1997 540i will not start!

my 540i dosent start with the turn of the key. it basically doesnt do anything. there is no power mulfuntion. everything works properly. the way i got it started was directly from the starter, when drove it drives on default mode because the trans isnt reading what gear its on. i changed the shifter assembly, but didnt fix the problem. it dosent turn on because it isnt reading its on park. any ideas of what this might be?

maybe some sensor, but if it doesnt start then u arent getting fuel to the engine, when was the last time you changed your fuel filter? check the spark plugs and the wires.

If the engine doesn't crank it sounds like an EWS problem which includes the key. If you have another key, try that first. They also had a problem with a shorted oil level sensor that would not let the engine crank. There will be a blown fuse and the shift indicator won't light