I have a 97 318ti automatic. I had the same problem. All lights on no crank. Changed starter because I thought it was bad. Not the starter. After a week of fiddling with it I gave up and called my indie. Was just about to call for the tow truck and decided to check one more thing. There is a ground wire under the car that grounds the engine to the frame. I figured I would go under the car, take it off, clean the contacts and see if that would help. Low and behold, to my surprise, I found that the sway bar mount, that the wire was attached to, was completely broken off the frame and floating; hence no contact. Put a brace under the bracket and let it down to make contact and it started right up. Got out my mig and spot welded it and took it to a body shop to have it welded. So before ripping into the starter or EWS check that ground wire. I also changed starter from top of engine. did not have to remove lower intake only top half. If anyone wants to know how I did it email me.
John | 
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