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Thread: Crank but no start nightmare...

  1. #1
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    Question Crank but no start nightmare...

    I have a crank but no start problem with my 99 Z3 Roadster 2.5L. I have a no spark condition. My fuel pump and pressure are good. I have replaced the crank and cam sensors. I had recently replaced the plugs and O2 sensors. I checked fuses and I tested to make sure that I have power to the coils but I still don't have spark. If anyone has any ideas or has come across this before please let me know. I'm running out of things to check.

  2. #2
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    Have you scanned it?


    /.randy

  3. #3
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    yes no codes and no rpms when cranked.

  4. #4
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    In addition to scanning the car (this case will need proper BMW diagnostic tools), what is the history to the car getting to this?

    Sounds like immobilizer to me. Someone changed the dme without much thought. That's my guess.

    You've been approaching the problem with the wrong tools.

    - - - Updated - - -

    No RPM at all?

    Crankshaft position sensor is OE BMW or VDO/Siemens?
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  5. #5
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    I'd say to bring it by and we'd take a look.... except it doesn't run.


    /.randy

  6. #6
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    I was going to say, sounds like DME/EWS alignment issue. But the smart people already beat me to it.
    96 320i Touring
    98 Z3 2.8 Roadster
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    96 Z3 1.9 - DASC
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  7. #7
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    The crank sensor is an intermotor sold by O’Reilly’s and I’m probably spelling the manufacture wrong. I thought it would not even crank over if the immobilizer has kicked in.

  8. #8
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    Immobilizer is 2 parts. Wrong key or no key = no crank. Wrong DME = no fire.
    That being said, the immo would not simply lose sync.
    Does the check engine (SES, or whatever) light come up on initial preignition testing? Does the check engine light come up at all? Does the ECU receive power?



    I think the poor brand crankshaft position sensor is to blame. As far as sensors go, do not ever put parts store brand in it. They are not good and not built to original specifications.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  9. #9
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    What is needed to correct a DME/EWS alignment issue? I am new to BMWs

    - - - Updated - - -

    Yes the light comes on

  10. #10
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    Diagnostic tools like in this thread http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...xperimentation



    What kind of scanner are you using? Can you confirm you have connection to the ECU?
    An immobilizer code should be set even on simple basic scanners.


    If this were my car I wouldn't focus on that path yet.


    I would ohm test the crank sensors and/or borrow a known good one from another car or a friends car.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by 328 Power 04 View Post
    Crankshaft position sensor is OE BMW or VDO/Siemens?

    Quote Originally Posted by dkrieg66 View Post
    The crank sensor is an intermotor sold by O’Reilly’s and I’m probably spelling the manufacture wrong.
    Quote Originally Posted by 328 Power 04 View Post

    I think the poor brand crankshaft position sensor is to blame. As far as sensors go, do not ever put parts store brand in it. They are not good and not built to original specifications.


    And I'm not saying this out of pickiness/brand loyalty/purism. It is a VERY common problem on cheap aftermarket cam and crankshaft position sensors for BMWs, which usually have the owners do the labor 2-3 times because of a poor quality new sensor.
    I will never know why it is so hard for the aftermarket companies to replicate correctly, but it is what it is.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

  12. #12
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    I read, I think on here, that after production, sensors that meet OE specs go in OE boxes. Everything else goes in OEM or aftermarket boxes

    I do aftermarket for hardware, but OE for all sensors

  13. #13
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    Yes yes. The ones that fail OE tests then get disassembled, shipped to China, then reassembled with thinner wiring, less windings in the pickup, and cheaper thinner insulation. These wivestales will never die.

    You can try unplugging something, say the MAF sensor, and see if your scanner pickups up the code. That will prove one link of the chain. But to work on these efficiently, you really need BMW specific diagnostic equipment as in Abel's link above.

    Abel is giving good guidance. I don't have anything more to add at this point. If this critter defies driveway diagnostics, it would be worth a flatbed ride over here to the swamp (Bowers Hill). I have the equipment and test specimens on hand.


    /.randy

  14. #14
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    Anyone actually looked at the aftermarket sensors vs the "official" ones and seen what the difference might actually be electrically? ... I'm used to Chinese parts leaving the testing to the user - much like their software... but are the failures just untested parts, or do they actually have different electrical characteristics (to save a penny here and a penny there)? ... seems a bit strange that on eBay you can buy both cam and the crank sensors for $20, yet the "official" ones will set you back $300+... that's a lot of markup or a lot of cut corners (or both).

  15. #15
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    Thanks for all the great info guys. If this doesn’t work I might just have to take that trip across the swamp to see you.

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by gmushial View Post
    Anyone actually looked at the aftermarket sensors vs the "official" ones and seen what the difference might actually be electrically? ... I'm used to Chinese parts leaving the testing to the user - much like their software... but are the failures just untested parts, or do they actually have different electrical characteristics (to save a penny here and a penny there)? ... seems a bit strange that on eBay you can buy both cam and the crank sensors for $20, yet the "official" ones will set you back $300+... that's a lot of markup or a lot of cut corners (or both).
    Yes, there is a lot of info around regarding actual measurements and comparisons. They really have different electrical characteristics.

  17. #17
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    I replaced the crankshaft sensor again with Siemens OE sensor. Same result crank no start. Any ideas on what to try next ?

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by dkrieg66 View Post
    I replaced the crankshaft sensor again with Siemens OE sensor. Same result crank no start. Any ideas on what to try next ?
    Cam sensors if they are not OE.

  19. #19
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    Yes they are BMW

  20. #20
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    I am thinking the DME/EWS alignment needs to be checked before too much more time and money is tossed at it. What corner of VB are you in?


    /.randy

  21. #21
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    I am near the amphitheater.

  22. #22
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    Alas, that's too far out to make on a lunch break.

  23. #23
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    If you have the tools to diagnose/fix this problem, I might be able to get it to you. I still have one Free tow from Geico ... LOL
    Last edited by dkrieg66; 04-28-2018 at 10:04 AM.

  24. #24
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    What would cause the DME/EWS to lose alignment on a car that was running?

  25. #25
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    Nearly nothing.. it would have to be a serious issue.

    Scanning it with a BMW scanner and/or some logging would be a next great step.
    -Abel

    - E36 328is ~210-220whp: Lots of Mods.
    - 2000 Z3: Many Mods.
    - 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual 47-50mpg
    - 1999 S52 Estoril M Coupe
    - 2014 328d Wagon, self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs
    - 2019 M2 Competition, self-tuned, 504whp
    - 2016 Mini Cooper S

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