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Thread: Z3 restart problem

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    97 Z3 Roadster

    Z3 restart problem

    Greetings and thanks to admin for the add!

    (97 Z3 28L)

    I'm a first time BMW owner and, hopefully not the last time.

    My question is as follows. Is there a pressure switch in the drivers seat that might not allow the car to start?

    This is the reason why I ask. During a familiarization drive today, I heard a random 2 beep warning and don't recall seeing any warning lights in the dash. The car ran fine and thought little of it. When I arrived home, I turned off the car and continued to familiarize myself with the interior layout. It's the first time I drove the car since I brought it home. When I tried to restart the car, the ignition switch would only partially advance with no lights in the dash and the radio would come on momentarily.

    Previously, the only thing I could do to restart the car was to exit, and actuate the locks to "reset" the system, get back in the car and start. As I was writing my original post which never saw prime time, I got the bright idea to pick myself up and plant myself back in the seat. I turned the ignition switch and it advanced fully to start the car. Maybe that was just a coincidence, maybe not but; that was my experience. I'd also go as far as to assume that cycling the locks had no effect on the problem; getting in and out did.

    Also know this:

    First start of the day.
    1) Solenoid - full engagement.
    2) Cranking - Plenty of cranking power, uninterrupted.
    3) Motor - lights up right away.

    Any thoughts would be welcome.

    Best regards and thank you in advance.
    Roberto

  2. #2
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Grafenwoehr, Germany
    Posts
    14,483
    My Cars
    16 220i 05 325it 05 M3
    Welcome to the Forum!

    This car is based on the E-36, which is known for having ignition switch tumbler issues.
    How old is the key that you are using?
    Do you have a newer/second key for the car?
    A well worn key can cause it to "spin" and not start or turn on the ignition.

    Also locking/unlocking the car resets the alarm system, so that too can be a side effect as well.

    I would look at getting the EWS, BMW's anti-theft device, scanned for codes and perhaps look at getting a new tumbler with keys.
    You can get all this from the Dealerships for around 150 bucks, and of course more for the install.
    To get a new key, you will need to have the proof of ownership with you and photo ID of course.
    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

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