740IL Wont Stat

I repaired a valley pan leak. However, this is my second time repairing the leak after 6 months. The first time I repaired the leak and reconnected everything the car started fine. However, I did not use a torch wrench to tighten down the valley pan bolts and had to go back in 6 month later. Now after repairing the leak and reconnecting everything, The car will not start. I suspect its' the stater motor connection. Maybe I missed connecting something, Where is the started located? So, that I can check the connection? When, I turn the key, all lights show up on the instrument panel with no sound from the starter... Help

Your going to have to retrace your steps. Something is'nt connected correctly. Dont believe there is any need to remove the starter for a valley pan, so if you didnt touch it, then it should be fine.

Just wondering....you can change a valley pan gasket but you have to ask where the starter is?

Thanks Jason, Don't rag me too bad.... I know how starter work and can locate them on most cars. However, I just did not see or could find the starter near the engine top or nearby the alternator.... Anyway, I was finally able to get the car started. It was one of the Oil Plug connection under the car that goes back to the electric box on top of the Intake Manifold. The plug was not fully connected. Once connected, It fired up.... Thanks,

Not ragging on you. I just thought that was interesting.

Unless the car is 100 years old, all starters are located somewhere on the bell housing where the engine and tranny connect.

Originally Posted by bicha2

Where is the started located?

The 540 and 740 have the same engine, right? If so, a quick /starter F3 in the bestlinks should locate pictures and DIYs for you.

For example:
- Where is the starter motor located (1) & removing the 540i starter motor in one hour (1) & the BMW TIS (1) and an E38 740iL starter motor DIY (1) (2) & what special tools are needed (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & where is the starter motor relay (1) (2)

Thanks Bluebee. To answer your question...Yes. My 1999 540i and my 1999 740i have the same M62tu 4.4 V-8. E38's and E39's are basiclly the same car. Ones just a little bit bigger.

I agree sound like perhaps you my have left something disconnected/put volt meter on starter wire,have some one turn the ignition to start position and see if you have voltage 12 volts at starter wire .if nothing else use starter button and go directly to starter and crank.if when you use starter button and it does not crank you know it the starter.if it does crank you know it is a electrical issue.goodluck.