E30 M40 Intermittent Starting Problem

[Alejandro]

Hi guys,Need some advise. Recently, my E30 has developed intermittent starting problem. Sometimes it started flawlessly and sometimes it won't even crank. When I turn the key to start I can hear the starter motor, but the engine won't start. I either need to unplug the negative battery cable and replug again or to jump start the car. Cold or warm start does not matter as it happens randomly.What could be the problem? My battery is new (just changed Jan this year). Could it be relay? starter motor? spark plug?Kindly advise.Thanks.

 

[ICEMAN 68]

the starter motors life is coming to an end soon ....a relay may help, but it won't be for long ...

 

[mizhan]

try replacing the starter relay. the white one i think..

 

[nevets]

My e30 has an even stranger starting problem...it wont crank if the warning light s that comes on when u initiate the key but u need to push the car front or back till the lights turns brighter then can start....

Is is still the starter or relay problem?

Please enlightened if u could . Thank u all sifus..

 

[kgb]

why can't it be due to: warn starter brushes or maybe brushes are simply getting little stuck due to some dirt and/or wick springs? I am having same problem, but it will only occur once in a blue moon. Will have to open up starer and give it a good clean and a set of new carbons sooooon......

 

[pussy]

try replacing the starter relay. the white one i think..

sorry bro, need to correct you, it's two relays, in the fuse box K5 and K7, but for the starter, it's direct feed from the battery.

the white one is the ECU relay.

 

[pussy]

Hi guys,

Need some advise. Recently, my E30 has developed intermittent starting problem. Sometimes it started flawlessly and sometimes it won't even crank. When I turn the key to start I can hear the starter motor, but the engine won't start. I either need to unplug the negative battery cable and replug again or to jump start the car. Cold or warm start does not matter as it happens randomly.

What could be the problem? My battery is new (just changed Jan this year). Could it be relay? starter motor? spark plug?

Kindly advise.

Thanks.

this a famous problem which a wireman can help. When you crank, the signal to the starter solenoid need to receive a 8volt supply. anything lower, it wont engage the starter pull in/hold out solenoid. This is due to the old age of the wires as the car now is 20 years above.

so what the wireman does, he adds a jap relay starter used by all cars, it's silver top with black base. this will boost up the signal voltage to the starter. dun use the 5 leg common relay, it over boost the cable. The relay costs about RM70 now i think.

If still got problem, then it's the key switch connection in the plastic housing koyak.

 

[pussy]

My e30 has an even stranger starting problem...it wont crank if the warning light s that comes on when u initiate the key but u need to push the car front or back till the lights turns brighter then can start....

Is is still the starter or relay problem?

Please enlightened if u could . Thank u all sifus..

your car need to change owner.
and didn't know your e30 has brake regeneration system.

 

[nevets]

your car need to change owner.
and didn't know your e30 has brake regeneration system.

and you will help me look for the new owner? and what's brake regeneration system? issit that i need to step on the brakes in order to start the car?

 

[mizhan]

your car need to change owner..

ha! ha! just like the cat i used to have :biggrin:

 

[pussy]

and you will help me look for the new owner? and what's brake regeneration system? issit that i need to step on the brakes in order to start the car?

waa... you really left behind time... wikipedia la...hehehe

 

[Alejandro]

Update: Did a quick check. It's just a matter of loose battery cable. Tighten it and it never happens ever since. It starts everytime flawlessly. This 'janda' is still tight! :rock: