BMW 323i [1999] Starting Issues

[carinatauk]

I have one of the above and have recently had a problem starting it.

On turning the ignition key, the ignition lights et al will not illuminate and consequently, the car doesn't start.

The solution is to turn the key off and start the turning on procedure until it does work.

This is an intermittent fault but I can't get a sensible answer from the BMW garage I popped into :-(

Any ideas??

Thanks in advance

[adam85]

I'm fairly certain it is a faulty ignition switch. I had the exact problem with my 323ci - they wear with age.
An ebay replacement took about 10 minutes to fit and haven't had the problem since!

[sparks_E39]

Ignition barrel probably, my 1999 5 series did the same.

[carinatauk]

adam85 said:

I'm fairly certain it is a faulty ignition switch. I had the exact problem with my 323ci - they wear with age.
An ebay replacement took about 10 minutes to fit and haven't had the problem since!

Thanks, 10 minutes to change and working fine. Took 24 hours to get it mind :-)

[adam85]

carinatauk said:

Thanks, 10 minutes to change and working fine. Took 24 hours to get it mind :-)

Happy days! for something so insignificant it can cause a lot of seemingly serious problems!

[sparks_E39]

adam85 said:

carinatauk said:

Thanks, 10 minutes to change and working fine. Took 24 hours to get it mind :-)

Happy days! for something so insignificant it can cause a lot of seemingly serious problems!

Yup, I had at times these problems just due to a faulty ignition switch:
Battery light on
Speedo not working
Fuel indicator not correct
Engine tempurature indicator was all over the place
Wouldn't start on first turn
Radio not working
Cruise control not working
ABS and traction control light on
Flickering display