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Thread: 2001 e46 325CI No start, no crank

  1. #1
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    2001 e46

    2001 e46 325CI No start, no crank

    Hi folks,
    Came out from the store today and car would not start. It has a brand new battery. Turning the key does light up the dashboard as if it was going to start....but nothing happens when I turn the key...no clicking or lights dimming. I don't hear a sound.

    Over time I have I have come out to start it and it made a sound like the starter engaged, hear the spinning sound, nothing would happen. Turn off and push down clutch and try again and it would start right up. Honestly, I thought maybe I wasn't pushing the clutch down far enough.

    Suggestions?
    I only have one of the original FOB keys, also have the wallet and valet key....same result with each....no start.

    it is 2001 so I wouldn't be surprised if it was the starter, but usually would hear some clicking or something.

    Clutch switch?

    thanks for your time, Frank

  2. #2
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
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    Welcome to the Forum!

    Well it can be several things, but I will start with the most obvious to me:

    1) Blown Fuses - Be sure to check the electronic box under the hood as that is where the main fuses are.
    2) Start is bad - You will need to test the small wiring going to the start to see if it is getting 12V+ when you go to start the car.
    3) Ignition switch is bad. If you don't get 12V+ to #1 then I would test the ignition switch.
    Darin
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  3. #3
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    Thanks dworthy.

    Where would I test the small wiring going to the starter?

  4. #4
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
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    It will be the black wire on the back of the starter with the 10mm nut. It will be tight getting into there from the top, and you maybe better off going from the bottom to get to this.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  5. #5
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    Google “BMW E46 hidden obc functions.” Test #9 shows the voltage as seen by th engine computer (DME in BMWspeak). Th hostage has to be about 12.4VDC with the ignition in the run position with the engine OFF.
    Check the battery cables at the battery. They can and do come loose. When one does come loose you can gav lights, etc. in the passenger compartment but also a no start condition. It’s a matter of amps.
    The ignition switch is on the left side of the steering column.
    The ignition switch could be bad. It’s item #2 in http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=32_0944.

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