Digitalex

GRR.

OK, my first real problem with this babe since I got it, Intermmitent starter engagements until now.

Stuck at the damn store for 45 minutes, finally turned the key a bit harder than usual, and it fired up. Normally I would suspect the ignition switch itself, but that's too easy right? Tried jumping out the starter solenoid, but now I find out it's neg activated. Boy..Before I do more damage then good, I need a schematic for the run circuit, if someone has one, kindly....Thanks. Gotta love Haynes, (yuck), their details are very sketchy, and it's hard to read in their manual. And I'm sure the troubles are a bit more involved.....Headlights too, when engaged on high beam took a few seconds to really activate, scare #1. Noticed the starter too, it took a few times to finally engage, the last month or so, but now is dead totally. Nice use of relays BMW, but holy dina.

Or maybe a few pointers on the pinouts and a few static tests..Tried to find a dealer locally, but it's hard in But-F__ no-where.

Cheers.

atrimble_2001

Just replace the starter and be done with it.
I got an 80' 320i and i had to put a starter in it its not real hard for the mechanically inclined. Good Luck

KC Ron Carter

I have over 1 million miles in BMW cars, 500k on an e21, and never had a confirmed starter issue.

But on my e21 I have change the electrical side of the ignition switch 3 times.

Later,

__________________

Digitalex

Thanks for the response, it was the ignition switch, the part that threw me was the negative charge to engage the solenoid....I figured it was positively engaged as in US/Canadian made vehicles. And with no answer, or access to a decent schematic, all the more troublesome.

Found a VW guy here in town, and ran it past him. Cost a few dollars to have him install a secondary switch to trip solenoid.....Car starts fine. Starter fine.

As I had the feeling it wasn't the starter, and being a bit lazy to work in the Winter, some of you guys have it lucky down there, was not properly investigated by me. And of course the Chilton, now made by Haines manual, was really no help to me and that circuit.

Thanks, will replace ignition switch wen I get some good weather and some time.

Let's hope the rest of the switch functions, or I swear I'll by pass it too.....Car alarms are great.