E30 Zone

My 325 Auto Touribg wont start and I could do with some help.

Im just about to do a search but am posting this in the hope someone can give me a quick answer.

This has happened a few times now but is normally fine for ages after.

When I turn the key, all im getting is a click from the electrics (I think) and sometimes a clonk from what sounds like the starter. Does this mean the starter is knackered? Or is it more likely to be a bad earth?

The first time this happened, I was in a petrol station but on the 3rd time of turning the key, I held it in place and after a few seconds it burst into life and was fine for about a month.
About 4 weeks ago, it happened at work, but wouldnt start, so I called the RAC and set about fitting my radio properly and sorting out the OBC reset button while I waited for them, after about 40 mins, I tried again and it started with no problems (I had tried several times in that 40 mins aswell but with no joy).
This time its just having none of it!

clicking normally means flat battery.


I used to be able to start on a flattish battery by putting ignition on and then bridging pins 11 and 14 in the inspection socket under the bonnet.

Have you tried holding it in the starting position on the key and moving it in and out of neutral and park?
Sometimes the inhibitor switch can get tempramental.
If its not that it could be the starter, ignition switch or battery or associated wiring.

Just realised it's an auto.

Does sound like inhibitor in that case...(i had same problem).

Is it a single click when you turn the key or continuous clicking?

Here's the thread i started...

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&start=25

Its a single click, but ive just gone back out there and.... it started. It could well be the battery as I only really do short journeys so ive stuck it on charge anyway.

SPADGE - Yes I have tried that, seems to make no odds.

Thanks for you help guys.

If it's a single click then it does sound like the inhibitor. I used to have the same problem and it didn't make any difference whether you put it in gear or park.

For the time it's going to take i suggest you follow the advice that was given to me, and switch the 2 wires over (see thread - it'll make more sense), if it's not the cause you can always switch them back again, but it will stop you getting stranded when out,

Ive just been reading through that thread and I will swap the wires and try it out.

Did you ever solve yours or have you left it with the wires switched over?

Never got round to it. Don't think the inhibitor costs much to replace though.

I never leave my car in gear so doesn't really make any difference.