E36 bad starter Left for work at the usual time and when I turned the key it would crank but not start. Now I have gone through nearly everything!!! I have checked every fuse and relay and Learn how to diagnose and replace a starter in your car or truck. Below are five common issues to watch out for which indicate that your starter is bad and possibly needs to be replaced. Car’s starter plays a crucial role in getting your engine up and running. The other case was corroded battery cables. Next you can try to "hot wire" the starter switch, what is sound like to me is the contacts inside the switch are going bad. Additionally, corrosion on the switch’s internal components and forceful key rotation can damage the switch. Then, for nearly 30 years, nary a single starter was removed in the Siegel garage; instead, alternators and regulators seemed to be the electrical items that went bad as often as the weather Oct 28, 2025 · When your BMW won't start, a faulty starter motor could be to blame. Dec 19, 2020 · Here's a great guest article by James K. E36 Series. I took it to the shop and they were able to jump the starter. Turns over like gangbusters, but won't fire! Daily driver until yesterday morning. The single click occurs when the View and Download BMW E36 electrical troubleshooting manual online. Feb 11, 2008 · Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. What Is A Ground Strap? Vehicles utilize ground cables that link the alternator and starter to the rest of the vehicle's electrical system. I would check those out. Symptoms You can identify the defective Jul 23, 2014 · Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. The best thing to do after first noticing these symptoms is to get your starter checked right away. Have you even checked the fuses? Bad starter? So I’ve ruled out EWS as the problem and I’m 99% sure it’s the starter. my 02' M3 isn't starting and I just had the starter replaced 6 months ago. If you have no voltage at the small terminal with the key turned to start, you have a bad starter relay, a bad ignition switch or a blown fuse. Jun 9, 2010 · Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. I have a 1996 328i E36, 5spd coupe. E36 automobile pdf manual download. There are some differences that you should know about: The 1996+ starter is shorter in overall length and cannot be bolted into the engine block with the Bosch OEM bracket Mar 19, 2025 · Discover common BMW E36 starter problems, symptoms, causes, and effective solutions to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Check the connections for sure, but it's possible the starter is bad. Your problem is with the starter relay or ews relay or some damn relay. 1. 0 m54 engine and I've been having trouble trying to fix it. Decided to deal with it later ant took the minivan to work. Thorusen that describes in detail the problems and solutions for troubleshooting your starter system problems. The corrosion had gone under the insulation so it wasn't visible. This is a pretty difficult job, the worst part is certainly removing "the squid" and keeping track of the dozen wires that run to the motor and the Jun 13, 2006 · Bad starter is still a good possibility, esp. Is that big black cable goes directly to the starter or alternator or B+ post next on the left of heater valve or this big black cable a touch to the chassis ground some where under the carpets. - - - Updated - - - Check the dme compartment for junk. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm Oct 22, 2011 · Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. Car will not start, cranks but does not run. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm Jul 13, 2025 · Understanding the E36 Crank Sensor’s Function This section details the role of the crank sensor in your BMW E36’s ignition system and how its malfunction can cause starting problems. Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. I’ve had the car 3x now “die” out of nowhere but when I hook up a battery and keep pumping the clutch and hearing the starter click until the engine eventually turns over. since the starter has been dragging. Dec 16, 2021 · Here's how to diagnose and replace the ground straps in almost any BMW. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm Jul 6, 2014 · I see key codes, have you tried different keys (idk if it even an issue with e36's but worth a shot if you have a spare) Also check the actual battery wiring going to the starter, start simple then worry about the more expensive/complicated stuff. The solenoid grounds through the starter, and if the commutator/brush assy is bad, the solenoid won't work properly to draw the drive gear into the flywheel and turn the starter on. (it's the thing that takes the solenoid movement and uses it to propel the pinion gear into the Nov 30, 2015 · Test your old starter and you'll see that its fine (still a good idea to put in a new/rebuilt with warranty starter) which will prove that your wiring, starter and battery were not the issues. Walked out to my car one morning after driving it the night before and it wouldn't start. Read on to learn about BMW starter replacement cost, how long a BMW starter lasts, and factors that affect the repair cost. If you have a BMW, it’s important to know if your starter motor is broken. At Bimmerforums, you will find technical how-to information maintenance specifics audio advice wheel and tire combinations and model specific details not found anywhere else. I don't know how to determine the various relays & fuses, but all of them DIY on replacing the starter on a BMW 318I 1995. t Apr 12, 2010 · Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. May 5, 2012 · BMW E36 318I 1996 I was having issues with my starter not engaging, so i just spent the last few hours replacing the starter. The problem is the car has all power and accessories working but