need advice: car can't start in morning until 3rd or 4th attempt

[vince-e36]

Hi guys,my ride is e36 318 - timing belt.last few days i have problem trying to get it started. 1st attempt - nothing - no sound - no feel - nothing at all2nd attempt - maybe nothing or start to have kick3rd attempt - got kick oredi starter working but cant start4th attempt - kick few more times then manage to start but sometimes dies offthen after few rounds ok oredi.. then rest of the day is fine.observation made is, at least leave for 12 hours without starting or most of the time morning (maybe need to be cold)...any idea what could be the prob? thanks-Vincent

 

[meanguy]

Step 1 : Ignition problem. You can try to start your car by turning your car key on, go to the diagnostic socket, use a short wire and connect hole 4 and hole 11. If your car and start straight away, then confirmed it is your ignition problem.

Step 2 : If it is your ignition, you can go to Naidu....they can install a start button for you for less than RM50 or better still go change your ignition set!

Good luck!

 

[Wlvrn]

maybe it's your crank sensor worn-off...but it might be as meanguy said, your ignition problem and it's worth trying what meanguy advice...

 

[vince-e36]

thanks meanguy and wlvrn.

will test soon. just wondering how much would an ignition set cost?

i guess the "start" button you meant is a workaround?

 

[meanguy]

A new ignition set cost about RM400 but the wiring job is quite tedious.

The start button can be fitted under your dashboard, perhaps near the bonet lever???

 

[anaksarawak]

But the start button will look very cool plus it cost around RM50 to RM150

The problem can be faulty spark plugs or engine over filled with engine oil or problem with starter or need a check for your electrical system.

My previous E36 have the same problem too, problem solved by release some engine oil, change of spark plugs and add a new relay to starter.


But here the racun..
..... cantik... cantik

 

[ICEMAN 68]

fuhh kewl stuff ehh the start button ....

anyway could even be the battery life span is heading to nirvana .....

 

[SS626A]

Is it possible battery got problem?

 

[vince-e36]

nope. not battery. already replace.

i havent got home to test the thing meanguy mentioned yet.

by the way, even after the car started successfully. there is a high chance it will just die off after travelling for less than first 100meter of the day. but after all that, it will be ok for the rest of the day.

Damm the startstop button damm cool lar..

 

[ICEMAN 68]

then it could be AFM if am not mistaken .... do you see black smoke at the rear exhaust tip ??

 

[vince-e36]

AFM? wats dat?

black smoke ar? dont really notice

 

[ICEMAN 68]

AFM is the device which is located before your air filter box .... it's called AIR FLOW meter ...

since yours stated 318 timing belt ... so i bet that must be the culprit ...

 

[vince-e36]

mmm.. if i m not mistaken.. that could be the thing i replaced about 6 months back.

i had problem with engine dying off BUT the symtom was different from current one.
current one is difficulty to start first time in the morning.

previous symtom i think was more severe.

but nonetheless, it could be possible as i changed a 2nd hand ... who knows maybe it crapped up...

will update this thread when i get it checked and fixed..

i may send to m-speed... wondering if there's any good bmw specialist that doesnt cut throat in klang or not

 

[ICEMAN 68]

usually when AFM fails ...you tend to get black smoke stains at the rear exhaust ....

for an AFM to fail ...well that depends as sometimes you get re-cond ones ...which are re-furbish and the life span ain't that long at times ...

Unless you go for a new unit which would set you back around rm1500 ...

 

[Wlvrn]

it might also be your fuel pump....have it check with diagnostic machine to be confirm

 

[vince-e36]

nope. not fuel pump. changed that recently too.

 

[meanguy]

Yup, agreed with Wlvrn....could be your fuel pump!

May be you wanna check your spark plugs too???