Starting Problems - Any advice what to inspect ?

[donamore]

Hello all,

I am driving a 98 BMW 316 and recently it started to have problems starting. One has to turn the key several times and with luck it will start. And strangest thing is that sometimes it starts at the first try.

Another problem is that the Gauge indicator is broke. It shows tank is empty all the time and yellow light is on constantly.

I would appreciate if anyone on this board can advice me on what might be wrong with my car as I am totally a non mechanical guy who wants to know a little bit more before going to a garage (with the risk of being fleezed big time ). It is Ireland I am living in.

1) starting problems
2) gauge indicator showing empty tank...

Many thanks in advance...

Don

[Conehead]

I dont understand completly what you are saying with the first question, maybe a bit more info, but the second question, about the guage sounds like a faulty sender unit.

[donamore]

@ Conehead,

Where is the guage sender unit located and is it easy to replace ?

About the starting problem. When I turn the key and wait till all control lights are out and then try to start the car it either starts immediately but most of the times I can just hear a electrical "dying" sound and nothing moves under the bonnet. One can sometimes hear the starting motor springing into action but then it does not seem to be able to start the engine completely (wheels & belts are moving around).

I am being clearer here ?

Thanks again.
Don

[Conehead]

I would assume the sender unit would be on the top of the fuel tank. I just cant 100% remember. Pirate Copy might be able to help us on this one.

Ok. Could be the starter motor on the way out.

Maybe even the battery. If it has been particuly cold when you try to start the car, and you get that sound it may suggest the battery.

Is there any clicking sound when you try to start the car...does the dash lights (warning lights) go very dim.

From what you have said, I believe it sounds electrical.

How do you get the car started when it wont turn over???

[Pirate_copy]

Is possible your camshaft position sensor is gone if it is intermittent...

[donamore]

Thanks again fro your reply.

No it is not the battery / coldness. Nice warm weather here.

Clicking sounds yes. When inserting key and turn it to first position (where one waits till lights on dashboard go off ) one can hear things gearing up.

Sound when trying to start : One click and then " keeuuuww " almost sounding like a .... I don't know..

At random it starts allright.

Would a read out of the car's computer give me any clues ?

thanx again.
Don

[Conehead]

Mate, if you are 100% sure the battery is fine, then all I can suggest is the starter motor could be ready to drop its guts.

It may be the sensor that Pirate suggested.

A reading of the codes may give you a bit of an insight.

Hope we have helped a bit

Cone
XXX

[Pirate_copy]

It may help :)

The buzzing your hear is the fuel pump priming the lines

[donamore]

Big thanks for your help allthough it is not the news I wanted to hear eg. this is going to cost me money :--(

Don

[Conehead]

Big thanks for your help allthough it is not the news I wanted to hear eg. this is going to cost me money :--(

Don

So is getting marries and having kids....but just have to suck it up....LOL....

Cheers buddy

[SCANDINAVIAN13]

The buzzing your hear is the fuel pump priming the lines
haha
I thought it was the equipment cooling fans for all of the amazing BMW technology...
I guess I confuse my car for an aircraft sometimes.

[Pirate_copy]

:rofl: you maybe right