when turning the key to the “RUN” position nothing happens. The following is an overview, intended to help with the diagnosis. Here's' what I've found: Can not get codes from DME, suspect no power to unit Sent DME out, tested May 6, 2025 · It will be easy to recognize a starter motor that has gone bad or is in the process of doing so if you know what to look for. The Crank Sensor’s Role in Ignition The crank sensor detects the crankshaft’s rotational speed and Mar 5, 2018 · Okay so I just located the fusible link and was getting 12v on the side closest to the battery and nothing on the other side. Two months later The Starter Motor In Your BMW Is Designed To Work With The Battery And Ignition System To Start Your Vehicle. The time now is 12:17 AM. no crank. It’s been sitting for about 8 months. When the engine is warm it is harder to turn over so more load on the starter. Either they’d gradually get worse, cranking slower and becoming hot to the touch, or they’d suddenly die. Low voltage Battery If the starter isn't cranking, or there is only Jul 2, 2016 · 328i E36 - Bad MAF Sensor? Jump to Latest 18K views 29 replies 6 participants last post by dc_wright Jul 23, 2016 MisterM52 Discussion starter Mar 4, 2025 · Explore common starter problems in the BMW 325i, their causes, symptoms, and effective solutions to keep your car running smoothly. After 2 or three tries, it would catch and Jul 1, 2006 · After running into some problems with my starter, I decided to post some facts. I Can't get my 1992 E36 no VANOS car to start. So Nov 27, 2016 · Sounds like its a bad connection. There are two types of starters for the E36: pre-1996 and 1996+. 9 Definitive Symptoms That Indicate Your Starter is Failing Here are the 9 signs that shows your starter is falling, and you need to take necessary steps fast: Symptom #1: Clicking Noise But Engine Won’t Crank A single loud click when turning the key typically indicates a faulty starter solenoid, while multiple rapid clicks usually point to battery issues. Starter motor short story and replacementAll times are GMT -5. Also for: 318is/c, M3/c, 323i/c, 328i/c, 1998 318is, 1998 318ic, 1998 323i, 1998 323c, 1998 328i, 1998 328c, 1998 m3, 1998 m3c. Jan 7, 2025 · Starter System Gets Covered In Oil You can find your starter system near the bottom of your engine. Then, if none of that works, I always do the ews l Aug 3, 2018 · It seems like back in the day, I replaced a lot of starters in 2002s and other vintage BMWs. I drove an E36 318 with a hot- sticky starter for a long time- used the gallon of water I carried in the back seat every so often. In this guide we show you how to tell if your starter is bad. The original issue was that the starter would spin, but would not engage, this was more prevalent when the engine was warm. The time now is 07:16 AM. Don't replace • BMW E36 starter install HOT tips! Special tools: E-12 torx socket, 1/4 drive ratchet w/swiveling head, 3/8 drive ratchet w/swiveling head, 1/4-3/8 drive adapter w/rounded end, 15" worth of 3/8 Mar 28, 2013 · That should be enough volts to get the starter turning, unless there is a weak battery. First of all, I want to express a sincere thanks to a fellow forum member Aug 6, 2008 · Symptoms of a bad injector Jump to Latest 24K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by Staro03 Aug 13, 2008 S This symptom of a bad ignition switch is pretty easy to spot and you can react on time. May 24, 2017 · Likely either a bad wire/connection in between the ignition and the 'signal wire', or, maybe, bad ignition switch if all checks out. It sounds like the solenoid and starter are fine, but you have a broken/dislodged actuating lever. Feb 15, 2010 · It seems to be coming from the rear of the engine, which leads me to think it's either a stuck starter or bad throw-out bearing. I would trust Valeo. Wiring for the 'signal wire' goes: Ignition switch -> EWS -> starter So bad ignition switch contacts inside could be working enough to provide a signal but not delivering the amps and causing the voltage drop. My starter used torx bolts and was not threaded but this really isn't an issue, i'll explain how to handle the torx bolts as we go. Jul 27, 2014 · Does anyone know where the starter relay is on a 1995 325i I think mine may have went bad because my starters keep getting burnt out Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. . This is done by attaching the engine to the chassis using electrical cable. No check engine light in position 2, only cranks but no start. I'm looking for some knowledge, hopefully you will share. We’ll cover its basic operating principles and its importance for the engine’s control system. The issues I'm experiencing are Sep 8, 2015 · Need some help here. Learn how to recognize the signs of a bad starter and what to do next to keep your car running smoothly. There are various bits of evidence that support each theory: STUCK STARTER: The problem appears after restart, but not when it's cold. Jun 23, 2017 · If you have no voltage at the big terminal, you have a bad connection to the starter, either at the battery, the battery ground, the starter or the starter ground. 1K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by whosyadadie01 Apr 2, 2008 I Aug 7, 2010 · Im not certain about other models but to replace the starter on a e36 318is you do not need to lower the tranny etc, all the work can be done from above. Oct 29, 2013 · If your car won't start, the fix can be as simple as replacing the battery, but there are many other potential causes and troubleshooting can be challenging. May 3, 2011 · 1993 325i (e36). If this keeps happening, it can drastically shorten the life of your starter. E36 Starter issue I have a very slow cranking bmw, I’ve tried 3 different battery’s, I got the starter tested and it was fine, it’s not a ground issue as I have replaced the grounds, all electrical is connected. batteries good. