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BMW 5-Series Starting Problems

86 messages,  Last post on May 23, 2013 at 9:55 AM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

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

Messages Page 6 of 9

#50 of 86 Re: BMW 525i 2008 model [rin0] by james27

Sep 24, 2011 (4:17 pm)

Replying to: rin0 (Sep 24, 2011 3:12 pm)
You likely have a component malfunctioning and not turning off properly which is discharging the battery overnight. There are ways to isolate this, but the average person doesn't have the skills or equipment to do it. The other main possibility is if the alternator or voltage regulator is defective. Also, make sure that the belt driving the alternator is not worn or slipping.
 
If you have a clamp-on or in-line ammeter, you could monitor it and then go through the fuse panel, pulling one fuse at a time to isolate which circuit is drawing the power. That will get most circuits, but some are on fuseable links, which are harder to check.

#51 of 86 525i E61 Starting issue by terobe2

Nov 25, 2011 (7:48 am)

I have a 2004 525i and recently started experiencing the car would not start in the early morning. As the day gets warmer, it starts without issue. I have never had any major issues until now. Over the past 3 months, I have gotten a new Starter, Crank Sensor, and Fuel Pump. Oh by the way, the car was purchased new and now has 255k on it. HELP!! I really do not want to buy a new car.

#52 of 86 Re: 2007 550i Starting Problems [homie74] by michaelmig

Dec 11, 2011 (7:01 am)

Replying to: homie74 (Dec 22, 2010 9:03 am)
Homie... PLEASE HELP! I have a 2008 550i and I love the car. But it does the same exact thing as your did. BMW says its a "phantom issue" and they can't find how to replicate the problem. The computer systems shows no faults... My car sporadically will not start (unless I attempt 30 times); and it occassionally stalls while driving- which scares the hell out of me. I almost got bumped yesterday by a Honda Accord on the street... Any assist that would help my dealer/ mechanic get this fixed would be so much appreciated!! Michael.

#53 of 86 Re: 2007 550i Starting Problems [michaelmig] by james27

Dec 11, 2011 (2:45 pm)

Replying to: michaelmig (Dec 11, 2011 7:01 am)
The car's computer collects a fair amount of data, but if it is not being logged, you might be able to buy, rent, or borrow a recorder that plugs into the OBCII plug in the car. Depending on how sophisticated it is, it can show instantaneous readouts of fuel pressure, voltages, and other things. While you may not be able to interpret them, someone else may, and it may point them towards the gremlin. There are some software/cable kits that work with some smartphones that are pretty neat if you don't go for a dedicated system. They have their advantages, since you can check yourself what is triggering a check engine light, for example, and reset it, if desired.

#54 of 86 Re: 2007 550i Starting Problems [michaelmig] by jondhoughton

Jan 26, 2012 (5:27 pm)

Replying to: michaelmig (Dec 11, 2011 7:01 am)
HI, any update on this? I have a 2008 550i and am having the same problem. Sometimes it takes 30 minutes of trying for the car to start and it randomly shuts off as well. Its been in the shop for about two months over the past year and they can't figure it out. So far they've replaced the starter, the CAS (key receiver), and a cell or two in the battery. I'm at my whits end. I'd suggest posting a complaint with the NTSB (http://www.ntsb.gov/) as this is obviously a serious safety issue that BMW needs to address. If we get enough of them out there they will be forced to take this seriously.

#55 of 86 jondhoughton I know how to fix your issue... by michaelmig

Jan 26, 2012 (5:49 pm)

Hey Bud... Michael here. I had the same issue- drove me crazy. The car is fabulous and yes periodically the start button would not respond. Occassionally the car would shut off while driving and just coast to a stop. Pretty dangerous problem. Stupid for a $71,000 car. OK... United BMW of Gwinnett in Atlanta nailed this problem. Luckily I was able to replicate the issue with the shop foreman right in front of me at the service valet... The repair is a $116 part. Yes, crazy. The labor was a few hundred extra. Now the car is healed and I love it again... I screamed at BMW and told them to update their database to help other 550i owners across the world. Contact me if you need any other info. The part is: Failed "IVM" or Integrated Supply Module. Part# 12-52-7-510-638 for $116.05. I am hopeful this works for you too!! Email me and let me know if this nails your issue... Then you can love your car again. Mine is perfect again and hope your will be too. Michael.

#56 of 86 In response to IVM by ashley25

Feb 15, 2012 (10:20 am)

Replying to: michaelmig (Jan 26, 2012 5:49 pm)
Hi Michael or anyone else- Over the last couple of weeks, my car hasn't started on a few occasions (BMW 525 2004). I eventually got it to crank after trying a few times. Well, this morning my car won't crank at all. My car has lights on the dashboard. My husband jumped the battery, but it still didn't crank. I don't want to have my car towed b/c I feel it might be damaged while towing. Any suggestions? I called a couple shops and mentioned the IVM and people said my dash lights would not be on if the issue was the IVM. Any Thoughts? Also, does anyone know how to get to the IVM?
 
Thanks a bunch! Ashley

#57 of 86 Re: In response to IVM [ashley25] by michaelmig

Feb 15, 2012 (7:40 pm)

Replying to: ashley25 (Feb 15, 2012 10:20 am)
Ashley the dash lights do go on w/ this issue... Replace the IVM for a few hundred bucks. Michael.

#58 of 86 04 BMW 525i not starting by 913kdub

Mar 17, 2012 (9:16 pm)

I recently had my battery replaced and before that it was sounding real sluggish starting but after the battery was replaced it ran fine for 6 months then it starting sounding like it did when the battery was bad, so i replaced the battery again and it ran fine for 1 month and then it starting sounding sluggish again so now it will not start or anything, I can hear a slight noise when I press the brake in before I turn the key the in gauging of the starter but it will not start. Also just to mention the last time i tried to start my car it sounded like the battery very low but i just purchased it the day before. If any one have any suggestions please help!

#59 of 86 Re: 04 BMW 525i not starting [913kdub] by james27

Mar 18, 2012 (1:32 pm)

Replying to: 913kdub (Mar 17, 2012 9:16 pm)
It doesn't take much of a load from something not turning off properly to drain a battery overnight. You need a load test to confirm there's no improper load AND you need to verify that the belt to the alternator and the alternator itself are working properly. Throw in a check for your voltage regulator as well. Some of this can be checked fairly easily at home, IF you have the proper tools.

Messages Page 6 of 9

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