Dead 540i HELP!

Greetings, I have a 97 540i that will not start. Pulled into the drive 5 days ago and turned it off. Now it will not initiate a start. Battery is good, tried a jump to be sure, and haven't found a bad fuse yet.

Only note is my external temp sensor has been gone for ages and someone helped themselves to my gas cap a few weeks ago. But the car has run since then just fine.

Any help would be appreciated!

Hmmm,

You need to find out if it is a fuel or ignition issue.

Remove a sparkplug or use a replace sparkplug to test for secondary ignition.

To test for fuel you can remove the fuel return to tank line at the pressure regulator to see if the fuel pump is putting out enough.

If you have ignition and fuel I would make a WAG that the fuel is contaminated. Drain and reservice as needed.

WAG is a Wild Assumed Guess.

http://members.roadfly.com/kcroncarter/face.GIF

Later,

Thanks for the reply -

The problem is upstream I believe. The starter does not turn. Dead silence. It is as if a relay is not closed to complete the start circuit. Nothing happens except the usual dash lights you see when starting.

Any idea what, besides the clutch switch, is in the circuit to the starter?

Provide 12 volts to pin 11 or short from pin 12 to 11.

If the starter rotates it is the electrical side of the ignition switch.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/reset1.gif
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/reset1.gif


1. Ground
4. Temperature sensor
7. Reset
8. TDC sensor yellow
9. TDC sensor shield
10.TDC sensor black
11.Start signal
12.Alternator charging excitation voltage
13.Ignition coil
14.Alternator charging supply current
15.Oxygen sensor output to test with.

Great - I appreciate the help!