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
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
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