Help! Car won't start.

[davidmc]

Help, my 325i just won't start at all. I'm wondering if it's the battery, but the headlights, radio and interior lights all work fine. Is there any quick fix without having to tinker with the engine? I just need to get it to start so I can bring it to the nearest repair shop. Thanks, guys.

[Rob]

does it turn over or do the lights come on and nothing happens when you turn the key?

[e30evolution]

help us help you.......
there are many things we dont know....
does the motor crank?
if so does it crank normally?
did anything happen before it just wouldnt start?
how long has it been since you last drove it?
if it makes no sound or any attempt to start it is something between your key and the starter motor (ignition switch, starter relay/solinoid, starter motor, or bad ground)
if it does turn over but does not start either it is not getting enough air, spark, fuel, or compression.
there are many different things it could be, a better explaionation of what is happening would be very helpful

[davidmc]

help us help you.......
there are many things we dont know....
does the motor crank?
if so does it crank normally?
did anything happen before it just wouldnt start?
how long has it been since you last drove it?
if it makes no sound or any attempt to start it is something between your key and the starter motor (ignition switch, starter relay/solinoid, starter motor, or bad ground)
if it does turn over but does not start either it is not getting enough air, spark, fuel, or compression.
there are many different things it could be, a better explaionation of what is happening would be very helpful

Here's a bit of information. The motor doesn't crank at all. Only a slight click can be heard when I try to start the car/turn the key. The lights and radio do come on though. No history of this problem, as a matter of fact, I just used it the same day. There was one odd thing that happened a few days back though. The engine stopped while I was driving. I brought it back to the shop and they adjusted the idling. It was okay after that. I know it could be anything, but any suggestions would help.

[e30evolution]

something in between the ignition switch and the starter solinoid

[egk2]

I recently had the same problem, just a clicking noise when I go to start it, but it only happened sporadically(sp?) so I replaced the starter and in the process I found that my battery cables and connections were extremely corroded, so I cleaned off all the corrosion off all the cables and connections, problem solved, probably didn't even need a starter but oh well fresh starter.

[jimbob_1000]

sorry i don't mean to hijack the thread but i am having a problem starting my e30 also. here's the background.....I haven't drove it in over a year (stupid i know) nor have i started it, it cranks and cranks and cranks, and once it even kicked over but only for like a millesecond. I have syphoned out the old fuel and put in new, i took off the airbox and was spraying starter fluid directly in. if any of you have any suggestions that would be great.

JIM

e-mail me @ vwbora2003@netscape.net

[jimbob_1000]

any help?

[chrisd]

how's your oil? I am not the expert around here, but it seems like thick old oil wouldn't be helping.

have you checked to see if the throttle is opening okay?
afm flap is opening?
rev it a bit while starting?
replacing the gas was good, but your fuel line is still full of old stuff. can you take off the fuel line and drain it, then reattach and try again?
can you test the fuel pump? (under the back seat)

just my $.02, best of luck.

[iXer]

On our old cars everyone should check the electronics. On my iX I had sporadic problems with both the main and fuel relay, after cleaning the contact area everything has been fine and it runs like clockwork.

/Mattias

[mjc85]

Guys it is your starter motor, it is fried. It happened to me about 3 weeks ago, it turned out it was the starter motor. Mine made that exact same click noise but wouldn't turn over. It can also possibly be the solanoid in the starter motor, but usually the whole starter motor is gone.

[davidmc]

Thanks for all your suggestions. It turned out to be a dead battery. Funny, because all lights, horns, alarms worked fine. Replaced it and the car is up and about again. Though with a somewhat different feel. Could be my imagination. Thanks again, this is a great forum.

[jimbob_1000]

thanks for the suggestions, it's definatley not the starter, i think it's the fuel filter, i just picked one up and im going to be swapping it out when it's not raining (stupid PNW).

JIM