BMW E36 M3 : CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS

[bmwforlife]

My son has an e36 m3 so the other day it just doesnt start . The key turns , engine turns but buggerall fires . So I think lets take it to smg let them code it check it out and get a verdict .

We get a call today saying the following:
1) Your starter is done buy a new one for R9000
2)Your fuel relay is done buy a new one for R7000
3) Our labour is R3500
4) This diagnosis is subject to any further problems we may later find

Having a built in bullshitometer this what I heard
1) We don't a F#$% know whats wrong since we are not real mechanics but rather automatons we do what the computer tells us
2) Please replace these parts which may or may not need replacing but is our best guess of the problem
3) Pay our over infalted parts prices and
$) Remember nothing in this life is certain least of all any diagnosis we make .....

Are you not happy you came

Are they insane :bangdesk::bangdesk::bangdesk:

Right any fundis here have any ideas ?advice or can point to a good BMW mechanic in Cape Town .....If you say Zeemax I will scream :flyfun:

 

[Ralf*]

why replace the starter if it turns the engine.....unless you unintentionally burnt it out trying to start the engine.

not familiar with the e36 M3 problems,

but on my e39 530d it did the same, replaced the cam shaft sensor ( as it is the easiest....R1900 ish from BMW Isando)...2 years later still starting every time

 

[herr bmw]

lets see if i can hear your scream in pretoria:rollsmile: zeemaxs.

sorry to hear but i cant belive they cant tell you the exact cause of the problem,or they are to lazy to do there work

 

[Raybimmer]

If the starter turns the motor and you can swing a spanner :
1. Check for voltage at the fuel pump if you do not hear it run .
2. Check the fuel pump fuse if no power found .
3. Check for voltage at the plug on the coil pack .
4. Check camshaft sensor resistance .
I do not have the M3 manual so I do not know resistance values .
Good luck .

 

[Julz]

The last time my car didn't want to start it was my fuel pump.Raybimmer hit the nail on the head,start out by listening if the fuel pump switches on when you turn on the ignition.If the fuel pump is not switching on and you're stuck it sometimes helps to lift up the rear bench and give the pump a few knocks(it sometimes makes contact again),this is not a fix bt it can get you home.Apart from what Raybimmer already pointed out and checking spark,if nothing works you should check the anti theft system(alarm) which might prevent the car from starting.I had continous on and off starting problems and I never thought of checking the alarm system and that was exactly where the problem was hiding.

 

[kav]

hey guy . had the same problem once b4 and it was the fuel pump relay as well, so check it out ....

 

[sharonv]

Hi

If the starter can turn the motor, check the crank sensor,which you can replace it with any e36 328i crank sensors. i tried it on my e36 m3 and it works just perfect. I know the diagnostics machines are only there to rip us off

 

[Yuvan]

Check everything relating to fuel supply eg Fuses, fuel pump, fuel filter blockage. Had a similar problem when i purchased the 328i, the fuel filter was clogged up!

 

[bmwforlife]

Thanks will check


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[Jandre]

Yellow car?

 

[Hellas]

Yellow car?

Seems like a sponge(bob) problem?

 

[bmwforlife]

Lol yellow car ja . Parked at smg still .


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[Jandre]

i was at the dealership when the tow truck dropped it off.

Was a bit annoyed that they decided to tow the car instead of putting it on a flatbed.

When they parked it, the tow truck driver said "it won't start" to one of the SMG guys.

 

[bmwforlife]

Ahhhh correct.


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[Prev]

Did you get this fixed? If so, what was the problem?

 

[Rolf]

Arthur.... do you have spark?

 

[Prev]

I'm having a similar problem.......no spark. Voltage on coil wires checked and is ok. Resistance on coil checked and is ok. Fuel pump is priming and fuel is going through to the rail. Just cannot figure out why no spark.......any ideas?

 

[Peejay]

Dead dme

 

[Prev]

Nope if DME was dead the fuel pump won't prime

 

[Dhp507]

Did u read the codes