Starting issues

Post Sun Mar 09, 2014 11:05 pm

Hi all, hope someone can help out with issues I am having with my 87 E30 318i.
a) At times when the ignition key is turned to start the lights on the dash light up but nothing happens - as if the battery is flat. This happens a few times whilst turning on and off and then it will switch on as if nothing is wrong. When the key is turned to the start position the dash lights dim. This is happening more frequently now.
b) Have noticed that when turning the key to the on position the rev counter needle climbs (car not started yet). At times the same happens but when switching the ignition off (car on).

Post Mon Mar 10, 2014 1:02 pm

Hi willnz,

Thanks for the info.
The car is manual. Unfortunately I will only be able to check the c101 plug and other items when back home. I work away from home only to return every 3-4 weeks. I have passed on the info you sent to my wife which hopefully will get her out of trouble when the problem arises.
I will get back to you when I check the items.

Post Mon Mar 10, 2014 1:04 pm

Hi willnz,

Thanks for the info.
The car is manual. Unfortunately I will only be able to check the c101 plug and other items when back home. I work away from home only to return every 3-4 weeks. I have passed on the info you sent to my wife which hopefully will get her out of trouble when the problem arises.
I will get back to you when I check the items.

Post Sat Mar 29, 2014 5:40 pm

Hi Willnz,

The c101 plug seems fine, all clean and good contact. The motor wouldn't turn on a number of occasions and the bridging of pins 11 & 14 as you recommended has helped.
I assume that the problem lies with the ignition switch. Is it possible to connect a start button that will do the same function as when you bridge the pins? If this is possible would you please advise on how this could be done.

Many thanks for your advice and assistance.

Post Sat Mar 29, 2014 5:40 pm

Hi Willnz,

The c101 plug seems fine, all clean and good contact. The motor wouldn't turn on a number of occasions and the bridging of pins 11 & 14 as you recommended has helped.
I assume that the problem lies with the ignition switch. Is it possible to connect a start button that will do the same function as when you bridge the pins? If this is possible would you please advise on how this could be done.

Many thanks for your advice and assistance.

Post Mon Mar 31, 2014 12:11 am

Even simpler to replace the switch that is clipped onto the back of the switch barrel, which is most likely the problem.