BMW E90 CRANKS BUT NO START QUICK TIP 

Gone are the days of a true mechanic .... ur a dying breed my friend . Well done .

Bro, you're really a good mechanic. The big difference between a good one and bad mechanic is that a good one will takes his times to take on the challenges and analyses the problems and isolate it to figure it out to solve the issue.

a guy that knows how to diagnosis a vehicle to find the cause of the problem has earned the name "TECHNICIAN"

Randomly found your video while looking how to fix my bmw, not the same problem I'm having, but thanks for posting and trying help us enthusiasts.

GOD BLESS YOU!!! Wishing for more mechanic like you here in the bay area .

Wow You Rock Thank You For Sharing! I have been working on a 2002 252i having the same no start issue. I watched your video walked over to the car unplugged the MAF sensor and Bam!! She was alive!! God Bless Brother!

THANK YOU!!! Had this exact same issue and your solution fixed it! N55 355i Issue started during winter cold starts. Cranks and gives up. Try again and car starts. A few weeks later, 3 tries and the car starts.. weeks later its 4.... two months after the issue started the car cranks and cranks with no start. Installed brand new battery, same issue. Disconnected Mass Air Flow Sensor from intake and car started on first try Turned car off, reconnected sensor, car started on first try This tip saved me from towing the car to a shop for repairs. HUGE HELP! If this issue comes back and persists I will replace the sensor

At the dealer this could have been a several thousands of green. They would have opened and checked the timing And after finding it is okay, they would have also come up with a good explanation to claim the time and money from the poor owners. And they would have moved on to other things. I never take my car to dealers unless it is under warranty. I look for local mechanics like the one in this video. The guy on this video did a great job. He only did what was necessary without jumping into costly conclusions (like the dealer wanted to do). I cannot imagine what the dealer would have said to the owner after discovering a low compression in one of the cylinders!!! OMG... Mechanics like this guy are diminishing nowadays. I congratulate you man for your persistency, honesty and also coming here and sharing your experiences with us. Way to go...

Just stumbled on this video because my 2007 bmw 328i also has an issue starting. It will crank but won't start. Thanks for the tip!

from what i have gathered, if your BMW is cranking but not starting its either the MAF sensor or the possitive battery cable that has the little fuse thingy on it (my family has a bmw that is cranking and not starting after a crash), other than that keep it up man good vids and ur a good mechanic after all

Hey man, this a great information. You save my time to troubleshoot my friend’s car. It makes sense that the MAF Sensor is culprit even there’s no code because when I check the spark plugs, is too rich with fuel (like flood) and it can’t spark well. Since the MAF Sensor is Bad, it gives bad signal to the ECU and keeps on damping fuel into the injectors. 👍

You nailed it guy.....cranked mine right up after unhooking the MAF. Well done !! Thx !!

Chem-Dip Carb Cleaner in the gallon works really well for freeing sticky rings also. Pour it in the cylinder then take an air chuck with 25 psi and blow in the spark hole. Doing that forces the liquid all around the layers of rings. I did that on and off for a couple of days and it removed all the carbon.

I kinda forgot about unplugging mafs lol I remember doing that on the older gm 3.8s haven’t had a maf sensor no starts in a while, thanks for reminding me

Thank God for this video! You saved me alot of money and heartache. My BMW 330i has been down for 2 days. I've been troubleshooting and this video hit the nail on the head! A $30 maf sensor and I'm good to go!

Bro seriously thankyou, been searching for the problem for 2 days now and this was the issue all along, off to buy a new one now 😂

You are the best my daughter had broke down on the side of the road I went to pick her up and wait for the tow truck driver as I was waiting I seen your video I disconnected the mass airflow sensor and it started right up thank you

Engine management technology gets you everytime. Still love the BMW.

Eric, I had the same issue with my E46, no codes indicated it was my mass air flow sensor. After I saw your video I checked out mine and sure enough it started right up after I unplugged it. I made sure I replaced it with a bmw part. I tried a cheap one and it threw all kinds of other sensors off and generated new codes. So stick with BMW brands. Thank you for this it saved me time and money.

