5 Reasons Why Your BMW Will Not Start 

I can’t tell you how much this video helped! I’ve got a 2003 BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0. Battery had been replaced just 9 months earlier and should’ve been fine. Got in the other day and it wouldn’t start. Lights and stuff just fine but no clicking or lights dimming or any apparent evidence it was even trying. Bummer. Decided to push it out of the garage to jump. Fired right up. I let it idle a good while and then even took it on a 20 minute drive to recharge. Turned it off and on several more times; good to go, right? NOPE! Came out to start it again an hour later. Same problem. So, what the heck? Battery is under warranty, quickly replaced it with a new one. Immediately had the same problem! Jumping it works immediately and can start easily as many times as you like. Come back a short while later and nothing! Grrrr! Watched your video and focused on the EWS. My car beeps when key is in the ignition so I figured I’m good but wouldn’t start. Ugh!! I dug out me old spare that I’d stopped using because the battery in it had gone bad AND the battery cannot be replaced! One must get a whole new key! It recharges when the key is in the ignition which is dumb because how many of us use the spare key on a regular basis?! Anyway, the dead key battery meant that the you couldn’t remote lock/unlock the car. HOWEVER, it would still work in the ignition! Well, sure enough, I just tried the old dead spare key....and it starts the car just fine even though my primary key can still remote lock/unlock the doors BUT cannot start the car! It’s still gonna cost me a pretty penny to sort the key issue since I will certainly have to purchase at least 1 new key. Your video at least made it possible to avoid all the electrical troubleshooting my dealer certainly would’ve charged me for plus unnecessary replacement parts they’d have tried. And, while the current situation is a pain, at least I can deal with it on my own timeframe and not have to have the car towed in or something. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

****Our e46 wasn’t cranking or doing anything, checked battery turned out good, and I put new alternator and starter, checked the fuses, all good too. so I called my friend who’s a master bmw mechanic and he instructed to put it in neutral position and bingo it started up.. these cars have a neutral safety switch that goes bad after 90,000 miles so until I get it replaced I have to put it in neutral position, start it and go.. hope this helps many... *******

My husband put the key fob in like usual yesterday, all the dash lights and the radio came on like normal, but when you pushed the start button, it did absolutely nothin. He started with the battery, checked fuses, the relays, etc, bought a new relay, didn't work. But he did find where the ambient temp sensor wires had been pulled completely away from the actual sensor, so he fixed that, it had quit workin two days before that and said -40°. Then hours later, our son found the starter and got a small pipe, could barely fit in the spot, but he banged it against the starter a few times and the car started like normal. So thankful it was just the starter and not somethin worse.

Thanks Evan. Your video gave me a very easy solution to get back on the road. Had taken my keys apart last night for my X5 so replacement batteries could be ordered. Left the circuit boards out thinking they would not be needed until new batteries came in. Not so! Apparently the chip is in the leading edge of the circuit board. When key was reassembled in entirety, it started right up. I'm new to BMW. My Expedition and other past vehicles used a separate remote fob with no service or batteries for keys ever needed. I'm a former ASE Certified GM Technician with decades of experience servicing or restoring almost anything on wheels, but still learning something new every week from great videos like yours. Thanks again!

Really good video. He’s 100% correct on the battery. I had an issue with my E38 740i. Battery issue. Then if the battery is high and low, high and low it masses with the EWS. You need to remove the battery and let the system reset then put a good battery back in.

Add another reason. The fuse modules which plug in above the computer insert below the black cover near the driver's windshield under the hood in the engine bay may be loose or not plugged in all the way. The reason I know this is because I plugged in an alternative engine computer (to reduce light emissions on the dash board) and afterwards, it would turn over fine, but it would not fire. Pressing the plug ins more securely remedied the problem.

Thanks for the tip. I have a 323i that just started it acting this scenerio yesterday and I'm glad you were able to share this. Thank you very much.

Thank you! It was the fuel pump. TEMPORARY FIX...I tapped the housing with a hammer! WITH THE KEY FORWARD... Grandpa's advise "if it doesn't work, get a bigger hammer " this will keep me going until I can get a new one shipped.

