technical Z4M - Starting Issue

[Bruce88]

Hi there guys, having a weird issue with my Z4M, just need some advice on next steps

>Process
Opening the car with key fob button works
Inserting key into ignition slot,
Turning to position 1 power picks up
Turning to position 2 (Here is issue) usually the dash lights will pick up immediately, fuel pump will prime, temp gauges go on etc
*Problem is, now this is intermittent, will turn to position 2 and nothing will go on (only airbag light will go on)
*if I wait a bit the car will pick up and everything goes on, or if I turn the key back and forth it will eventually pick up and everything primes/turns on*
>Has anyone else had this on an M car or e46 M3? Potential issues are fuel pump going bad, fuel pump relay, crank position sensor or the DME

Will run codes tomorrow on OBD scanner

Any hints would help,

Clive

 

[b3rg]

Hi Bud

Maybe give this a check, I had similar issues a while back on an e46... I also initially thought it was Battery or DME related however it turned out to be the ignition switch itself.

It was intermittent and annoying as sometimes the dash would light up, other times it would partially light up or nothing at all and the car wouldnt start...

Changed out the switch for a new one...problem was solved (Easy Diy as well)

All the best

 

[Bruce88]

Thanks B3erg!

Ran Delphi for codes, nothing is coming up,
Checked battery, is OK
Checked voltage at fuel pump module, also ok
>So those are ruled out
Looks like its pointing to Ignition switch like you said, looks like a fun DIY

Will give it a bash this week and reply on thread after

 

[KPM3_30]

Had an issue with my ignition switch on the E46, car would start fine but if I tried to switch it off after a short time period, it would continue running, even if I removed the key from the ignition entirely and all lights would trigger on the cluster. Wasn't exactly sure what the issue was and decided to replace it with another switch from GoldWagen as trouble shooting to see if it would solve the issue and it did.

It was R1.5k from the agents or R550 from GW - If you are certain its the ignition switch, just buy the one from the agents as the GW one needs slight modifications to fit and doesn't feel as satisfying when turning the ignition, the notches between the different ignition modes are less pronounced with the GW part (position 1, position 2, etc).

 

[Bruce88]

Hey KPM3_30

Removed the lower housing of the steering wheel column. Inserted the key and turned...nothing...proceeded to tap the ignition switch then there is life. (Did this 2x to confirm) The little screws still have the red lock paint on them so looks like it's still original from factory. Will take your advice and go OEM. Tomorrow unplug battery and I'll switch them. To anyone else doing this. The screws are tiny. Suggest a large sun glasses screw driver.

Thanks again for the advice all! Not sure if I must close this by typing "closed" ?

 

[momo1]

Hey KPM3_30

Removed the lower housing of the steering wheel column. Inserted the key and turned...nothing...proceeded to tap the ignition switch then there is life. (Did this 2x to confirm) The little screws still have the red lock paint on them so looks like it's still original from factory. Will take your advice and go OEM. Tomorrow unplug battery and I'll switch them. To anyone else doing this. The screws are tiny. Suggest a large sun glasses screw driver.

Thanks again for the advice all! Not sure if I must close this by typing "closed" ?

Awesome, Please take some pics and provide the part number and pricing on the OEM Switch, this will definitely be helpful to members for future use.

 

[Bruce88]

Wasssuuup!!
Oem R1690 , part no: 61326901961
Non oem: R412 , part no: 32102
balling on a budget this month so went non oem (moto euro) the notchiness is still there. Old gal lit up like a Christmas tree.

So the circuit wiring is ignition position 2 will unlock the DME, cluster lights and Fuel Pump. Position 1 will unlock the starter and the alarm system. So if you getting to position 2 and you getting the starter going but none of the p2 electronics you are having ignition switch failure.

I do feel like I found oUT how to steal an e46 hahaha.

Thanks all again

 

[Bruce88]

Forgot to add. I disconnected the battery. But you don't have to as the ignition switch is a one way line.