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Thread: E36 m52b25 starting problem

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
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    E36

    E36 m52b25 starting problem

    Hello bros, i have a problem with my car for a while now and cannot find a fix for it so i am asking here if anybody had the same issue and fixed it. Sometimes when i start the car and turn the key to ignition i hear only a single click and no crancking and sometimes if i held the key in ignition position after the click for 5 seconds it crancks and start, whenever i hear a click i have to try several times till the car crancks and start. This issue is more to happen in hot days. Last time today when i started the car in the morning it starts normally drove it for 20 minutes and left it for a 90 minutes and when i tried tostart it again it made the same click and i had to try starting it many times in about 15 minutes till it starts. I have checked the battery and alternator also changed 2 starters with the same problem. Hope somebody help me to fix this problem

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    2018 BMW M240i
    It could be the ignition switch going bad.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
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    E36
    Should ignition switch throw a code on any reader or not ? As i dont have any codes

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
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    95 m3+, 03 ZHP, Mk4 Tdi
    no, ignition switch won't throw a code.....
    i'd check voltage at the switch when problem is occurring.
    you could also go to starter and check for voltage there when the problem is occurring.

    ignition switch would be easier to check but a successful test there wouldn't rule out problems further down the chain.
    '95 325iS - auto to manual swap done!

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    hiss by my window
    This does sound like bad contacts within the ignition switch.

    BUT FWIW The E36 lock housings are notorious for the link between the key lock and the actual switch (which is on the opposite side of the column)twisting and eventually breaking.

    @OP If turning the key feels different or there seems a very slight delay between the turning and the starter actuation this is quite likely your problem. Seen this (too)many times.

    If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
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    Egypt
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    E36
    Quote Originally Posted by ross1 View Post
    This does sound like bad contacts within the ignition switch.

    BUT FWIW The E36 lock housings are notorious for the link between the key lock and the actual switch (which is on the opposite side of the column)twisting and eventually breaking.

    @OP If turning the key feels different or there seems a very slight delay between the turning and the starter actuation this is quite likely your problem. Seen this (too)many times.
    Yes there is a delay occured but at first the starter make a single click then 5 seconds holding the key in ignition position and it start crancking

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    St. Joseph, Mo.
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    3,000
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    95 m3+, 03 ZHP, Mk4 Tdi
    time for some testing and data gathering then....
    '95 325iS - auto to manual swap done!

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