E21 help

[npag206]

Hey Guys

So i have a 79 320i and its a california car. I got it from a buddy for free and I'm trying to get it to run. I removed all the emissions crap and plugged everything up (or so i think). The PO said he replaced the starter but when i go to turn it on I'm getting power everywhere else but nothing is cranking. I would suspect the starter is wired wrong but i have no idea. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks R3v

[Nesset]

Check the ground to the starter motor. Had the same problem on my 2002... If that is the issue that is.

[TobyB]

Make sure it's in neutral and jump the starter wire.

If it cranks, then it's the switch/wiring.

If not, check the starter and battery hots and grounds, then suspect the starter itself...

t

[FireFight]

just had this issue with my e21.
there are three wires that go to a e21 m10 starter
one is from the battery that goes on the terminal closest to the drivers fender
another goes to the alternator
and finally there is one that is black with a yellow tracer that goes on the bottom flat spade terminal this on is the one that triggers the starter

[FireFight]

ignition switches are a common failure item on these cars as well


also check out this thread of mine from when i had this issue after a harness fire

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2134546-Not-cranking

[Twelvizm]

Hit the starter with a hammer.

[e30austin]

Hit the starter with a rubber mallet.

[SoundByte]

Put the car in gear and rock it back & forth.

[george graves]

Hit the starter with a hammer.

I use to keep a 1/2" 1' extension in my e21 when the starter would act up. A sold whack, and it would fire right up. Just give the solonoid a good wach, and do not hit the power terminals.

[Matt-B]

Check the engine ground. Battery cables. Clean with terminal cleaner, and terminal brush. That has fixed a few "non running" cars of friends etc

[npag206]

I think I'm missing some grounds. I applied direct power and jumped the T50 terminal on the starter and it cranks. So its either bad grounds or an ignition switch (might run a push button start). Could someone tell me which grounds i need to have in place, i think I'm missing my chassis to block braided strap...thanks

[Jrssampson]

Check the ignition fluid

[4tDX]

I just had a similar no crank issue on my E30:
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=339191

It ended up being a grounding issue, but my car would not crank when I jumped to terminal 50... So, in your case I would also check to see if the small wire running to terminal 50 on the starter solenoid is receiving ~12 volts when you turn the key to the START position. However, the grounding straps are very important so I would definitely get an oil pan / engine block ground strap if it is missing.
If you are not seeing ~12V, like the others said, i would check the (1) relays, (2) fuses, and (3) ignition switch for continuity in the various positions ("OFF", "ON", and "START").