You’re a champ. I especially liked your breakdown of the lab scope graph in your Mini Cooper crank , no start case. Didn’t really help my own personal mini crank, no start issue but it’s nice becoming more informed. P.S. I had already known and checked the MAF possibility before seeing this today, but that wasn’t my issue either.

You gotta be kidding me MAF! Wow thanks for sharing!

The MAF was causing our car e92 325d to randomly stall at low rpms whilst on the move, very dangerous. Eventually it stopped starting altogether. No error codes at all. What really annoys me is, ista's functional description says this is not possible, that a faulty MAF cant cause a non start grrr. When looking at the live MAF data the only indication of a possible issue was that if left over night the intake temp didn't match actual air temp, it was off by 8c. The nominal values and actual were actually pretty close otherwise. If in doubt disconnect it see if your symptoms disappear. However remember other things are disabled when you disconnect the MAF like egr, swirl flaps etc, so it doesn't necessarily mean its the MAF if your problems go away, readsistas functional descriptions to see how things are interlinked. If you do change MAF reset adaption and codes.

Good Job sir, that’s a common problem on Bmw, most of times it’s happening like this after installing low cost parts, airmass flow sensor must be replaced with an oem one!

so they wanted $1k to check for timing.. when its easily done with a scope in 2 hours or less... lmaoo good job Erik!

Man that’s why I never take my 328i to the steelership. I do my own repairs and maintenance. Good job sir.

It’s crazy that the BMW dealer doesn’t utilize a scope. Especially, since there are so many issues with the Vanos System. Being able to verify the cam/crank correlation alone is well worth the investment in training and equipment

Thank u thank you thank you,,, for your effort to share this experience with us,,, I really appreciate this video and your initiative, we guys need to put up more n more videos like this,,, this is kind of help to the humanity and kind of a great great charity , one can save lots of bucks, Thank you, may God bless you

You are an angel in the problem I am facing the same problem on E90 in my garage I will try without MAF sensor tomorrow. Thanks

My buddy’s 03 325i ran like it had 2,000lbs in the trunk till I unplugged the MAF, runs wayyyy smoother and faster. also had no MAF engine light

Hey Eric, Thanks for sharing your three days of frustration with us. I have a 2006 525xi with a crank but no start issue myself. I parked it for 4 months in the garage, went to start it again, and all it would do is crank. I have fuel, I have spark, so I been chasing an answer. No codes at all. My best guess (at the time) was to replace the crankshaft position sensor, because it would almost fire and run for a half of second, from time to time. Of course the plastic crankcase ventilation hoses snapped like uncooked pasta, and I ended up replacing all of those hoses connected to the intake manifold that had to be removed to get to the sensor located under the starter. (BMW design genius) Afterwards I still had no start. Perfectly running car when I parked it. I'll have to try the MAF sensor tonight.

Several shops and 3 days at yours and you finally decide to check the MAF….?! That’s one of the first things I always check.

Excellent work - your tenacious troubleshooting paid off - great tip for seized rings - lucky people in your area can access your quality services.

Thanks! This didn't solve my 97 328i cranks but no start issue but I appreciate your posting this because everything helps and knowledge is power✌

LEGEND! I just reassembled my tintop N52B30 in my E61 530i Touring after changing the valve cover gasket, CCV, plugs and both DISA valves and I had this no start condition. I was going out of my mind, no codes in INPA or ISTA, I had spark, plugs were wet so fuel was working, checked the fuel pump, rechecked my work, grounds, connectors, no loose hoses etc. I was just about to give up and get it towed to an indy and I found your video. For sure I will remember this tip for future reference. Interestingly enough, once the engine was warmed up, when i re-connected the MAF it fired right up, so i'll see if it starts tomorrow on a cold morning, if not i'll order up a new MAF sensor. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING.

