Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: 1973 2002 starting issues

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    Washington DC
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    1973 BMW 2002

    1973 2002 starting issues

    My 1973 2002 does nothing when I turn the key, but if I keep the key turned for 5 to 10 seconds, it starts right up. Sometimes I need to keep it turned for 20 seconds. Bad starter? flat spot on starter? electrical connection to starter? Battery is brand new. There is no clicking during this time, just silence. Thank you for your help

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    New York
    Posts
    2,108
    My Cars
    1974 2002, 2009 128i
    How old is the starter? How did it behave before this problem started? How is the voltage at the starter compared with the battery? Have you confirmed the grounds are solid, especially the chassis-block ground?

    FWIW, I replaced the old Bosch starter in my 02 last year with a mini starter I bought cheap on ebay (<$100) and it spins a lot faster than the old one did with lower current draw. If yours is old you may just want to replace it on principle.





    Life's tough. It's tougher when you're stupid.
    -John Wayne

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    Washington DC
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    1973 BMW 2002
    Not sure how old starter is, just bought the car, had it shipped in from overseas and it came this way. Thought it was a dead battery, but just for the heck of it, kept the key turned and after nothing for awhile, it started right up. I will check voltage and grounds.

    Mini starter will bolt right on? Also read someone used M3 starter. Thank you

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    New York
    Posts
    2,108
    My Cars
    1974 2002, 2009 128i
    This is the starter I used: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-STARTER...item2160b8d2a4

    I'm guessing you've got a combination of questionable grounds and a sticky solenoid. You need the grounds solid for a variety of reasons, but I'd still consider replacing the starter even if fixing the grounds solves the starting problem for now.





    Life's tough. It's tougher when you're stupid.
    -John Wayne

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Japan
    Posts
    54,654
    My Cars
    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    Bad grounds on our old cars are a big problem and can cause such situation as you described it. Had a similar situation with a friends car recently, looked like the battery was empty as the starter was just clicking, checked ground cable to chassis, totally rotten and oxidized, replaced that, engine started normal. Here a pic from an E34 starter just recently posted, corrosion on all terminals https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...2#post30336262
    of course also the solenoid could be sticcking, we disassembled the starter on an E32 750 and polisted the solenoid
    dirty http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJJGsaJSya...0/P1130855.jpg
    http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJf9Y257Yz...0/P1130857.jpg

    Here you have the parts catalog http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/11...jan1973/browse
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    Washington DC
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    1973 BMW 2002
    Thank you!

Similar Threads

  1. 2002 325i cold start issue
    By Ilovemy525i in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 12-30-2017, 02:39 PM
  2. 2002 e39 525i Intermittent Starting Issues Fixed
    By vokus in forum 1996 - 2003 (E39)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 11-17-2015, 06:51 PM
  3. 2002 325Ci Starting issue
    By blaze8218 in forum 1999 - 2006 (E46)
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 02-06-2013, 03:31 PM
  4. 2002 m3 smg cold start issue:
    By christiansBMW in forum 2001 - 2006 M3 (E46)
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 01-16-2013, 04:57 PM
  5. 2002 530 : Cold start Issues
    By Lindrins528 in forum 1996 - 2003 (E39)
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 01-24-2012, 10:45 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •