1999 750il won't crank

My 1999 750il at times won't crank. I've tried both keys with no results. It does not matter if the engine is hot or cold. It does not matter if you try to start it multible times, only waiting at least 30 minutes and as much as several hours then it will start at the first attempt. The dealer came up with nothing. Everything electrically works other then no crank. Any advice?

Does the engine turn when you turn the key? If it does maybe your fuel pump is going out. If it doesnt maybe its your starter.

That's what I mean't when I said "won't crank" is that the engine doesn't turn over. Sorry about the confusion.

Do the lights on the dash dim when you turn the key? If the lights on the dash come on and the engine doesnt turn when you turn the key Id be thinking starter. Is it the original? Also check the starter relay and make sure its in there and not loose. Or maybe its the car's security system not letting the engine turn over. Honestly Im just throwing this stuff out there, I cant be sure what it is from here, but if it was my car Id start there

the only way the issue can be properly diagnosed is if it happens to do so while the technician is trying to crank the engine. then the fault can be pinpointed to where the power 'stops'.

some possible culprits could be anti theft, relays, ignition switch and related modules, as well as a starter (least likely, but possible). quessing will get expensive.

i suggest that you take specifics when this happens again, such as dash lights, noises such as clicks and buzzes, as well as any absent lights, clicks, buzzes and such when trying to start. sometimes a fault code may be stored, but only if the system(s) involved actually recognize the fact that there is a fault.

be patient, and check with the 'fest for a local electrical guru in your area. be preppared to drop your vehicle off for a few days, though.

df

Check and tighten the battery terminals. It costs nothing and takes 30 seconds, you never know...

Thanks guys for a lot of good thoughts to follow up on. I'll let you know what I find out, still love the car.

teevie - what did you discover was the problem? My 323i isn't starting (all of a sudden) isn't turning over - and I think it's the ant-theft. What did you uncover?