ERIC, SUBSTITUTE BACK DATA ARE ALMOST TO FACTORY SPECIFICATION AND ARE SO HELPFUL LIKE IN THIS CASE STUDY. I AM VERY GLAD IT RESOLVE THE MALFUNCTION.

Newest subscriber, amazing patience and thoroughness; helped me out big time and provided some extra maintenance I've never heard of!!! Thanks from SATX

Thanks for the video, I wanted to ask you is the compression procedure g he same on this engine as any other?and do you know if there is another way to check timing without that fancy computer you have?

Thanks for your generous information!

Dealing with a crank/no start problem this week on my 2010 Ford Expedition. Will try your tip. It's a great idea, whether it works for me or not, when you're faced with this issue but no DTCs, since the computer just substitutes an average value when the MAF is absent. Really appreciate your sharing your experience and the tip on using AC Delco Upper Engine and Fuel Injector Cleaner to restore compression to a weak cylinder with marginal piston rings.

He has great videos. I also want to add, ONLY use a OEM MAF sensor even though they are way more expensive. Don't ask me how I know this. I learned the hard way.

thanks so much for your video you really saved me, my car had this exact issue, if it wasn't for your video I'd be stuck at the car park still and probably have spent thousands of dollars to diagnose this problem

Binge watching your videos. You're a beast bro never stop making videos. Your content is gr8!

This Video just saved me. Same exact symptoms and it was the MAF sensor that caused the no code no start issue with full cranking.

Going through this problem right now as we speak definitely will try this I have a 07 bmw 530I

Awesome work bro, thanks for the tip 👍🏼. I bought my e90 used not sure if MAF has been replaced, will order it and do it this spring so i can keep track that its been replaced as maintenance and avoid this issue.

Well done, this video helped me tremendously. I searched you tube by symptoms and yours was the first. It is exactly the problem I have. Excellent troubleshooting!

Thank you for the great explanation. I have a 328ix 2007 and the problem is similar. It starts but occasionally it won't start.

Thanks, this video got me rolling before it even finished!! Thanks a lot man!

Thank you for sharing this info. I’m having a similar issue with my 08 e90. I replaced the MAF like two weeks ago when I replaced a fuel ventilation breather valve that’s located under the throttle body. Fingers crossed 🤞🏽 this is my fix.

My 07 e90 was in the same condition,want to know how i fixed and how much cost me? $2.49 from walmart, STARTED FLUID SPRAY was the solution for me,mechanics was saying that i need a new fuel pump,mass sensor,even new ecm all quoted around $1200-2500 and look what ended up fixing my e90 a $2.49 started fluid can from walmart

Once you replaced the maf sensor was everything still fixed? Sorry just asking because it seems if it wouldn’t start and you remove the maf all it would be doing is changing the circuit back to the base fuel map in the ecu and possibly only masking a different issue such as another sensor by not monitoring the airflow live with the maf sensor to make the proper adjustments and basically causing the vehicle to idle up higher and allowing it to gain enough fuel to start and stay idle as the system would no longer be looking for its read outs. Sorry for the long questions but I have ran in to this same issue with these cars also and it always seems that disconnecting the maf sensor makes it appear to be corrected until a new one is installed (at a large cost) and sometimes the issue comes right back after a short period of time. I know the maf sensors can definitely go bad but I was just wondering if you had any more dealings with yours later or if it was the final issue for sure and if maybe you have a trick or technique for diagnosing this to know for certain it is the main issue? Thank you for any insight on this and sharing your experience with what you found because for many people this issue can certainly appear to quickly become a money pit if diagnosed improperly. Best regards.

Great job, You never gave up, I wish I lived in your town.

An example of the cranking would of been nice to see in this video. Had similar issue but the engine would at least fire, just stubmle and shutdown after 2 secs until MAF disconnected. A single cylinder with a low compression wouldn't prevent a start would it, maybe 2 or 3 ? 4:00 kind of NOT taking you for a ride, it wont start remember :)

I legit disconnected that & my car started right up. It was struggling with a rough idle but then I connected it again & its smooth so far. I should probably replace it. Thanks!!!

