Not starting but ignition light up.

[ah]

First time I try to start my car in the moirning,I turn the ignition key and all the releviant lights light up but the engine wont turn over,after about a minute it cranks into life.I fitted a brand new starter motor and looked at all the earth cables all ok.when I drive down a couple of miles down the road it starts fine,it seems to have this fault after being left over night or long amount of time.

[ah]

Yes on the alarm front, well I say yes as its a Clifford and the OEM BMW one which I dont use.

[Brianmoooore]

Auto or manual gearbox?

[ah]

Manual.

[Brianmoooore]

That's one theory gone then!
Any noises at all from anywhere when you turn the key?
Try cranking it from the diagnostic socket when the problem occurs.

[ah]

No noises from anywhere.

[Brianmoooore]

Diagnostic socket.

[Speedtouch]

Perhaps the battery isn't being charged enough; with the engine running, the voltage across the battery should be around 14 Volts.

[Nine468]

Hi.
Ive got a similar problem.
In that when the car gets warm, if i try to start it , turn the key to position 3 it doesnt seem to crank, but if i "wiggle" the key a bit it makes contact.
Car seems fine when cold..

So im guessing its my ignition barrel / switch.
SO,,,,
How easy is it to replace this offending item.
Bearing in mine its a race car and most of the interior bits have been removed...
So is relatively easy access...
Ta.

[Speedtouch]

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ition_Lock

[Grrrmachine]

Maurice, that's for removing the actual barrel. More likely is that it's the switch behind the barrel, which is only held on with two clips once the plastic cowling around the steering column is removed.

[Speedtouch]

I stand corrected.

[Nine468]

Just had a look at the switch behind the barrel.
And yes it seems its that that's worn where the barrel pin locates into it.
The slot has "oval,d" out...
New one getting fitted tonight...