M3 won't start - Help please

[-ollie-]

Alright folks,

I wonder if I could bounce some thoughts of you guys please, I think I know what is the problem but it would be nice your get your opinions.

My E30 M3 will not start when the engine is hot, I.E been driving for half ah hour and stopped to get fuel etc.

I turn the key and it doesn't even attempt to start or turn over, no clicks or anything. The battery is A1, and the alternator has been checked by Moseley Motorsport and is working perfectly.

If I bridge the two terminals on the starter motor with a spanner it will fire up straight away.

If I leave the car for 1/2 an hour and come back the car will generally fire first time unaided. The starter motor has always been a little lazy (slow cranking speed) tbh.

What are your thoughts guys?

Thanks,

Ollie

[tylerma]

had the same problem on my car (318i auto)
I used to do exactly the same thing bridging the terminals and it would fire up fine
mine was a combination of dicky starter and temperamental immobiliser

so if you have a immobiliser i'd get that checked too

[-ollie-]

had the same problem on my car (318i auto)
I used to do exactly the same thing bridging the terminals and it would fire up fine
mine was a combination of dicky starter and temperamental immobiliser

so if you have a immobiliser i'd get that checked too

Cheers for the reply fella. I do have an immobiliser, and was really hoping it wasn't related to that.

My alarm system is from the Stone Age and currently works, I just know if I touch it I will have no end of ballache with it.

Do you think I should replace the starter and hope for the best?

Ollie

[hazd31]

started solonoid? mines doing a simular thing to this, always starts cold but it temprementall when hot somtime just clicks,

had a simular problem with my dads landrover, changed the solonoid and was fine! only £8 too

even at bmw prices a new solonoid will be hugely cheapr than a starter so i would concider that, if you can find one, my motorfactors wont supply me one!

[-ollie-]

started solonoid? mines doing a simular thing to this, always starts cold but it temprementall when hot somtime just clicks,

had a simular problem with my dads landrover, changed the solonoid and was fine! only £8 too

even at bmw prices a new solonoid will be hugely cheapr than a starter so i would concider that, if you can find one, my motorfactors wont supply me one!

Cheers Fella,

My starter doesn't even click mate, all I can hear is the fuel pump priming.

A new starter for an M3 is not mega money so I will probably just replace it tbh, it's one less thing to have to worry about in the future.

If it is knackered, I think it has done well for 23 years.

Ollie