Easy fix, no crank, no start, just lights. Replaced ignition start switch on left side of column. Boom. Replaced starter first, out of desperation, laid on my back for 3 days to do that.

damn dude you saved me days of stress and the cost of a tow truck.. i was in a parking garage scrambling to figure out what was going on. started right up when i whipped out the other key

Thank you so much for this informative video. Great to know what the most common reasons are.

i'm amazed u didn't mention any thing about senzors, becouse that's a very frequent problem

Reason no. 5. Thank you Sir. My problem was that the car was showing 1/4 tank and would not start by kept dying like 1-2 second later. I bought 10L poured it in the tank and IT STARTED. Was about to get a mech to do a diagnostic. You saved me $. Thank you.

Great video! But I have a 2002 BMW 325i and the fuel filter has the regulator built in as well. The smallest line on the F connector (on air intake boot) is an atmospheric pressure line from the fuel filter.

This video helped me out. It was huge thank you, It wound up being the chip in the key

Lifesaver video! Luckily it was just a low charge on my battery. Thanks!

We love you dude.. E46gang

Thank you for the education. I thought my battery was dead and it was just disconnected!!!

Very helpful starting point. 👍🏽

thanks for inspiration, KEY was the issue, bloody key re-programming, this is one of very few reasons I go online, great stuff

3:32 Not all cars beep. Because the beeps can be disabled. In the UK the cars don't beep.

Aww man you saved my life swapped my battery I have a 2011 335i battery was bad new one started up now I’m getting lighting malfunction and the car won’t start at all but I think I got it figured out

Good video thanks from London England 👍

Good description brother I love this video!!!

Damn Dude Thanx I got A Jump But It Went Out Again So I Still Need 2 See This ..Thumbs Up Now Watch When I Get Off Work ..Thanx Man.

How about ignition coil and spark plugs? I can hear my fuel pump just fine.

Hey folks my mom gave me a 2004 330ci. This car has many problems. First four months ago I had to have intralock installed in the car. about a month later the passenger headlight went out (don't remember if it was the whole assembly) because of old age the rubber accordion air flow from from the block acquired two rips in the rubber. Back to the problem I have replaced both headlight assembly. The replacement are aftermarket from AKKON. Do buy from them. They don't furnish installation instructions. So for two months this car hasn't been started. For the first month and a half the intralock was doing it's thing killing my battery. I have replaced the battery also. I got into the car four days ago and nothing couldn't tell the battery is brand new. Nothing can on not even the headlights i replaced. I watched the video about fuses, you mentioned something about the key fob. I was able to use the key without the buttons actually working then I tried to change the battery. I believe the key it self still worked. That was two months ago. The will start if jump start it after I charge it up a while. Any suggestions

My husband has a bmw e46 330 and he replaced both fuel pumps, had the wiring redone bc it was shortening and melted together it was driving fine for over an hour and 30 minutes then it stalled out started back up then stalled again and never came back on, he checked the fuel rail gas and it’s coming to the pump, he changed the camshaft sensor and it’s still not starting but it’s turning over, also it’s not either of the fuel fuses bc we checked those and their not popped (it was popping like back to back every 3 minutes but that was before we fixed the melted wires)

You left out the starter, even if it’s not as common it should’ve still been mentioned, definitely the most important element in the process !!

I have question, can we said if fuel pump doesn't sound the problem should be one of three thing 1- bad fuel pump 2- blown fuse 3- bad relay Iam right

Thank you for the great answers and step by step how tos!

I just brought a 2003 Bmw 3 series it has driven fine and now all of sudden it will not start do i have to go to the dealer to make a key?

Mine was a combination of the fuel pump and filter. I sold my 525D for too cheap because i didn’t know that. The next owner texted me what fixed it.

thanks for your time and effort, let me have a go at starting it, Peter, York, England

super video. i got a 2013 320d. has starting issues plus more electrics issues like drive train message etc.

Reason number 3! Thank you sir. I did have to get the missus out of bed to drop the key off though 😂

Wow! thanks I did your first test with the 19 and 9 my car was showing 10.4 for voltage then I took the key out and put the key back in after ding the test and she started? lol

6:52 love that lol sounds like family guy lol

Great advice

Great Video

I have a BMW what's a little project for like working on when I have time I enjoy it though I got a push start car very proud of you I got that has great air conditioner

Very low voltage is obvious but some batteries have read a little over 11v but if a faulty cell the amps may be too low to crank the engine. Typically at least 700 CCA or cold cranking amps is necessary to turn it over. You'll need a hand held battery tester to show what CCA it has. Never jump start from the battery in the car do it on the + - terminals in the engine bay

Hi, My e46 320d does not crank at all, but I can hear a click(probably from the starter) when I turn the key to the third position, I can also hear the fuel pump clearly(I removed the back seat) thanks if you can help on this issue.

