Wife called in panic - Z4 would not start

[BCFBasil]

Yesterday, my wife left in her 03 BMW Z4 to travel to Denver to visit her sister. Anyway, along about 11AM, I get a panicked call from her stating that she had stopped to get gas in Colorado City and now her car would not start. When she turned the key - nothing. I had her check the battery, which appeared to have good, tight, clean connections. The battery was also relatively new. Anyway, we never did figure out what the problem was but after several attempts it all of the sudden decided to start. She made it to her sister's house and so far the car seems to be starting fine. Assuming she makes it home, I intend to check the electrical system to see what the problem might had been (maybe a clutch lock-out switch?).

Could some of you more experienced folks suggest some things I might check? I think this car has a lockout switch on the clutch? Is there also a neutral switch (the car must be in neutral?) This is a 5 speed manual by the way. I also know the key for this car has a chip that must be in proximity of the dash to allow the car to start. I'm wondering there could be a problem with her key/chip - could a weak Fob batter cause this issue?

Thanks
Basil

[MIKYZZ4]

If possible have her take a multimeter and check voltage across battery terminals,
while not running then after starting. Fully charged(12.4~12.7v),at idle(13.5~14.5v)

Have you installed a clutch stop?, if present it may need adjustment to a lower setting.

A possibility of the starter/solenoid showing signs of failure. A slight whack to the solenoid,
with a hammer during the no start condition whilst someone turns the key in ignition,
and the engine then starting will confirm this.

Also a possibility of a well worn ignition switch,
Or if this only happened once-it could just be a onetime anomaly.

[jclausen]

Try another key

[BimmerBreaker]

EWS, key, ignition, starter solenoid... could be a few things