View Full Version : Starter relay location on E34 518i?
SentinelDriver
06-14-2024, 07:39 PM
I need help finding the starter relay on my E34 518i 1995, as the starter occasionally doesn't disengage, even with the key out off the ignition, without the engine starting.
I've heard that a binding ignition lock cylinder can be the culprit for this too. I do have an E36 ignition lock installed on my E34, as the original one broke, but the starter keeps engaging no matter the key turn, inserted or not.
shogun
06-14-2024, 08:33 PM
the German fuse list inside your cover only lists the fuses, but not the relays.
We had several times problems with E32 sticking solenoid inside the starter motor, it got dirty and got stuck, see here , scroll down to the solenoid pics https://e32b12.blogspot.com/search/label/Starter cleaned it and it never got stuck again.
1005 ETM US version https://shark.armchair.mb.ca/~dave/BMW/e34/e34_95.pdf does not show the 518 EURO
forum search for starter relay result https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1215543-starter-relay
https://www.e34chassis.com/fuse-and-relay-diagrams/
Try to whack the starter motor solenoid with a mallet, maybe the solenoid gets lose again, this is not a permanent solution of course.
SentinelDriver
06-14-2024, 10:38 PM
the German fuse list inside your cover only lists the fuses, but not the relays.
We had several times problems with E32 sticking solenoid inside the starter motor, it got dirty and got stuck, see here , scroll down to the solenoid pics https://e32b12.blogspot.com/search/label/Starter cleaned it and it never got stuck again.
1005 ETM US version https://shark.armchair.mb.ca/~dave/BMW/e34/e34_95.pdf does not show the 518 EURO
forum search for starter relay result https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1215543-starter-relay
https://www.e34chassis.com/fuse-and-relay-diagrams/
Try to whack the starter motor solenoid with a mallet, maybe the solenoid gets lose again, this is not a permanent solution of course.
Thanks man. The one from the pictures look pretty dirty yes, but at least they have their teeth. From what I've heard, an stuck engaged starter can cause significant damage so I've just ordered a new one to replace this 260k kilometer one from 95.
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