*I know it is late but when you check every thing and appears good the next step is to check 5volt reference in any sensor if there's no 5 volt then you check powers and grounds to ecu if it is OK then you start to dismiss one sensor by one till you have your 5 volt reference then that is the bad guy who dropped the 5 volt it is shorted one and ecu trying to protect it self by by dropping the volt. And I've already subscribed. greetings from Germany good job bro*

brother thank you for your vid I now know after spending slot of time on my 2006 BMW I finally seen your vid and max flow sensor being it you saved me a ton of money thank you!!! thank you for your help

Excellent video / in-depth analysis --- thank you for posting.

GOD BLESS YOU. You have saved $2500. THANK YOU

Mister, my E90 just returned from the mechanic. He replaced the vvt but did not connect that plug at the back of a vvt. What are the ramifications of that? Should I just plug it back on? Thank you in advance. Your videos are the life line ..

Thanks for this video. I have a 2009 328i with the no start a issue. Same as you, been to couple different mechanics and now it’s a no start. I tested the fuel pump because I couldn’t hear it and it works fine. I’m going to try the MAF sensor when I get a chance. Mahalo from hawaii.

I had the same problem I kept trying to clean it and let it dry and put it back in would not work then my last resort was trying to start the car with it on while it was wet with mass air flow sensor cleaner and it finally worked and runs great I think that the coils heat up and with the wet mass air flow sensor cleaner spray on the coil sensor is burned off any residue and works flawlessly now so keep it in and spark the maf and have some one start the car while u hit it with the spray

OMG i had the same problem with my bmw e90. No start just cranking. I unplugged the MAP sensor that is located on the in intake manifold and it started right up!

I work on N52 motors all the time, haven’t come across this issue, thanks for posting!

Thank you for sharing your experience. Great tip for the piston rings!

Good work mate did this on a job I just changed the engine wouldn’t start unplugged maf started straight up thanks heaps mate 🍺

Another reason why you should just always keep new oil in your older E90. Oil change every 100 miles to be safe 😂👌 Great job on hunting the problem down!

Wow that's insane, i works have gone nuts too. Weird that there was no DTCs for MAF sensor. Sometimes you gotta think out side the box or recheck everything a dozen times. Thinking about buying 08 BMW, guy had installed clutch and no it don't start. What would you recommend to check? I figured it may need reprogram ECM or keys...

THANK YOU BOOS I FEEL LIKE MOVING TO HOUSTON JUST FIR YOU AND TO LEARN THIS BEATIFUL CRAFT...YOU ARE AWESOME AND I WILL KEEP TGAT IN MIND...I M GOING TO GET A 2011328I XDRIVE THAT THEY SAID DOESN'T START...I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED. MUCHO GRACIAS

This just saved my life I swear ! 🙏🏼 your the man !

Why won't the dealer check the timing using the method you mentioned? IE. Crank Cam correlation ?

Usually sensors will go bad before anything mechanical inside the motor. Maf controls the air flow going to butterfly valve on the throttlebody. No airflow means no engine turning over.

Sometimes we get thrown for a loop once in a while. Nice job sticking with it and working through the problem. You seem too stubborn to quit like myself. 😂 I’m the end it’s always worth it to save someone a lot of money and gain a customer for life even if you lose a little time on one occasionally.

GOD BLESS YOU!!! GOOD LUCK!!! I had a W140 Mercedes with exactly the same issue, NO CODES, DEAD MAF, CRANK NO START

I’ve ran into this in a couple of fords. Good video.

Had the similar issue with a rough running 325is that would quit after 5 minutes. Finally unplugged the maf and issue disappeared. Learned that from Mustangs Bought a new maf, cleaning it didnt work. I have done thst several times since.its way more common than people think. Some cars wont start with maf unplugged

I got distracted you may have already checked for 5v reference, and I missed it , but anyway thumbs up Eric you are a insipiring guy, good luck to you and your family.

This man is a true mechanic good job sir.

