'96 M44 - Doesn't crank over

[PixelRandy]

1996 318ti M44

Hi - I tried searching for a solution first, but there are so many no-start threads that it's mind boggling.

My car started and ran fine before I took it apart and rebuilt the cooling system. While I was in there I also replaced the starter with a re-manufactured Bosch unit.

Bolted everything back together, double-checking each connector to make sure they were seated, etc.

Anways, I completed the job this afternoon. Turn the ign switch on and the dash lights up normally. Turn to "start" and I hear a relay up front click on, but that car doesn't crank over. It's a three month old battery, checked for voltage and topped it off. Same problem. Climbed under the car, double-checked the connection to the starter. All three wires are connected.

While digging around for a solution, someone mentioned you shouldn't disconnect the battery with the key in the switch as it can activate the immobiliser. True? I did disconnect the battery with the key in the ignition if that matters.

Am I missing something really obvious?

Any bones you can throw would be really appreciated.

Cheers,

Randy

[Bills86e]

Use your Power Probe III,check engagement.

[PixelRandy]

Originally Posted by Bills86e

Use your Power Probe III,check ingagement.

Hi Bill,

Thanks for your reply. However I don't own a Power Probe III (unless it's that thing the aliens did to me that one night... yikes!) and I don't think ingagement is a word.

I should check power at the starter leads. Can anyone tell me what the two smaller leads at 11 and 5 o'clock are supposed to read when turned to "Start?"

Thanks again,

Randy

[BlackBMWs]

Is the negative ground to the battery on tight?

Are the starter wires connected to the right posts?

Not sure on the immobilizer, but I suspect you can disconnect the battery for 60-90 minutes with the key in your pocket.

Reconnect the battery and try to restart. No start, pull the starter and bench test.

Good luck! Perhaps we will meet at our next NorCal meet.

[pdxmotorhead]

Check the brake light fuse, it prevents cranking on my car..

[Mallard]

When you were working on the cooling system, did you move or wetten the CPS (crank pos. Sensor) ? It could be this isnt giving a signal, so no crank?

[xxxJohnBoyxxx]

Are you stating the car will not turn over like rotate, meaning starter engages and cranks over motor? If that is the case you most likely reversed the 2 small wires on the starter. Here is the wiring colors for a 1996 from Bentley

BLK/YEL = starter solenoid....This wire only positive when key is in start position, this engages the bindex gear and cranks the motor clockwise looking from front.

Red wires are big thick wires. There are two. 1 from battery positive and the other to alternator. Both wire on center pole.

BLK/GRN = positive when key in run position. This wire feeds power to body electrical control module, wiper/washer module.

Reasons for no power to BLK/YEL:

1. Starter will not work if EWS key code is not alligned with EWS unit. This can be bypassed if needed.
2. Automatic trans could have bad selector switch and manual trans could have bad clutch pedal switch.

Good luck, John S

[PixelRandy]

Figured it out (finally). Didn't realize there were were two large wires going to the main, large lug on the starter. The hot lead was wrapped up in the wires up near the fresh air intake above the brake master cylinder. Glad it didn't short out!

Anyways, bonehead move. I'm still learning. I come from a vintage Porsche background, so this has been a bit of a learning curve at times.

Thanks,

Randy

[MINIz guy]

Okay, this is urgent for me. I've got the same issue and I can't seem to find the solution.

I'm stealing cooljess' picture for this. I have my two red cables connected to the post #1. I never touched post #3. The thinner black wire is connected to post #2. The thicker black wire is connected to post #4.
I get 12V between post #1 & #2.
I get 12v between post #1 & #3.

I never get any voltage between #1 & #4. I can leave the key off or on, nothing happens.



What could I be doing wrong?

[alika808]

Check these excerpt wiring diagrams of the starter. You can see the numbers such as #50, #30 & #30h by the solenoid. I hope this will help you to trace the wires.

[alika808]

Originally Posted by MINIz guy

Okay, this is urgent for me. I've got the same issue and I can't seem to find the solution.




I'm stealing cooljess' picture for this. I have my two red cables connected to the post #1. I never touched post #3. The thinner black wire is connected to post #2. The thicker black wire is connected to post #4.
I get 12V between post #1 & #2.
I get 12v between post #1 & #3.

I never get any voltage between #1 & #4. I can leave the key off or on, nothing happens.



What could I be doing wrong?

These posts as follows:
Post #1 - #30 at the wiring diagram
Post #2 - #30h at the wiring diagram
Post #4 - #50 at the wiring diagram

Make sure the wires for #50 and 30h goes to the right posts.