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Thread: M3 left me stranded... won't start.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
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    Offshore GOM
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    3,205
    My Cars
    E36 M3's

    M3 left me stranded... won't start.

    About two months ago I went to start my 95 after driving around in town for awhile and it wouldn't crank. Battery is good, even tried jumping. Zero starter impulse. It was however a very hot day. I went back in the morning and it fired up fine and has given me no issues since.
    Fast forward to today, it left me stranded in a parking lot. Again, zero starter impulse. I tried jumping and nothing. I unhooked the battery for about 10 minutes, still nothing. What are the first things I should try before I have it towed?
    Dakar 95 M3 (4/95 manufacture)
    Techno Violet 97 M3 (12/96 manufacture)
    Alpine White 16 535i M-Sport (10/15 manufacture)
    _________________________________
    "I have no idols. I admire work, dedication and competence." -- A. Senna
    Illegitimus Non Tatum Carborundum

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    Aberdeen, NC (yes, again)
    Posts
    23,673
    My Cars
    E39M5, E500 4WD
    Is the engine hot? Let it cool. If indeed it's heat soak causing the issue, you need a starter. In fact, it's highly likely you need a starter.

    You can check the main engine ground, at the right-side engine mount, make sure it's clean and tight at both ends. Ditto for the B+ (jumpstart) terminal underhood, and the main bolt at the starter itself.

    You can whack the starter with a pipe or prybar while someone's holding the key in start position. (If it starts, you need a starter)

    You can use a test light to see if the small wire (activation terminal) at the starter is getting power when the key is turned to start. If so, and all the main primary hots and grounds are good, you need a starter.

    You can always call a friend to push the car up to 2 mph or so, with the ignition in on position, and very quickly dump the clutch in second gear, then press it in quickly again. This is called "bump starting", so you don't have to call a tow truck....but it may require practice.

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Offshore GOM
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    3,205
    My Cars
    E36 M3's
    It was definitely hot, heat index was 107 today. I'm about to go try it again now that its been sitting a few hours.
    Has anyone ever had a starter interlock relay go out?
    starter interlock relay.JPG
    Last edited by Casebrius; 08-13-2018 at 10:05 PM.
    Dakar 95 M3 (4/95 manufacture)
    Techno Violet 97 M3 (12/96 manufacture)
    Alpine White 16 535i M-Sport (10/15 manufacture)
    _________________________________
    "I have no idols. I admire work, dedication and competence." -- A. Senna
    Illegitimus Non Tatum Carborundum

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Offshore GOM
    Posts
    3,205
    My Cars
    E36 M3's
    Replaced fuse #46 which is one of the few that supplies the OBC. Oddly everything on the OBC appeared to be working. This car fired immediately.
    Dakar 95 M3 (4/95 manufacture)
    Techno Violet 97 M3 (12/96 manufacture)
    Alpine White 16 535i M-Sport (10/15 manufacture)
    _________________________________
    "I have no idols. I admire work, dedication and competence." -- A. Senna
    Illegitimus Non Tatum Carborundum

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    Aberdeen, NC (yes, again)
    Posts
    23,673
    My Cars
    E39M5, E500 4WD
    Fuse 46 also feeds the EWS. Be aware that a blown fuse is inconsistent with the fact that the problem happened before, unless you replaced that fuse before.

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA
    Posts
    663
    My Cars
    1997 E36 M3/4/5
    Sounds exactly like a friend's recent after failure. It started in the morning when everything was cold, then he had to bump start the car the rest of the day. He was on a cross country drive home after buying the car...
    Marc Plante
    E36 M3/4/5 193k
    Konis+ Dinan Springs, Understeer SS, Shepott European steering Wheel, ZKW Ellipsoids, ECIS Intake+ ATE Foam filter, Stromung Exhaust, Recaro SRDs. JVC Arsenal Head Unit. Alpine MRV-F300 Amp, ADS 535i components, JL Audio Stealthbox Subs

    My Track Rig:
    i7700 / 2080 PC with Assetto Corsa and Content Manager, Samsung Odyssey+ VR goggles
    Fanatec CSP wheel and pedals, SSH Shifter, recaro seat. Home built cockpit
    Mt Pleasant, SC, USA

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