[climkt]

Since buying the e90, i always felt that the key was a gimicky item, a modern revolution in key design. But so far in 6 months, i had 4 episodes when i pressed the clutch and then the start button and no 1ST TIME start up.

1st episode, car was parked on a hill, tail facing down hill, last 3 times, car was on flat ground. On all 4 occasions, my car was used daily.

Thankfully, i was alone during the 4 failed FIRST TIME start up situations. Eventually after 4 attempts during each time, it started.
Guess i could really be red faced if friends were in my 6 month old new model bimmer and car refuses to start.
Call me old fashioned, but i prefer old style keys anyday over start stop buttons.Anybody with similiar experiences?

[JSpira]

My car starts every time.

Do you have CA?

[climkt]

no comfort access for my base 320i. must stress that the car eventually starts, but not starts first time when you press the button.

[JSpira]

Would definitely have the dealer check this out - it should start every time!

[Pretender]

mine started everytime too

[billgti]

Originally Posted by climkt

no comfort access for my base 320i. must stress that the car eventually starts, but not starts first time when you press the button.

that doesn't sound right. is it because u don't have the clutch fully in and foot on the brake?

[climkt]

hi billgti, I thought for manual cars, we only need to step clutch only. for auto, brake pedal needs to be depressed. do i need to step clutch and brake for my manual car before start up.?

[climkt]

so all of you guys have first time start up everytime? so far for me 4 failed FIRST TIME start ups in 6 months, car starts up everytime eventually.

[Broken1]

My 320d starts first time, every time.

In a manual, you clutch needs to be fully depressed - tap the button (don't hold it - although holding it shouldn't cause a problem) and it should start.

Make sure your doors are closed aswell, as I get a >!< warning if they are not. (The ! warning means the door is open)

[E90Fleet]

So what does it do when it doesnt start ?

Just turn the engine ? Nothing ??

[climkt]

hi e90fleet,on those rare occasions, I step the clutch, press the start stop button and it does not start first time- just no engine start up noise- no special console lights come on. i had to repeat the same steps and try again. eventually, it starts. it behaves like batt is weak but car has not been left undriven. 99.5% of the time, it starts first time.so u could say it always starts, only sometimes, it fails to start first time.

[climkt]

i really do miss the old fashioned keys. doubt i will have this prob with old style keys, just insert key and rotate it clockwise. works like clockwork. funny how i don't have this prob with my corolla with old fashioned keys.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by climkt

i really do miss the old fashioned keys. doubt i will have this prob with old style keys, just insert key and rotate it clockwise. works like clockwork. funny how i don't have this prob with my corolla with old fashioned keys.

I truly don't believe that the problem has anything to do with the key itself. I would still recommend having your dealer investigate since the condition is prevalent enough so as to be noticeable.

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by climkt

hi e90fleet,on those rare occasions, I step the clutch, press the start stop button and it does not start first time- just no engine start up noise- no special console lights come on. i had to repeat the same steps and try again. eventually, it starts. it behaves like batt is weak but car has not been left undriven. 99.5% of the time, it starts first time.so u could say it always starts, only sometimes, it fails to start first time.

If the engine isnt turning, then I bet its could be a bad Clutch in switch or you not pushing the clutch in far enough.

The car thinks the clutch isnt in, thus wont start the engine.

This would happen in cars with "normal" keys aswell if they like many new cars had clutch seonsors

[climkt]

will ask the service dept soon. A lot of time, some of them don't know much at all. when i left my car there the last time, to fix my DTC light, they called me at work to ask me how to start the car-e90 manual. most of them have not seen an e90 manual as there are only 2 of them here. told them that they have to step clutch instead of the brake pedal , unlike the auto version. highly embarrassing for the dealership, if u ask me!

[climkt]

thanks e90fleet, will bear that in mind. may be the answer to my little mystery.

[CardinalZeus77]

My car starts first time everytime. Get a dealer to check your car.

[findtom]

I've had that happen a few times, but it always started on the second attempt.

[lux.sh]

I wouldn't blame it on the key fob.......... key and the ignition starter is fine.

[jflecha]

Even if they were still using real keys it would most likely have the same chip the FOB has, without the chip no start. My last car had it too, I'm guessing that most new cars have it.

You should take it to the dealer.

[climkt]

will try e90fleet's advice first, too heavy a schedule daily to bring car in. but will do so when on leave.

[larryn]

I don;t have that problem, but I don't like key rings (plus the ones the dealer gave me on redelivery don't fit the fob), and frequently drop the fob when ejecting it from the slot. I have a non-comfort access car.

Anybody else do this?

By the way.. OP need to take his car to teh dealer, as others have suggested.