528i won't start

[mikey50]

I have a 2000 528i with manual 5 spd. Ran several errands. Came in the house, went back out 15 minutes later car won't start. It has lights, radio - had the battery checked and it is OK too. Just won't even grunt. Must be electrical. Just changed the safety behind the clutch (suspected that) but to no avail. Where do I go next? Hate to have it towed to a dealer - he's 30 miles away. HELP

[CassiesMan]

Is it turning over and just not catching, or when you turn the key, it plane wont start. Had this problem on my old car (2000 Rav4, motor wouldn't even turn over, but I had lights, AC, radio, etc.) and it turned out to be the alternator. I would check out that, and maybe the plugs might not be firing.

[mikey50]

Originally Posted by CassiesMan

Is it turning over and just not catching, or when you turn the key, it plane wont start. Had this problem on my old car (2000 Rav4, motor wouldn't even turn over, but I had lights, AC, radio, etc.) and it turned out to be the alternator. I would check out that, and maybe the plugs might not be firing.

Not turning over not even making a sound - but have lights and radio

[fkhatib]

hey Mikey !

I am having the same problem, have you been able to solve yours, please help.

Cheers.

[stv840]

If when you turn the key and there is nothing then it sounds like a starter soliniod you have to take the starter out to change it if the soliniod will come off but check the alarm to make sure it is disarmed first.

[fkhatib]

Thanks for the reply,

The problem only appears if the car is cold like in the morning, and when I try to start it then it doesn't start and nothing happens, but when I start it during the day after the sun had warmed it a little bit then it starts normally.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Regards

[sidewinder69]

Yeah when you turn the key in the ignition you should hear a click. That click, like stv840 said, is your starter solenoid.

If you don't hear anything when you turn the key over in the ignition to start cranking the engine, then that should be your problem.

[sidewinder69]

Well if that's the case, when was the last time you changed your oil?

If it only works when the air heats up it could be because your oil is so thick it can't start.

You could also have condensation getting into your electronics, such as your starter solenoid. Once the heat from the sun gets to it though it dries up and you can start it again. (Shrug.)

[fkhatib]

Thank you for the reply, I don't think its an oil problem, the oil is 1 month old and the car has made 4k since last change. I agree it could be a starter

solenoid, will check it today and see.

Regards.