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BMW 5-Series Starting Problems

83 messages,  Last post on Apr 02, 2013 at 6:20 PM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 10

#2 of 83 Re: BMW gas cap off, won't start [lacrossesoaked] by sixpaqs

Feb 07, 2007 (8:26 am)

Replying to: lacrossesoaked (Feb 06, 2007 6:47 pm)
I used to have a 2000 Audi A6 that would have the check engine light on if the gas cap was not back on the car. It drive me nuts when it happened, because the car started normally without the light on, and about 2 miles after leaving the gas station, the light came on. Since I was literally a block away from the Audi dealer where I bought my car, I drove into the service department, and before I got out of the car, my service writer was asking me if my check engine light was on. He told me it was because the gas cap was off. As soon as he put it on and I restarted the car, the light went off and all was fine with the car. BMW has a similar thing in the old 7 series with the check engine light. I don't know about an ignition lock, though.
 
The clicking sound, though, is usually when you have a dead battery. I would try to repeat the occurance again. If the same thing happens again, I wouldn't worry about it too much. If it doesn't, then I would look into it a little further. The car will probably start the first time, and then not start again. Try it and see what happens.

#3 of 83 1994 BMW Starting Problem by rayg20

Aug 21, 2007 (6:18 pm)

Recently (like the last month) I have been having problem with my 525i not wanting to start. I checked the battery and it is fine. Everything electrical works, but it won't start. However if I try to jump start it using the post in the engine it roars to life. I am at my wits end, Can anyone help?

#4 of 83 Re: 1994 BMW Starting Problem [rayg20] by roadburner

Aug 22, 2007 (9:23 am)

Replying to: rayg20 (Aug 21, 2007 6:18 pm)
I am at my wits end, Can anyone help?
 
Has the battery been load tested?
Terminals cleaned?
Ground cables cleaned?
Those are the most likely culprits.

#5 of 83 Re: 1994 BMW Starting Problem [roadburner] by rayg20

Aug 22, 2007 (12:10 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Aug 22, 2007 9:23 am)
Yes, to all of those questions.

#6 of 83 Re: 1994 BMW Starting Problem [rayg20] by roadburner

Aug 23, 2007 (9:03 am)

Replying to: rayg20 (Aug 22, 2007 12:10 pm)
Yes, to all of those questions.
 
Connections at the starter clean/tight?

#7 of 83 Thanks and my 525i is now fixed by rayg20

Sep 18, 2007 (7:25 am)

Thanks to all who gave me suggestions about why I couldn't get my 1994 525i started. It turns out that the battery was the culprit. I took it out charged it up and put it back in the car and it would not hold a charge so I have since replaced it and the car is fine.

#8 of 83 Re: Thanks and my 525i is now fixed [rayg20] by roadburner

Sep 19, 2007 (8:42 am)

Replying to: rayg20 (Sep 18, 2007 7:25 am)
Glad to hear that the problem is solved. Battery troubleshooting can be hit-or-miss; the OEM battery in my Jeep Wrangler load-tested fine and died less than two weeks later.

#9 of 83 BMW 525i 2003 50K starting problem. Please help!!! by pham

Nov 27, 2007 (10:19 am)

I couldn't start my car two weeks ago, then it worked when friend provided a jump. I replaced a new battery after that. After 2 weeks driving with a new battery, then it doesn't start again today. What else should I check?
 
How can I tell if the problem is the starter or alternater or anything else? Please advise. Thanks.

#10 of 83 Re: BMW 525i 2003 50K starting problem. Please help!!! [pham] by roadburner

Nov 27, 2007 (2:01 pm)

Replying to: pham (Nov 27, 2007 10:19 am)
How can I tell if the problem is the starter or alternater or anything else? Please advise.
 
If the battery is discharged you either have a bad battery, an excessive current drain on the battery, or a bad alternator. Any good shop will be able to load test the battery as well as measure the current drain and alternator output. My bet is on a current drain, altenator next, and a bad battery last.

#11 of 83 2002 525i ignition problem by dualies1

Dec 27, 2007 (10:47 am)

since about 3 weeks ago, sometime I start the car(not all the time), with cluch pressed, key all the way down, not thing happened, but if I let go the cluch and press it down again, then the car start, took it to Torrance BMW, service guy stated, just to check this problem is $1500, as they will have to open the cluch assembly, anuone have any idea whats wrong?

Messages Page 2 of 10

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