Strange starting issue...ideas needed

[matt320]

Hi zoners,

I have a motronic 320i, manual. Went to start it yesterday, turned the key and got nothing, no starter trying to crank. All the other electrics are fine. In the end I jumped pins 11 and 14 in the diagnostic socket and the starter cranked and the engine burst into life. I turned it off, and tried starting again with the key and it started.
Went out to use it this morning and turned the key and back to no crank via the key. I again started it via pin 11 and 14, and for the next 15 mins it was happy starting via the key.
Anyone seen anything like this, does it sound like a starter motor problem or a wiring issue?

Thanks for any help or ideas anyone can come up with.

Cheers

Matt

[matt320]

Anyone?

[stonesie]

It could be the ignition barrel itself that's a bit worn, you will need an assistant to check if the starter is getting it's trigger signal. But with you saying that when you bridge the pin's it starts no problem i would say the starter is fine.

You can take the steering cowling off and check the wire on the barrel itself to see if it's getting power when you turn the key... I'm sorry i dont know the wireing colour off the top of my head though.

[aceraf]

I had a similar problem to this myself when i first got my touring. My problem turned out to be a faulty battery. Not sure why it would start from the plug in the engine bay at times, but it did. I would suggest trying a different battery in there or if yours is still under warranty getting it changed.

[matt320]

Thanks for the ideas guys, will check the battery and the ignition switch/barrel out and let you know how I get on.

Cheers,

Matt