Had a bazar situation too, same car. Main fuse block drained the battery the car would decide not to start since low voltage. The effort and skill with no computers or code readers I found the fuse block at fault then the battery stoped draining then the car is happy and starts every time. This was way more difficult than I made it sound. I won

Thanks for ur knowledge on Bmw I have the same issues replaced the starter still no start 08 528xi I will check the mass airflow sensor

My BMW story today was a 07 X5, same problem, crank no start, no codes. Under dash fuse block 10 amp fuse wasn't pushed all the way in ! Boom started right up, then came the codes. 67 codes, cleared them and 3 hard codes. Turns out water intrusion to DME. Was able to clean pins. This shit can get even the best of us !

Hey my dude great video. I've got a question for you. I have a bmw e90 177hp diesel and it has great cold start and runs great but when the engine heates up and i try to start it again i takes longer like 2/3 seconds cracking. I've checked the pump and its not the sensor becouse on ignition it goes 300/500/700 preasure and then stabilises it on 310 (which is how much it needs to start). It's not software aswell i checked that. Thanks in advance bud❤️

I got a 2011 BMW x6 hybrid. I fixed the immobilizer issue but still won’t start. On this one I can crank engine once and after that I would have to wait a long time for it to crank again like around 30 minutes or more because each time it cranks but is not able to start it disable cranking for a long time. Since it’s hybrid it has no starter motor. Just want to let you know. The high voltage battery along with the inverter actually powers up an electric motor to crank the engine at almost like idle speed. So those who never worked with hybrid will think it started then died when actually the hybrid system is just cranking the motor.

nice one man .. cant you see the sensor values in real time while its running with the scan tool ? maf ?

Great job I had the same issue and you saved me a couple of hours.

This thing have a fuse and or relay to fuel system? Thank you for the video

Thanks for the video. Is there any other way to check the timing without a lab scope ? It's a coil on plug system - can you add a plug wire to the #1 coil to connect a timing light and see how close to TDC it is when it fires ? Anything else on a scan tool ? I am a DIY who grew up with distributors and would put it on TDC and see where the rotor pointed . Any information on these newer vehicles is appreciated .

I know this is an old video, but was the MAF pulling down the 5V reference, or was it just not reporting?

been working on a 2012 528i has a crank no start still looking for the issue, will try this tomorrow thanks man

That's the first thing I'd check. Next would be the IBS battery sensor. But I've already been through it :)

This is why I subscribe to you. Brilliant detective work. Maf sensor fault. Lol.

Could you please do a video on how you used the oscilloscope to verify timing was not incorrect?

I've seen this happen to V6 Oldsmobiles back in the day. I've even seen tap testing while running will cause the engine to stall.

I'm in the far west side of Houston so if you were located in the Houston area I wanted to find out how I would get the car to you cuz since it won't run but it cranks over I can't drive it there?

I remember that I had a 2007 BMW to and it was complicated to get fixed so I had to always go take mine to the dealership.

My wife’s 2009 328i died while driving and having the AC. I tried turning it on and it would crank but wouldn’t turn over. I thought maybe a battery issue and that wasn’t the case. Do you think it can be anything else? I’m gonna check the sensor you mentioned. Thanks for your time!

This guy has a buddy that works at BMW and sends him the car to fix. Not a whole lot of confidence in his own tech's to find this problem especially with no codes in a reasonable amount of time. Sad, that dealer mechanics don't know squat on whats wrong with a car unless a code fault kicks him in the ass. Great job my friend. You are among the few good ones.

I find the same problem with my e90 320i. It has 67k miles on it. I would not start just cranks.. reduce engine power light came up. Any idea what is wrong with my car?

check fuel-good, checks spark-good, checks timing-good. Only thing it could have been was air

Great video bro , I’m having a similar issue No start just crank only code I’m getting in 5E19 dme any help is appreciated I’m getting frustrated all fuse is good

I have a p0016 error which cropped up after I replace the valve cover which is really strange to me since I didn't do anything to any of the sensors?