Engine won't start or turn over! - Immobilsor?

[Beemerguru]

Last week I was so happy to buy a 1997 318i.
But now when I try to turn the key nothing happens, I'm stuck in the parking lot at work right now!

Windows and lights and radio work fine so I think the battery is okay.

The Key does turn all the way to position, but there's no starting noise at all. everything else seems normal, it just won't even crank.

At first I thought it was the factory alarm, but I hit the remote button again to make sure.

Then I thought the battery, but all the gadgets seem to work strong.

Anyone out there with ideas?

:cry:

[BeRzErKaS]

Do you know where the alarm override button is?

Try deactivating the alarm/unlocking the car with the remote. Then get in the car, leaving the drivers side door OPEN. Put the key in the ignition and turn to the ON position. Then hold the override switch for 15-30secs. If you car alarm chirps it should be reset. We may have different alarm systems but it's worth a shot. This procedure works on mine.

Honestly though, this sounds like a voltage issue. This reminds me of the time I left my radio on while washing the car. Everything just died. Cabin light/radio still worked but starter wouldn't crank. The radio and interior lights only need 5V, many of the components in the engine bay run on a 12V circuit.

You sure you didn't leave you headlights on?? Make sure all dome lights/radio are off and all aux devices removed from the cig lighter port.

[Beemerguru]

Well it just started up like there never was a problem, but it has now happened twice more.

I'm pretty sure it's not the alarm now, but thanks telling me about the override switch I didn't even know it might have one. The power windows seem to work normally with the engine off (that's a good sign of battery life) but I got stuck again when coming back from a short trip to the market.

I'm thinking the immobiliser or ignition switch or clutch switch.

When it starts, it starts up normally. When it doesn't it just plays dead.
Weird!

[IceGT]

Check your battery connection, and make sure that it is tight, This happened to me after I changed my battery, and it was just because the connection was not tight enough

[Beemerguru]

I searched other forums and some have had the same problem because of the CPS.
I'll change that first and report back

[rpburg]

If your ride is manual, look underneath your clutch. It may be that the previous owner installed a clutch stop (see this link)
http://www.bimmerworld.com/html/rogue-engineering-clutch-stop.htm

If you have a safety interlock (my 98 does) on the clutch pedal then the car will will not start if clutch not depressed far enough and a loose clutch stop can do that.

If not a problem on your vehicle.... you may want to consider a stop (or you can make one much cheaper!)

[gogomccord]

e36 famous for flooded dme. just takes a look you'll see.


http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/E36-DME-Repair/E36-DME-Repair.htm

[ImperialDuckM3]

Just because your radio, lights, and window work doesn't mean you have enought battery power to start the car. I am thinking you only need to replace the battery and everything will be fine.

If it was your immobilizer, then it wouldn't start at all (all the time).

[0bratleybrown0]

so where is the reset switch?

[0bratleybrown0]

Do you know where the alarm override button is?

Try deactivating the alarm/unlocking the car with the remote. Then get in the car, leaving the drivers side door OPEN. Put the key in the ignition and turn to the ON position. Then hold the override switch for 15-30secs. If you car alarm chirps it should be reset. We may have different alarm systems but it's worth a shot. This procedure works on mine.

Honestly though, this sounds like a voltage issue. This reminds me of the time I left my radio on while washing the car. Everything just died. Cabin light/radio still worked but starter wouldn't crank. The radio and interior lights only need 5V, many of the components in the engine bay run on a 12V circuit.

You sure you didn't leave you headlights on?? Make sure all dome lights/radio are off and all aux devices removed from the cig lighter port.
so where was that reset switch at anyway?

[bboyvek]

Just because your radio, lights, and window work doesn't mean you have enought battery power to start the car. I am thinking you only need to replace the battery and everything will be fine.

If it was your immobilizer, then it wouldn't start at all (all the time).

+1

[ChrisM011]

Please update us if you find the solution. I have the same, exact, problem with my 95 325is. I have checked the battery numerous times, even attempting to jump start when I have this problem. No luck. Mine has been intermittent no start for almost 1 year! When I leave it sit for about 20-30 minutes and then go back out the car will start right up. If anyone has successfully dealt with this problem please let the rest of us know. After numerous online searches I have found that this is not an uncommon problem, but I have yet to see someone with a solution.

Chris

[Musipilot]

Don't miss the simple...he's new to Bimmers. You have to hold the clutch down to start the car if it's a manual.

[bobwatt]

Hi First posting. I have a 325tds which has an immobiliser/ key code problem. Any way around this?

[ChrisM011]

I am not that new to bimmers...been around them on and off for a good 14 years. My 95 does not have the clutch switch. Those seem to have been added around 96 from what I can tell...but could be wrong. Anyway, any other input from the group on this problem. I know I am not the only one!

Chris