E61 525 - won't crank
Discussion
Arrrggh, cars!
Our 07 E61 525 won't start. Worked fine on the way to pick kids up from school. Got back in car with kids.
Dash lights all normal, no warnings but no cranking at all when I press the start button. Tried it later with another key and have also tried it with IBS disconnected and neither cured it. I'm getting 12.5v at the + terminal under the bonnet. Not really any other things to report other than yesterday, I got an airbag warning on the idrive that cleared itself very quickly.
Battery was replaced about 8 weeks ago.
Any pearls of wisdom?
I think I'll get the car recovered to home tomorrow but would be nice to have a feel what possible issues it might be as it maybe more appropriate to take it to a specialist if it's going to get complicated.
Our 07 E61 525 won't start. Worked fine on the way to pick kids up from school. Got back in car with kids.
Dash lights all normal, no warnings but no cranking at all when I press the start button. Tried it later with another key and have also tried it with IBS disconnected and neither cured it. I'm getting 12.5v at the + terminal under the bonnet. Not really any other things to report other than yesterday, I got an airbag warning on the idrive that cleared itself very quickly.
Battery was replaced about 8 weeks ago.
Any pearls of wisdom?
I think I'll get the car recovered to home tomorrow but would be nice to have a feel what possible issues it might be as it maybe more appropriate to take it to a specialist if it's going to get complicated.
d_a_n1979 said:
Time to get the codes read
Could be a bd starter, could be a duff cam/crank sensor…
When you try and turn the car over, what does it do?
Cheers. I only have a cheapo code reader but I can see if it tells me anything. Is it likely to? Could be a bd starter, could be a duff cam/crank sensor…
When you try and turn the car over, what does it do?
When I hit the start button I hear a slight whir which I think is the fuel pump. But no cranking from the started. I think if it were a cam/crank sensor it would crank but not start. The more I read on the issue, the more I suspect it's the started but it would be nice to know this before I replace that.
Popped back down to the car tonight.
Cleared all fault codes but the one that stayed (or kept coming back) was A0B4 CAS: Engine Start, Starter operation
So I guess that's looking likely to starter itself. I did try giving it a tap but that has done nothing.
Unfortunately I was on my own so couldn't really check for voltage when trying to crank but when I get it recovered tomorrow, maybe I'll be able to test that but I guess signs are pointing to needing a new starter.
Cleared all fault codes but the one that stayed (or kept coming back) was A0B4 CAS: Engine Start, Starter operation
So I guess that's looking likely to starter itself. I did try giving it a tap but that has done nothing.
Unfortunately I was on my own so couldn't really check for voltage when trying to crank but when I get it recovered tomorrow, maybe I'll be able to test that but I guess signs are pointing to needing a new starter.
scott10005 said:
Hi,
It might be a corroded engine earth lead, try jump starting from under bonnet, but instead of earthing on body, earth on metal part of engine, if it still doesn’t crank usually starter motor. It stores the CAS fault because it knows it should be cranking but isn’t.
Cheers. Tried that one too but no joy. I can hear the solenoid itselft clicking when trying to start. But no noise from the starter motor. It might be a corroded engine earth lead, try jump starting from under bonnet, but instead of earthing on body, earth on metal part of engine, if it still doesn’t crank usually starter motor. It stores the CAS fault because it knows it should be cranking but isn’t.
Gad-Westy said:
When you say unbolted but not removed, I assume you mean detach it from the engine but leave all pipes etc connected to it and just pull it out of the way?
Yes, sort of. Remove all the fixings to the head so it’s free to move, disconnect as few other connectors as possible to allow enough room to access starter by lifting manifold up.helix402 said:
Gad-Westy said:
When you say unbolted but not removed, I assume you mean detach it from the engine but leave all pipes etc connected to it and just pull it out of the way?
Yes, sort of. Remove all the fixings to the head so it’s free to move, disconnect as few other connectors as possible to allow enough room to access starter by lifting manifold up.Waiting for the car to arrive home but I've ordered a Lucas starter to pick up from ECP later. Do you happen to know if the starters normally come with new bolts? BMW can get me some for tomorrow but would be nice to tackle this tonight.
Gad-Westy said:
Much appreciated.
Waiting for the car to arrive home but I've ordered a Lucas starter to pick up from ECP later. Do you happen to know if the starters normally come with new bolts? BMW can get me some for tomorrow but would be nice to tackle this tonight.
It was a Bosch one I used. Afraid I can’t remember if it came with new bolts.Waiting for the car to arrive home but I've ordered a Lucas starter to pick up from ECP later. Do you happen to know if the starters normally come with new bolts? BMW can get me some for tomorrow but would be nice to tackle this tonight.
helix402 said:
Gad-Westy said:
Much appreciated.
Waiting for the car to arrive home but I've ordered a Lucas starter to pick up from ECP later. Do you happen to know if the starters normally come with new bolts? BMW can get me some for tomorrow but would be nice to tackle this tonight.
It was a Bosch one I used. Afraid I can’t remember if it came with new bolts.Waiting for the car to arrive home but I've ordered a Lucas starter to pick up from ECP later. Do you happen to know if the starters normally come with new bolts? BMW can get me some for tomorrow but would be nice to tackle this tonight.
Well that was a fun job! Due to car being stuck in park I couldn’t do it in the garage or even my own driveway and we’ve had high winds and rain all day! Pig of a job. I recommend anyone contemplating this just commits to removing the whole inlet manifold and also buy an e14 star spanner in advance. Thanks all for the help. Good to be mobile again
Gad-Westy said:
Well that was a fun job! Due to car being stuck in park I couldn’t do it in the garage or even my own driveway and we’ve had high winds and rain all day! Pig of a job. I recommend anyone contemplating this just commits to removing the whole inlet manifold and also buy an e14 star spanner in advance. Thanks all for the help. Good to be mobile again
Good to hear you've got it sorted...More motoring needed now
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