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Re: E38 won't start, won't crank

my transmission was hanging because I was in the process of replacing the drive shaft . if forgot to put the jack back and because I did not touch the car for 2 weeks plus the freezing temp in Chicago, my batt went dead.
bottom line it was the dead batt + putting it into neutral made it start...

Re: E38 won't start, won't crank

Try starting in neutral. If it starts then it may be the switch in the gear select. I didn't read all of the posts but a new battery is always the first place to start (jumps don't always do it if the battery has a short)

Re: E38 won't start, won't crank

i have the same issue recently with my e38-97, exact symptoms, what was the fixed in your case? thanks

Re: Can I just jump it?

No its a V8 that requires an enormous amount of cranking amps, purchase a new battery and try it then.

It almost sounds like perhaps the anit-theft is

is not allowing the starter to be activated. Have you tried using a different key. Maybe your is flaky. Just a thought.

Yeah, but then you would end up with a BMW, woudn'

t you. Lexus can break down too. Lets not kid ourselves. For some reason when a Japanese has a problem is called a fluke and all other cars its called low reliability. I call it a double standard or a form of brain washing.

At the dealer tonight installing a new EWS module.

Dealer diagnosed it as needing a replacement of EWS module and/or reprogramming of ECM...

It's going to cost me $500...EEK..I hope they solve it though, and I'd be a happy camper again. I LOVE THIS CAR!! Beats my SC300 in settling bad moods and I can stay calm in traffic because I feel relaxed more in the BIG SEDAN. I would have opted for an LS400 but that car is just plain ugly to look at. Just for that, I can live with intermittent issues that come with BMW enthusiasm.

Re: It just happend to me...too

BTW: I also have a Lexus, and I won't compare it with that...I love my 740iL for different reasons. :)

I just want my car to start, and more over, I want to know what caused this starter problem so the next time it happens, I don't have to falt-bed the thing off to the dealer and get stranded...

Thanks for any help.

It just happend to me...too

1998 740iL -

After a 2 hour stay at a friends place, the starting system ceased. Everything is normal but no cranking as if the whole starting system has locked out.

Tried using the backup master key, and still no cranking.

Battery is checking out at 12.7 V and has been running and starting fine all it's life. I can't figure this out.

-The ignition switch is OK, checks out for continuity on/off.
-No ECM error codes.
-Battery healthy at 12.7V
-All locks operate fine in key and center console
-Ignition Module lock (Anti-theft passcode)not set

Anyone else experience this?

No, car didn't start after a jump

Will do a battery test once I get it to my mechanic buddy, but right now it's stuck in a parking lot.
1996 BMW 740iL
1992 Dodge Stealth R/T TT (modified - 400 hp)
1996 Nissan Pathfinder

so has it started after trying to jump the battery

And have you unlocked your OBC so that you can read the battery voltage? (or if you have a meter to read the battery voltage) This could easily solve the mystery if it's a weak battery that is causing the problem. If you unlock the OBC and do a test #09...if the battery is reading under 12V then its time to buy a new one.Q
91 735iL (Schwarz-Black)(SOLD 6/8/04)
97 740iL (Arctic Silver)

my Qsilver7 cardomain site

Replace the Fuel Pump Fuse, even if it looks good.

Betcha $1 it is the problem.

Maybe. But if so, wouldn't a jump work?

1996 BMW 740iL
1992 Dodge Stealth R/T TT (modified - 400 hp)
1996 Nissan Pathfinder

I jumped it with a smaller battery, car on, so

it's the alternator that really did the work.
1996 BMW 740iL
1992 Dodge Stealth R/T TT (modified - 400 hp)
1996 Nissan Pathfinder

Dead battery

Most cars will not start with a dead battery or totally discharge battery... weak battery is possible.

If you jumped it with the correct size batt, and i

t didn't start - then I agree it is something different. Usually if it is the battery, you will at least hear a click. If no click-it is electronics, which in turn could be a result of a weak battery in the first place, and it takes some time and driving to bring electronics to normal even after the batt. has been replaced. I left the car for 10 days once (travel), and when I came back, I had a whole bunch of problems with electronics because of low battery (e.g., when I open the visor lite, my air bag lite would come on; my radio did not work, and when I turn A/C on, my PS would fail-the wheel becomes very heavy). But after charging it, and driving for a week-everything is normal. You just have to deal with these cars like you would with a spoiled kid.

But it wouldn't start when I tried to jump it

1996 BMW 740iL
1992 Dodge Stealth R/T TT (modified - 400 hp)
1996 Nissan Pathfinder

I had the same thing, and it was the battery gone

bad. I checked the battery at the shop, and they said it's fine, but the car wouldn't start the next day. Changed the battery and no problem so far. Get it at the Batteries Plus, $89

Flatbeded to dealer last time -- still a problem!

1996 BMW 740iL
1992 Dodge Stealth R/T TT (modified - 400 hp)
1996 Nissan Pathfinder

Its a BMW 740 - what do you expect ?

It could be the camshaft sensor, starter motor relay-who knows? A million different things could go wrong with these complex cars. Great handling cars but the quality of some components isn't all that. Just have it flatbedded to the dealer and throw money at it. If this is a problem for you I recomend a Lexus. I wish I could take the E38 body style & suspension and put it on a LS.

'99 740iSport
'95 Lexus LS400
'97 Toyota Landcruiser