a different key. Try that, or if you take it to the dealer you can have them align the ews and the dme, that may work, or at the least give you an idea if its the ews or the key.

[puffinpuffer]

thanks for the help, anyone else, im thinking its the ews definitley.. i mean what else could it be...

[millerbmw323]

Well it could be the key, it could be the sensor ring thats around your ignition, or it could be that a mouse has chewed through some wires.