E39 M5 - Starter Relay Location?!

[nirvash]

Hi all,

Maybe you guys can help,
my e39 M5 isn't starting at the moment,

Went away for a couple days, came back, no start.
Thought it was the battery, so charged that. Still no start.

Got my INPA cable and software, doesn't seem like there is anything wrong with the EWS, or the key, but I did get a code for the starter relay, which would make sense.

Now, I have searched online, with info stating all sorts of places where the starter relay should be,
Behind the glove box, so took that out, couldn't find it
Under the EWS Module, couldn't find it
in the DME Box in the engine bay, couldn't find it

WHAT AM I MISSING?!

2000 E39 M5 pre facelift

Thanks!

 

[QikNish]

Are you getting ignition lights? Fuel pump buzzing when you turn the key?

 

[nirvash]

Are you getting ignition lights? Fuel pump buzzing when you turn the key?

Yes, both

 

[MARHD]

Should be under the left cabin filter in the engine bay and be this relay.

 

[QikNish]

Does the starter click at all when trying to start?

Also try locking, wait a while then unlock the car.... open and close the drivers door.

 

[nirvash]

Should be under the left cabin filter in the engine bay and be this relay.

Thanks, will give that a try, never knew there were relays in that spot!

Does the starter click at all when trying to start?

Also try locking, wait a while then unlock the car.... open and close the drivers door.

No clicking, have tried similar things with no luck

 

[nirvash]

Should be under the left cabin filter in the engine bay and be this relay.

When you mentioned the left side, I thought you meant where the brake booster and reservoir are. Not where the DME is. I tried replacing the relay for the started in the DME box, still no luck.
Will at least check on INPA tomorrow if the Relay error message still comes up.

Need to get under the car and check the starter wires now.

Also mite change the ignition switch, though no errors showed for this on INPA.....

Hate these little gremlins

 

[MARHD]

Just as a hacky test you can check if the car will still start. Turn the key on all the way and safely get under the car and bypass the starter solenoid (take the car out of gear😅). You can short the two points that are not connected to the starter and it should start to crank (you can use a well insulated thick screw driver).

If the car starts you know it's not your DME or something big. It's probably a relay, fuse or the anti-theft system.

 

[///M Individual]

Just as a hacky test you can check if the car will still start. Turn the key on all the way and safely get under the car and bypass the starter solenoid (take the car out of gear😅). You can short the two points that are not connected to the starter and it should start to crank (you can use a well insulated thick screw driver).

RIP ⚡⚡⚡