Intermittent starting "issue"

[DocSean]

I won't call it a "problem" yet because it's just annoying now. Occassionally (2-3 times a week) if the coupe has been sitting for a while (while I'm at work for instance) when I come back out to start it there is an issue. The vehicle cranks with plenty of power, and as long as you keep the key forward - it will crank alllll day without starting. Now, flip the key back to the "off" position, and crank it again - she fires right up. Seems like a fuel, or a relay issue, no?

[MCoupeVet]

:suscribed:

[Bimmer8604]

crankshaft position sensor? Any check engine lights? Any other symptoms?

Kyle

[DocSean]

Nope, absolutely nothing else. No cel, performance is great, it's almost like trying to start a car with no gas.

[JoshS]

I had exactly the same problem with my E46 M3 for over 2 years. Happened a few times a week for me but the dealer was never able to reproduce it. Ended up selling the car before I figured out what the heck was going on.

[Randy Forbes]

S-54, right?

Just wait one (1) second in the ignition on position before going immediately to the start position.

Problem solved.

S-54s don't maintain a pressurized fuel rail, unlike the S-52s do.

[DocSean]

S-54, right?

Just wait one (1) second in the ignition on position before going immediately to the start position.

Problem solved.

S-54s don't maintain a pressurized fuel rail, unlike the S-52s do.

Yes s'ir, s54. I will do that. It seems to happen the most when I'm leaving work, probably because I'm attempting a race car-esque start to get the hell out of there!

[clintjg]

Yep, I usually wait to let the fuel pump prime the system then proceed to the 'crank' cycle as a good way of pausing on cold starts.

[luciano136]

I always wait a second or two as well.

Now, on a somewhat separate note, I sometimes noticed a delay in starting as if the battery is going out. Cleaned the battery terminals and haven't had it come back yet.