Delay Start...WTH?

....and yet another problem. About 4 months ago my 03 330ci would delay start. At first it was once in a while, then all the time. Heres what happens. Put the key in, turn to start, everything turns on(lights, etc) and car wont crank over. Nothing. hold the key to crank position for a few seconds and the car starts. Took it to my Indy and of course the car started perfectly everytime for them and they could not see what was happening so They could not fix anything or even know where to begin looking. The problem went away and for months it starts perfectly. Tonight I went to the store, got back in the car and same thing happens, except this time the car never starts. I end up getting towed home. (Embarrassing to see it on a flatbed). So....I have read a few threads here and other sites and everyone has so many opinions it all gets foggy. Here is my question....Is this something that can be diagnosed by a peake tool?(want to buy one anyway) Is this a problem with the key communicating with the car? Could it be some sort of ignition relay problem? Could it be as simple as a loose wire going to the starter? I just got home and it is late so I will be under the car in the morning looking. I am just not sure where to start. Seems like its getting enough power as the battery is 2 years old and all the lights are bright and not dim. I only have 1 Key, Is there any way to diagnose this without taking it to a Stealership?
....any help or advice would be great

I know you said the battery is "only 2 years old", but all indications point to a bad battery. Just because you have lights, radio, etc. means nothing, they are low-draw, and don`t really count..."cranking amps" (hundreds of them) are what is needed to spin an engine over, and your battery is obviously not delivering the goods.

Thanks for the advice Fast Bob. I threw on my slippers and pulled my wifes Ford Ranger up to it. Hooked up the jumpers and ....nothing still. I had my hopes up high for something easy...no luck. Any other ideas? I took a video of whats happening...here is the link... The video is still uploading as I post this so it may take a few minutes...

Do you hear the fuel pump prime?

Kinda reminds me of the ignition switch symptom

MalibuMafiaV has a great DIY on it
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=596758


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The fuel pump kicks on. I was thinking ignition switch, but how do you trouble shoot that? I hate to just go drop $75 on a new switch and it not be the issue. I keep reading about the key not communicating with the ecu. Any thoughts?

A multi-meter is your best friend with almost anything electronic.

You can try to resync the key,
I know I've said this alot lol but tap your metal key part against a hard surface then try to turn it on

I switched my ignition switch when I saw Mal's diy, trying to figure out something similar. Not sure if it works but I might have the old ignition switch around, I'll try to find find it if the key tap thing doesnt work

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I whacked my key a few times on the garage floor, put it in the ignition and the car fired up. Thanks for all the advice. Next time you guys hit Las Vegas I will buy you a cold one. Cheers!!

Glad it worked out

Sounds like your gonna need a new key soon

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I used to have this issue randomly... turn the key and had to hold it for a second or two before the starter would kick in... have not had this delayed start issue since putting a new battery in the car last year.

Edit: After watching the video, yours is definitely not the same issue I had...

i had the same problem and BMW made me replace the starter, buy a new computer, a new battery, etc. and nothing worked.. turns out it was a ring/antenna around the ignition that crapped out.. they replaced that, and told me to swap keys every month to keep them charged and it hasnt happened since

Without even reading these replies. My car use to do this to. I replaced my ignition switch and never had the problem again. I posted a DIY on how to change it. It's very simple and cheap.

BMWs seem to have twisted personalities (kinda like their owners )

Originally Posted by bmw330ci04

i had the same problem and BMW made me replace the starter, buy a new computer, a new battery, etc. and nothing worked.. turns out it was a ring/antenna around the ignition that crapped out.. they replaced that, and told me to swap keys every month to keep them charged and it hasnt happened since

Sounds like this advice hit the target!