BMW E36 Starter Problem

[AlexYannoulatos]

Hi all.

Ive got a bit of a tricky problem with my 95' 318i E36. The starter would often 'slip' and sometimes be completely dead, just over age and ware and tear. I then got it reconditioned a few months ago.

Ever since when stopping and starting a couple of times on a hot day or when aircon is in use, it refuses to start, no cranking at all, just a click when turning the key over. Only way to get it going again is to push start, or wait for it to cool down.

Earth's and all cables are good, battery is practically brand new. What is the most common solution to this problem? The Abendix drive or fitting a whole new starter ? again?

Thanks

 

[Dippies]

Mine did the same. Seems like a e36 issue if you search the forum there is quite a number of threads regarding this issue. Link

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/search.php?action=results&sid=d3037a8344fe41b17e62836151e2c0e0

search e36 starter problems.

 

[madness_inc]

Might be the starter solenoid

 

[Jandre]

My e36 did the same a couple of years ago. I was not in the mood to struggle with fault finding or having to go retrieve the car at all hours of the day, so i just had them fit a new one.

 

[Thunder]

If you want you can buy mine. :rollsmile:

It has been working perfect ever since I bought the car and worked great till car broke down.

 

[danieljames]

I have a similar shit problem. Replaced the solenoid checked all earth connections. Next step is to bypass the ignition switch to see what happens. I'd love to know what ur problem is if you find it

*I love my E36!*

 

[Mohammed@Auto X-cessorize]

I've had this problem with the E36 and E30 as well, what worked for me was fitting a relay to the starter, For some reason both mine where caused by lack of power to the started at some times. Hope this works for u as it did for me

 

[racing snake]

you need to check the voltage coming from the ign while cranking the motor at the starter solenoid. if the voltage is low you will need to either replace the ignition or fit a relay into the circuit

if the voltage is at battery level then the solenoid is faulty and needs to be replaced.

 

[danieljames]

Any details with regards to the relay? My voltage drops to about 9.5v-10v while cranking

Sorry for hijacking your thread

*I love my E36!*

 

[danieljames]

Or could anyone direct me to the appropriate thread?

Pretty please

*I love my E36!*

 

[AlexYannoulatos]

Any details with regards to the relay? My voltage drops to about 9.5v-10v while cranking

Sorry for hijacking your thread

*I love my E36!*

haha no problem, it will only give me more answers. :rollsmile:

 

[Mohammed@Auto X-cessorize]

Do you need a pin out for the relay ?

 

[danieljames]

Do you need a pin out for the relay ?

I'm baffled by all this relay stuff. Pls explain

*I love my E36!*

 

[racing snake]

the ignition wears out over time and as a result doesnt make proper contact and that gives a lower voltage.

i can make up a relay setup for you for a few bucks, its fairly straight forward to install but diagrams are available on the web

pm me if you are interested.:thumbs:

 

[AlexYannoulatos]

the ignition wears out over time and as a result doesnt make proper contact and that gives a lower voltage.

i can make up a relay setup for you for a few bucks, its fairly straight forward to install but diagrams are available on the web

pm me if you are interested.:thumbs:

Awesome, are you in JHB area? Will you be at the meet up on the 8th of feb?

 

[racing snake]

the ignition wears out over time and as a result doesnt make proper contact and that gives a lower voltage.

i can make up a relay setup for you for a few bucks, its fairly straight forward to install but diagrams are available on the web

pm me if you are interested.:thumbs:

Awesome, are you in JHB area? Will you be at the meet up on the 8th of feb?

Ja im from Benoni.

I might make the hookup bat have a business to run so sometimes it difficult to get away