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm Apr 19, 2012 · Okay fellas. The symptons are the same. Its possible your ews key went out of sync but still unlikely (even though its happening ALOT lately) - - - Updated - - - Check relays also. But when I turn on the car everything lights up and works as it should. This portion of your vehicle is very hot, and it’s not uncommon for engine oil to leak down onto your starter system. 9K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by GavinF02 Sep 13, 2021 Jul 21, 2011 · I'm not terribly familiar with E36 starters, but I do know that sometimes you can replace just the solenoid on certain starters, rather than replacing the whole starter unit. This is the story of a BMW lover's journey through diagnosing and fixing a no-start situation. If I knew these going into the job, it would have saved me a lot of time. I then replaced it with a genuine sensor from fcp euro to no improvement of the issues. In this video I show you the common causes of a car that doesn't turn over, and then I show you how to replace the starter along Apr 22, 2011 · Even though this relates to an E36, I'm posting it here because it has the same M50 engine and electrical system as the E34. Jan 6, 2010 · The solenoid is also what closes the contact between the starter and battery voltage, so if it were bad you would get no starter operation at all. Initially I thought it was the crankshaft position sensor because when I attempted to start it the I know I should have made a note before taking it apart but ---- Does the large wire coming from the alternator's voltage regulator housing attach at. literally nothing. People often ask: “ How Do I Know If My Starter Is Bad? “In this article, we will outline nine common signs that can help you determine if your starter is bad, enabling you to take prompt action to get it fixed. Warning: When troubleshooting your starter, be Mar 19, 2025 · Explore common starting problems in BMW E36, their causes, symptoms, and effective solutions to keep your car running smoothly. Nov 5, 2016 · As of the start of this year in my car I've replaced: alternator, battery, starter, ignition switch, and spark plugs. I checked the fuel pump, and I can hear it whirring, so I think it's fine. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm Jun 6, 2006 · My 318 manual E36 just recently showed this problem after driving short distance: Once the car was parked and turned off i got in roughly 15-20 min and wanted to drive off and the starter makes a repeated ticking noise however, the lights keep flickering the electric are playing up and the clock Nov 10, 2025 · Now that you've determined that the starter is bad, learn how to replace it without electrocuting yourself by reading this article here. What Happens If You Don’t Repair A Failing Mar 29, 2008 · Newly installed System E36 Bad Alternator? Jump to Latest 5. It wouldn't crank at all so I went ahead and ordered a new starter. Again, it is very important to make a good diagnosis of the problem since things like bad starter brushes, a bad starter solenoid, bad contacts a bad relay, and others have almost the same symptoms. Parts Required: Spark plugs, and/or ignition wires, and/or ignition coil Performance Gain: A BMW that runs like new Complementary Modification: Replace the carburetor (if so equipped) Apr 26, 2025 · I have a 2001 bmw z3 with the 3. I am stumped. Bosch new does sometimes show up- frustratingly, for about what reman costs. Nov 10, 2025 · BMW E30/E36 Starter Replacement Jump to Photos 80 Comments Project Time: 3-4 hours Tab: $142-$175 Talent Tools: 8mm socket, 10 mm socket, breaker bar, 13mm socket and driver, E12mm socket, stubby swivel 1/4-inch ratchet, torque wrench, floor jack and two jack stands or ramps (if removed from below) Parts Required: Starter May 19, 2022 · The starter allows your vehicle's engine to turn on. Sep 10, 2021 · E36 Long Start Issue #startingissue 1998 323is e36 help e36 m52b25 1 reading Jump to Latest 5. They said there's a Mar 28, 2013 · I have had a problem with warm starts on a couple of occasions and in one case it was the bearings on the starter. Clean terminals at battery,ground, and on the b post. No Crank, no start? Is the issue the BMW starter? In this video, I will show you how to tell if your BMW Start is bad and this will work for all 4, 6, and 8-cylinder BMW engines. Id even,clean starter terminals and engine ground strap. Jan 24, 2025 · Faulty ignition switch Battery issues Starter motor problems Electrical issues Faulty ECU Faulty Ignition Switch Cause Physical damage or wear and tear can make the ignition switch faulty, indicating an “ignition switched on BMW” warning. I've been through a gamete of tests and read everything there is to read on the forums. Plenty of battery juice, plenty of gas. Very long shot that inside the EWS is a relay failure Jul 17, 2015 · So after a joyful two months since the E36 is back on the road it would not start yesterday morning. So I replaced it and now I’m getting 12v on both sides of the fuse but still same issue. Jun 23, 2019 · Do you know by chance where is located negative big black cable of the battery to chassis ground ? Thanks ! I am pretty sure after the fusible link cable goes to the left side to the general module side. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm Jun 17, 2020 · Bosch re- man is what's getting used around here, so far so good. The only code I get when I plug in my obd2 is crank position sensor signal circuit. Tried three times and nada, just cranked. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm Jun 27, 2021 · Hi there Bimmer folk! I need some serious help with my 1996 328iS. Sep 8, 2020 · Signs of a starter going bad?All times are GMT -5. maybjm zfgv ihr ocufc nimbn bxrjv dptzpr tkqum pxxudhp whwe ogypqp rxe nztzez gensf dfo