318is intermittent starter motor deadness

[cheesebox]

A weird problem has just started. A few days ago I noticed the starter motor didn't turn over as fast as normal, but the engine started ok. When I tried starting it later that day it didn't start at all - no click or anything, but the rest of the electrics were fine.

I opened the bonnet, prodded a couple of things - connections to ancillaries, checked fuses, reseated relays - and tried again. It turned over and started ok.

The same problem is now happening daily and I'm having trouble isolating the cause. It may have been something in the fuse box area but will have to wait till next time to verify. It only seems to do it when warm.

To add to my problems, after the last attempt at getting it started it now seems to fire on only two cylinders. Bugger. I don't think I'll make it home today...

I would guess at the starting problem being down to the solenoid or something associated with it. Any thoughts?

[E30Mark]

Cracked head.... worse case.

Had this on my original engine in my 318iS, the water would seep in to the bores and produce a hydraulic lock, meaning the engine could not turn over.

Next time it will not turn over, pull the spark plugs out and see if it spins over OK, but be warned it may spray water out of the bores if it has seeped in there...

New head, or easier still new engine!

This is the worst case scenario, could be a loose battery terminal...