E30 325i automatic wont crank always

[Garash]

Hi, is there a known problem or information where it could be? it's a 325i with automatic transmission. Sometimes it doesn't start, it doesn't even click. When you switch from the P position to the N position, it starts. Sometimes you can change the position of the gear stick several times before it starts. Sometimes it starts again in the N position and not in the P position. The car has a retrofitted Cobra immobilizer, this was also taken out of service because I thought the fault was there, but it wasn't.

[twenty]

Hi, is there a known problem or information where it could be? it's a 325i with automatic transmission. Sometimes it doesn't start, it doesn't even click. When you switch from the P position to the N position, it starts. Sometimes you can change the position of the gear stick several times before it starts. Sometimes it starts again in the N position and not in the P position. The car has a retrofitted Cobra immobilizer, this was also taken out of service because I thought the fault was there, but it wasn't.

Is yours an EH automatic, e.g. you have a sport selector in the center console? If so have a look here viewtopic.php?p=2881648#p2881648

[Garash]

Hi, is there a known problem or information where it could be? it's a 325i with automatic transmission. Sometimes it doesn't start, it doesn't even click. When you switch from the P position to the N position, it starts. Sometimes you can change the position of the gear stick several times before it starts. Sometimes it starts again in the N position and not in the P position. The car has a retrofitted Cobra immobilizer, this was also taken out of service because I thought the fault was there, but it wasn't.

Is yours an EH automatic, e.g. you have a sport selector in the center console? If so have a look here viewtopic.php?p=2881648#p2881648

I think mine isnt EH automatic. Dont have sport selector at all.

[Tzantushka]

Could be 3x things
- neutral safety switch is dying
- ignition switch is dying
- something else

Rather than guess or throw parts at the problem - the Wiki is a great start to diagnose the first two.
IIRC, the wiki has instructions on how to bypass the ignition switch to narrow down this is indeed the culprit.

With the neutral safety switch, I went through that issue.
You can learn from my efforts here
viewtopic.php?t=282953

Also make sure the alarm / immobiliser is completely removed.
Many installs are bodge-jobs that cause grief later on