I'm cursed (starter went?)

[e30onBBSs]

Well before I reveal the e30, I got it home and it was awesome fun driving, seemed to be turn key.

Well now it won't start. Check the video. I'm going to get it diagnosed by a pro (I have bad car voodoo or something)

My money is that the starter solenoid works but the starter doesn't for whatever reason. Probably needs a new starter. What do you guys think?

https://vimeo.com/164489927

[rturbo 930]

Okay, electronics really isn't my strong suit, but is your battery fully charged?

[e30onBBSs]

Okay, electronics really isn't my strong suit, but is your battery fully charged?

Yes. Sorry for not putting that in. Battery is good, and I even tried to jump it with the mini cooper. Same thing every time.

Cleaned and reconnected battery terminals, same symptom.

[Rob Daman]

yea. if you have a multimeter test your battery to see if you have at least 12 volts.

Okay, electronics really isn't my strong suit, but is your battery fully charged?

[e30onBBSs]

yea. if you have a multimeter test your battery to see if you have at least 12 volts.

Don't have it here but I tried to jump it and it did not do anything better, wish I had it though. Might go get it. I think it's in the back of the other car

[AndrewBird]

Check the ground strap going from the frame rail to the side of the oil pan. Driver side.

[330SMG]

Had a similar issue. PO had put a kill switch in line to the ignition switch wire and then removed said switch by putting 2 butt connectors in line. Car would randomly not start, even changed a starter first then I looked at a wiring schematic and traced the bad patch job. 20¢ in solder and shrink wrap would have been cheaper than the $150 for the starter and the 8 hours to install it twice.

[Fsnow]

I would test your battery first. Had a battery crap out in the wife's car, so bad that boosting wouldn't do enough to start it. Really didnt want to start with start function on a battery charger either. Replaced battery, 100% good now.

[e30onBBSs]

I'm cursed (starter went?)

Check the ground strap going from the frame rail to the side of the oil pan. Driver side.

will do.

Had a similar issue. PO had put a kill switch in line to the ignition switch wire and then removed said switch by putting 2 butt connectors in line. Car would randomly not start, even changed a starter first then I looked at a wiring schematic and traced the bad patch job. 20¢ in solder and shrink wrap would have been cheaper than the $150 for the starter and the 8 hours to install it twice.

No kill switch in it

I would test your battery first. Had a battery crap out in the wife's car, so bad that boosting wouldn't do enough to start it. Really didnt want to start with start function on a battery charger either. Replaced battery, 100% good now.

Good idea. I really should get a voltage number. Weird how the radio plays and windows roll up and everything, but definitely should check it.


- Thanks guys. First day of ownership has been fun as hell and unexpectedly bad! Going to have a shop diagnose this one until I get more acquainted, it may not be an m20!

[Das Delfin]

def get your battery tested. If your battery is dead enough, even a jump will not get it started. Take it out and bring it to autozone. If they say it's dead and you need a new one, your next step is to check the alt because a dead alt will kill a battery and could be the root of your problems

[Kershaw]

Interested in an answer. I have a similar issue. Except I already replaced the starter and it did not fix it at all. I think it's a loose ground somewhere.

[e30onBBSs]

I'm cursed (starter went?)

I used a free AAA tow (2.5 miles) to a local shop who will hopefully diagnose it and fix it. The car is so new (and maybe not m20!) so until I get a better grip on it I'm gonna leave it to a pro. Will keep this updated

[rturbo 930]

and maybe not m20!

Erm, how is that? Generally it's pretty obvious if it is or isn't.

[e30onBBSs]

Erm, how is that? Generally it's pretty obvious if it is or isn't.

haha it's a surprise ;D

ofc I would know if it's an m20 or not

[dnguyen1963]

What??? either it is or it is not.