[carson.sanders]

I went outside this morning to find that my car will not start! I've never had any problems with the car before. All of the electronics like the lights, radio, etc worked but when i depressed the brake pedal and pushed the start button, nothing. I called AAA they did a couple of diagnostic checks on the battery and tried to jump me. They said that the battery is just fine and they could not get the car to start either. Any ideas of what may be causing my car not to start? I have a 2006 BMW 325i base model. Any help would be appreciated!

[queensfield]

Does it even try to crank?

Hope it's not the starter- big pain in the neck to replace, but doable

[carson.sanders]

Nope. Everything works and then I push the start button and nothing. No crank no dimming lights nothing. I've never had a problem with it starting in the past ever. And all of a sudden it just completely quit on me

[queensfield]

Bad starter is a very strong possibility, if battery appears to be fine

[carson.sanders]

Originally Posted by queensfield

Bad starter is a very strong possibility, if battery appears to be fine

Damn, do you have any idea how much a starter is going to cost?

[queensfield]

Sorry, I feel the pain.
Some folks in the General forum also have starting issues and are reporting some dollar numbers. Starter is around $300. DIY or labor could run into 2 hours. If you don't want to DIY then try finding an Indy.
Also, it is a reasonable guess that it might be the starter. But, I can't be 100%

[carson.sanders]

Alright well thanks for your input I appreciate it.

[Aneida]

My car is having the same problem. What was the diagnosis for your car and the price to fix it?

[e90pilot]

If you have an '06 3 series the starter is a common failure. It was around $500 to fix mine. I smelled a burning smell when mine finally went bye bye. I could hear the relay click but no crank.

[kfrazie1]

First rule out that the problem is not with the starter. Check that the starter is getting power by testing connections. Here's some info from a service manual.


Pulled this from manual. Maybe give it a shot....

PROBLEM: Engine does not crank. Only the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) and red brake lights show in the instrument cluster with ignition on. FC A111 (ELV voltage supply fault) is stored in the CAS (Car Access System).

NOTE: As a result of a change in government requirements, the ELV was deleted in most 2007 and later models. Anti-theft protection continues to be provided by drive-away protection in EWS.

SOLUTION: Disconnect the IBS connector (3 pin connector with 2 wires) at the negative battery terminal. Follow the white/blue and gray wires from the IBS to locate the connector.

Now try starting the vehicle. If the vehicle starts, replace the faulty IBS.

-----------------------
The IBS is connected to the negative battery terminal. Be careful as it is sensitive to mechanical stress and strain.
------------------------
Here's more information:

If the starter and solenoid click repeatedly without starting vehicle:
-Check battery state of charge
-Inspect battery and starter cables, terminals, amd ground connections for good contact. In particular, make sure ground connections between battery, body, and engine are completely clean and tight.
-If no faults are found, starter may be faulty and should be replaced.

If starter fails to operate, check the following:
-Car Access System. Try another ignition key. If no faults can be found, have CAS checked using BMW scan tool.
NOTE: Automatic transmission neutral safety switch function is built into the transmission mechatronics electronics. Failure of this function causes a no-start condition.

[ahsm]

I am having similar issues and unfortunately I think it's the starter.