Problem starting 318Ti (E46)

[BMWchick]

Howzit BMW Peoples! :clap:
I have had problems (intermittendly) getting my car to start. Started about 3 months ago where I put the key in the ignition, turn, lights & radio come on, but nothing else further, no click, no swing. Just DEAD! I would then take the key out, try and start my car again, and then whallaaah, it started 2nd time around. It happened maybe once / twice a month. Saturday I parked a block away from home and the same thing happened again, but this time it would not start and the vehicle had to be towed to a A/Electrician. As soon as the offloaded my car, the (swearing) car started first time!!! They kept it overnight and it started first time, with every attempt. Still is![/size] They asked me if I tried to start it is R, D etc where I commented that I am blonde but not stupid. (out of frustration I guess)... They also recommended that I shift the gearlever a few times up and down, which I did while sitting next to the road after it broke down. The problem is they cant find the problem because it is intermittend and they look at me like I am a few chips short of a Happy meal when I explain to them what happened.
I reckon Ignition Switch - maybe something on its way to the starter. Tested the fuses, definite power flow to the rest of the car, key was redone a month ago, starter not noisy, no clicking or anything when I turn key which tells me the starter should be fine...
Please help? Asseblief! Similar problems anyone?
((((If my car gives more problems, my husband is trading it is for a (swearing) JEEP!))))

 

[Lunatik]

i would think its the key

i have had a problem like this once before when i threw the key to my gf and she didnt catch it and the key fell on the floor the car did not start but after leaving the key in the ignition for a while in the on position the car started.

i also have a problem with my spare key sometimes it starts sometimes it doesn't :thinking:

so maybe you should get your key double checked and also try using the plastic grey key(i dont know whats the correct name for this key ) to see if it starts the car, if it does carry it everywhere you go

 

[e46 guy]

Consult your local sangoma...:thumb: just kidding

Try and get the car to workshop with a diagnostic machine and see if any errors come up, problems like this is hard to tell what it could be, my guess would be the key ask the people where you got it done to re-check it as you say the everything comes on but it dies not start and after a few attempts it starts also try using the spare key and see if the same thing happens if so the keys are fine, then the problem is else where

nice car by the way apart from the starting gremlin hope she has treated you well.

 

[BMWchick]

Thanks for the awesome advise guys! My car was send back to me this afternoon with a response on jobcard saying "Problem intermittend - no problem"... A bit frustrating as it happened 10 minutes again. Got out of the car, locked it again, got back into the car, started first time! Whoohhhh, frustrating. Going to have a look at buying KIT from NIght Rider - at least he will tell me whats wrong! :clap:

Booked my car in for Monday to be tested and then they can start fault finding!

Appreciate your feedback!