Hand cranking X5 3.0 engine

**Racingmoka** · 08-23-2017, 02:23 PM

I am having starter problems and want to see if the engine turns over at all. I have pulled all of the spark plugs and now want to know how to turn the engine over by hand. Can I put a wrench on the crank shaft and be able to turn it? 2001 BMW X5 3.0 Also if the starter is made is pulling the intake manifold the only way to get at the starter?

**dworthy** · 08-23-2017, 02:55 PM

Normally the crank bolt is a 27mm, and if you can get a wrench on it, you can turn it over by hand. The best way to get the starter out is from below.

**shadowpuck** · 08-23-2017, 03:05 PM

same poster here - merge threads, mods?

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...k-then-nothing

**Racingmoka** · 08-23-2017, 05:28 PM

I have tried to jump the car and the starter just gives 1 click with the turn of the key. I pulled the plugs and tried to hand crank the engine and it will not move. Could the starter be jammed in the flywheel keeping the engine frozen? I removed the battery and have then put it back in and charged it in place all hooked up to the car. Could this have fried the starter in such a way to jam the flywheel? Is there some electric lock out code that locks the engine up? Any electrical thing I have to re set?

**Racingmoka** · 08-23-2017, 11:00 PM

I took a long piece of steel and rapped on the starter. Then went and hand cranked the engine. Then tried the key and the car started a few times. Now I am back to just clicking when I turn the key, so must be the starter. It must have jammed the flywheel some how.

**dworthy** · 08-24-2017, 08:13 AM

Something else is going on here, for even with the starter's solenoid out against the flywheel, you should still be able to turn the motor.

Is the sound more of a thunk and click?

This might just be worth a try: Put the vehicle in neutral and see if you can move it.

**Racingmoka** · 08-25-2017, 05:36 PM

OK I have done more testing. I turn the key and get 1 click, the dash instrument lights dim and the engine does not turn over. I have a volt meter on the battery and it is at 12.5 before I turn the key, when I turn the key it drops to 8 volts. I have another 12 volt battery that I jump on to the BMW battery and turn the key and it still drops to 8 volts. So are the batteries bad or is the starter bad and just drawing a bunch of juice because it is stuck?