Reason #6, because BMWs have terrible quality. I had to replace my X5's starter at 110,000 miles, and my Accord is at 210,000 miles on the same one. I've replaced the coolant reservoir, all ignition coils, a/c condenser, valve cover gasket, adaptive headlamp modules, melting door handles, cracked interior trims that cracks for no reason, and a valve cover. But, at least the car looks good sitting in my driveway. They definitely don't build them like they use to.

My BMW E46 323i when i switch on the key its lighting everythings on but it doesn't want to start and the battery is new so i need your help iv watched and listening to your video its gives me so more interesting information thank you help please sir

Fantastic video buddy

I had exact same problem with my toaster. Ended up was the duffle flange gromit

i got another one for you , the neutral safety switch , this is the problem i have with my 01 e46 325ci automatic , it is does not happen that often but sometimes i turn the key and nothing happens , i know that it is the neutral safety switch it can get loose after i move the shifter a few rimes and wait like 20 minutes it usually will start if the car does nothing when you turn the key ,now clicks ,no sound at all but the lights dash indicators are lit it is the neutral safety switch,basically the car does not realize that it is in park because switch in the shifter is not making the connection i have not been able to find a video on how to access and either replacing the neutral safety switch or tighten it up ,i think i found one for a manual transmission but the switch is a totally different place different part altogether on a manual it goes on the transmission itself on the automatic it is where the shifter is

Do I need a battery in my BMW X5 key for my car to start? I opened my key to change the battery and my battery got lost but idk if it can stop my vehicle from starting

Thanks

Thanks, your video helped

Total myth about the fuel pump needing 1/4 tank at all times to keep it good. True, fuel does lubricate and cool the pump, but the pump *always* holds the amount needed internally to keep it cool and lubed as soon as the car starts. The cooling and lubrication process is internal to the pump, *not* external so even if at the lowest point in the tank, the pump always has this same amount inside it keeping it safe. In no BMW owners manual ever does it warn about possible fuel pump failure being caused by low fuel levels.

My 2005 BMW 320i hasn't start for 8 months,when i get a new battery,what to do? My old battery died

For obd1 ews cars, if the car cranks does that mean the ews is still aligned? Thank you for all the vids you post, that blue came out sick 🍻

Is there another way to test EWS since I only have 1 key I cannot try another one.

Thank you sir

I have a BMW 528i 2011 and everything turns on battery is good but the engine won’t start. The brakes are stuck and cannot even put the car in neutral what should k do I’ve tried everything, someone plz let me know if you guys have done something to help.

What about starter? I was at home depot and my car would not start. I had some one jump me, nothing when I turn the key. What else could it be? I will try the stuff you mentioned in this video. The car has 153k on it, so have no plans to take it to a mechanic. I will likely do the work myself.

I see so many questions in the comments that don't get an answer. You could at least reply to these people, otherwise disable comments. It's frustrating reading and never getting an answer.

Hi, after I enssemble the engine of my bmw the gear dont work, do you know why?

Thanks for posting this up man.... Helpful with current situation! haha,

My 2004 bmw 645i will start up just fine at times but whenever I try to start it up on my way out it doesn't start! Everything in the car seems fine but won't start at all. Usually takes up to 10-40mins to start back up. Replaced my battery, alternator, and coils months ago.

Sometimes i hear fuel pump sometimes i dont hear it, but even when i hear it it wont start

Will try this tommorow morning hope fully the jump start Will do. Was using USB charger where the lighter thing is. Might have drained the battery. Cause when i had connected to the iphone ut made a strange sounds. Disconneted it to the iphone. But no the plug but not the usb plug from the lighter thing.

I have 2008 325d e93 please has anyone advice ! I came to my car and battery was low had warnings like car on ramps , abs, excessive battery discharge so I tried to charge with ring612 smart charger but won’t go past 60%. Had a mate try with jump leads off his 330ci e46 and was cranking over fine but wouldn’t start , I noticed my volt meter said 11.1v as I was turning car over . Should I try replacing battery , diagnostics , mobile mechanic unsure what to do 🤦‍♂️

Okay. So my car sat for awhile. Battery is fully charged. Starter will try to turn over from underneath. I have lights and everything. Key is communicating. Why is this thing not turning over? I did have the sunroof plug leak into fuse box. I took all the fuses out and cleaned out the fuse box with a wire brush. Could it be as simple as a bad fuse? Also, my fuel pump does seem to be working.

