E38 won't start, won't crank

[Pogophil]

I've had this happen twice before. My 1996 740 won't start, and it won't crank. Has anyone else figured this out yet?

Here's what I know:

- The battery was strong last time I checked (recently)
- The ignition switch was changed after the first no-start, but it didn't solve the problem.
- The first two times it happened after I left the key in the ignition, this time the key was out.
- All three times it occurred after sitting only a short time (~30 minutes)
- I bought the car used a year ago, so I'm not certain of its history

I know others have also had this problem -- has anyone figured out the fix??

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

[squenton]

ntQ
91 735iL (Schwarz-Black)(SOLD 6/8/04)
97 740iL (Arctic Silver)

my Qsilver7 cardomain site

[Glen]

I had a similar problem on my '90 535. It' would not start after driving it, I had to let it sit for over an hour. I tried the switch to no avail. One day for fun I tried to boost the car off one of those battery packs, she started right up. Went right to Sears, bought a interstate battery and didn't have the problem anymore. When the car wouldn't start all the other electrical componentts worked (lights, radio, etc.) so I thought the battery was OK.

Definately worth a try.

HTH,
Glen

[Pogophil]

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

[Pogophil]

Other ideas?

Bad starter?
Fuel pump?
1996 BMW 740iL
1992 Dodge Stealth R/T TT (modified - 400 hp)
1996 Nissan Pathfinder

[gdavid2250]

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

[Pogophil]

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

[Alex Brown]

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

[Pogophil]

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

[Alex Brown]

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.

[claudio512]

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

[Pogophil]

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

[Pogophil]

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

[Faisal_in_Laurel]

Betcha $1 it is the problem.

[squenton]

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

[Pogophil]

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

[MotoP]

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?

[MotoP]

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.

[MotoP]

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.

[AprilGoose]

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.