E46 320i, Starter spin, Does not start

[lucian]

Car started, cut out instantly. Now it just swings but does not kick in (ie start)
Do I need a new starter?

 

[danieljames]

Check if all your connections are sound. Then Check your solenoid. If ur solenoid is fine it could perhaps be the bendix. It's a lot cheaper than going straight and buying a replacement part. If it's spinning but not kicking it's usually one of those

sent from... a phone

---

In my experience

sent from... a phone

 

[GPGrobler]

Lucian, does the engine swing, or has the starter stopped working? If the engine turns, it is not the starter.

Then you have to look at relays, fuel and spark.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Yep, we need to determine exactly what is happening. If the starter motor is swinging the engine over then it's doubtful that it's the starter motor unless it's not turning over properly. The fact that you said it started, then cut-out, chances are there is something else wrong - as said above, look at fuel and ignition. :thumbs:

 

[lucian]

It definitely swings, but just does not start, so I doubt that it is the starter. Unfortunately car is now stuck in my garage. If I push it out then there's no way I will get it back in. The driveway is a steep decline to the road.

I am not too technical, so probably need a mecchie with diagnostic tool to check the car. On top of it a week before I bough a brand new battery.

Sigh, got to drive a small bakkie now until I can get the Beemer fixed. Quite an adjustment, but got to make do with what's available.

Any recommendations (For mecchie). I am in Durbanville area.

 

[GPGrobler]

Heyyy,

you are lucky, Philip is from around there, how about it Philip, can you help Lucian out? :thumbs: :=):

 

[QikNish]

Probably fuel pump

 

[lucian]

Probably fuel pump

Don't think so. Can hear pump and can smell petrol. Tried again and started for a sec and cut out again.
Somebody suggested I check for water in the fuel!!. Lot of rain we had, but can't think that the filling station will allow this to happen:thumbdo:.
Still stranded

 

[lucian]

Problem solved. 2K later.
Guys at Rosenpark Motors (Tygervalley) sorted me out after I had to wait 2 weeks.
They fetched the car at my house and towed it to their workshop.

Engine was flooded. Sparks plugs dead. Misfire on some cylinders

They apparently pumped some oil in the cylinders, laquered the coils with a substance that will make them last longer, and chucked in some new spark plugs. Car fixed the same day.

Car starts first time and pulls smoothly. Hesitation on pull away is also gone.
Just happy to drive my beemer again.

I must say these guys know their stuff from the very old classic cars right up to the newer models. The owner Is also a very nice guy.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Glad you got it sorted out! Sorry, I was not too active here a few weeks back so missed some of this.

What was the actual cause for the engine not starting though? Bad or tired plugs? As in before being flooded?

 

[lucian]

Glad you got it sorted out! Sorry, I was not too active here a few weeks back so missed some of this.

What was the actual cause for the engine not starting though? Bad or tired plugs? As in before being flooded?

Yes the plugs was the main culprit.
Strange but on the previous service (about 10 000 KMs ago) I gave the mecchie a new set of plugs, purchased @ BMW.
So either it was a bad batch or the mecchie never replaced them.

 

[Philip Foglar]

These days, anything is possible, and by this I mean, new spark plugs, what new spark plugs... :fencelook:

It's difficult to trust that servicing will be done properly when there is so much reason to not trust with the way things are done these days! :bangdesk:

 

[cwb]

Hi Guys I'm kinda new to this so kick me out if I'm at the wrong place, I've got a 320i E46 2003 mine also has starting issues I struggle every time I get in to get her to swing she'll go on all dashboard lights on then I press the middle button on my key with the button a light click sound and then I swing and its dead like road kill, after quite a while of trying she'll turn over this is now a constant thing ANY help please?????