Thanks man great VID

I have a start problem. I have 2004 BMW E46 318i. It doesn't starting nor cranking it just making tik sound. I tried to fix my alternator and replace new battery then it starts again. After running for about 30kms the same problem came back. Any idea?

Thanks

my 2003 bmw 325ci was fine last night but i went to start it this morning and it wouldn’t start. i did hear the click click click noise. i got the battery checked and it was almost perfect. i tried to jump start it 3 different times and it still would not start. it might be something with the engine i’m not sure

I was trying to start the car it would crank all the way until the battery died And it just started beeping 3 beeps they jumped the berry and then it won't do no crank no nothing the - lights up the battery is full charged now but I don't get no crank or nothing now what could be my problem I think my key got this program is that the problem?

Outstanding

My Bmw 318i cant start when its cold it can only start when it is warmer.Once it starts it will be starting till you park in evening and when its morning it wont start what could be the reasons

Vary helpful 👍

My 2012 x3 2.0 won't start when I press start button, motor only turns once and then onboard computer says that tyre pressure monitor is faulty, can this cause car not to start

I have a F30 and my computer does not work. It is pretty much all dead. The battery is fully charged. Any idea? I just reconnect the negative of the battery after 1 year overseas and now not power except Emergency hazards lights, front positioning lights, boots light and that's about it. The rest is pretty much all dead including electric windows, electric mirrors, key centre looking....

Tried putting fuel injector cleaner in my intake and it’s still not firing

I got told my fuel pump was busted so i got a new one installed, we checked it a billion times and it started fine first but when i parked my car and later tried to start it again it just cranked and didn't start, sometimes it started in 3 tries then in 5, 4, 7,10 and now it doesnt start at all or fluctuating between 3 and 7 times... i'm at my end on this

my car does start and after some time the battery becomes weak then i have to kick start what could be the cause of that

Hi, guys I've a bmw e39 engine 5.25 tds Got a problem with it thy battery light appear on thy dashboard after at about 1 hour while driving my car start accelerate and I turn off my car and it never start how can I solve it

Hi. Can you give me some info. My car is not starting. It does crank but not start. Please let me know

I got a 2000 323ci and I removed the fuel rail because I had stripped some bolts and when I assembled everything back my car won’t stay on. It’ll start for a second then die. I’m also not getting any throttle response when I step on the gas. Any suggestions?

How are you charging it

Thank you.I have a BMW 320i had a accident .I fixed it but it doesn't crank and start.

What does CC ID 719 code mean on bmw 320i 90

Can also be the ground!

My car does start, but it's 'just' started to take longer to start and is slightly sluggish on accelerating. Weird thing is that it was absolutely fine a few days ago; i'v just replaced wtr pump etc ~ totally unrelated

Thanks so much... I now know it's my fuel pump!

Evan, i have a 2000 bmw 740iL. I'm having an issue with the canister purge valve. Would you know where i can go to get information on this? I put a new valve and the car started right up but it started to melt the valve connection. I'm wondering if this is a wiring issue? I'm very new to BMW.

Hi,I changed my 2008 320d e90 engine to Pep 2010 but battling to stArt the car ,please advise guys

Hi thanks for your video. When you say the fuel pump should kick on when you turn the key should it happen everytime you turn the key? Because i hear it only sometimes.

I got a 325i it starts but roughly what can it be?

hi. greate videos. my x5 quit starting.its display on a dash all gear modes P,R,N,D. Is the gear box not see on what gear she is on?where to start sercheng for foult?

Unplug ibs sensor and job done.

My 328xi is in drive, even if I pull shifter.. D is on dash... won't start... PLEASE HELP

Good video

Interesting on the fuel filter. I'm the 2nd owner on my 335i and have not had to replace a fuel filter after putting 100k miles on the car (It had 50k when I bought it). I wonder if it's because I only use good fuel and never let it sit in the tank. Car dynos at 417HP too (tuned with some boltons)...It would run lean if the filter were clogged no? Should I change it anyways preventatively to protect the fuel pump?

I have same problem with bmw 318E don't want to start

Hey as i try to start and press push button the self is moving but the noise is different a light motor type noise i tried changing starter but did not worked . It seems as if the starter is moving freely with no load can u please help me Bmw 318i 2007

I have a 528i bmw 2011 model and it won’t crank or start. Everything else is good battery is good and everything works except the engine won’t start. I’ve tried everything but haven’t found a solution, does anyone have anything to help?