HELP!!!! Car will not start

[mgbman69]

I replaced the alternator
I replaced the battery
Still no start

When I turn the key and press the clutch in, I hear a click and all dash lights come on like normal but I get nothing. The starter does not start.

If I use a jump off someone else's car, it start immediately without hesitation.

Thanks in advance.

[Philly]

Check all the wires, make sure they are not corroded or loose... may sound like a no-brainer but you never know.
Make sure you check all the power wires and the ground wires - including the one underneath the car tied from the passenger side engine mount bracket to the frame rail.... remove them, clean them with a wire brush or something, and replace.

[Philly]

Check all the wires, make sure they are not corroded or loose... may sound like a no-brainer but you never know.
Make sure you check all the power wires and the ground wires - including the one underneath the car tied from the passenger side engine mount bracket to the frame rail.... remove them, clean them with a wire brush or something, and replace.

[Will'sBimmer]

Could be the starter. Check your fuses as well.

[mgbman69]

Will, even though it starts immediately when under a jump? I'm not disputing you just trying to figure this all out!

Thanks for the input... Keep it coming please

[M332TI]

check fuse 46 if its blown. if it is it will never crank. its a protective measure. if you keep blowing fuse 46 the tailight is shorted. you need to put insulation on the tailights.

[Criswell]

how bout the switch for the clutch pedal that wont allow the car to be started w/o pressing it in? If its bad and isnt getting switched when the clutch is depressed, that would prevent it from starting. You should be able to unplug it and use a jumper wire in the plug to test it.

Im not even 100% sure if bmw's have them (though i cant imagine they wouldnt), because if they do, mines been eliminated. I can start my car w/o pressing in the clutch, I just assumed someone bypassed it for a remote car start.

[PittsburghSteelers318ti]

You've replaced most of the possible problem items, AND If it starts when you jump it, there seems to be some difference between your battery and the jumping battery.
Are you putting the negative (Black) cable direct to you car frame / engine block? Your (-) ground could be loose.

Are you putting + positive cable direct to your battery / battery cable or some other + terminal?
Even if the battery is new, corrosion / oxidation on the battery connector (+ or -) could be the problem. I've had acid corroded under the insulation betweed the lead (Pb) connector and the copper cable.

Get a helper to turn the key, and carefully using insulated handle pliers, try to twist and rotate the (-) connector (less chance of zapping yourself). If your brave try the (+)...while turning the key.

If the jump works, I don't think you have loose connect directly at the starter, but if all else fails check those connections.

Just a couple of ideas.