Starting problem and its not the starter motor!

[hammoj28]

Right, you may remember i had a problem with my 318is starting. What happened was it semmed to not want to start when it was hot so the first idea was the solenoid on the starter. I got a new starter fitted today and it still does it. Grrr!

Basically if gently switch it onto ignition then try to start it, it will NOT start. You have to force the key round quite fast for it to start. I have been stuck on a petrol station for quarter of an hour trying to start it and had a sore hand after it! Its beginning to get on my nerves. I originally thought it was only when it was hot but im not so sure anymore.

Will take it to an auto electrician tommorow.

Can anyone shed any light on this?? Thanks in advance.

[Matt_T]

Does your rad fan come on?

I had a very similar problem with mine where it wouldnt start from hot, not even turn over, nothing.

Problem turned out to be a tiny wire that had split from a plug, re-soldered it on and it all worked fine, rad fan too.

Not good news as it goes to show one tiny electrical fault somewhere can cause a serious issue, hope you get it sorted

[hammoj28]

Hmm, will check if my rad fan comes on. dont think it does. Will check this though. Someone else suggested the ignition switch so im gonna check that too. Thanks.

[Quaser]

theres a yellow and black wire which goes the the starter that normally breaks internally.
Connect a new wire using a round terminal and feed it under the glove box. There should be a spade connector there you can plug it into. (unplugging the old wire)

That has fixed the problem on at least 3 cars that i know of.