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2000 323i will not start, I know what its NOT

23K views 19 replies 14 participants last post by  HBK 
#1 ·
Yes, I've read all the "wont start" posts. Everyone says battery, key, starter, alternator, and ignition switch. Heres what I know that it is not:

I know its not the key because I just dropped $200 on another one at northwest bmw. I know its not the battery because I just bought a new one ten minutes ago. I know it is not the connection cables because I inspected every inch IO could find. I tightened both of the jump bolts under the hood. I know its not the fuel pump because it comes on in position 3. I know the Clutch switch is good.

The car will just all of a sudden NOT start. no warnings no symptoms. Just died. When I turn the ignition on all the lights, fuel pump, radio, everything works fine, doesnt flash, just normal. Its a 2000 323i with a 5spd tranny. The starter clicks sometimes but mostly not. It runs fine when its push started. I've owned it since new, had all the maintenance done as scheduled. it has 117k on the clock.

This thing is driving me nuts. ANYBODY who knows a thing or two have any ideas? I'm trying to avoid the dealership.:censor:
 
#4 ·
hatn life...really



oops I lied. for some reason it started a couple of times and then stopped again. ok, here is what I have replaced:

battery
starter
key
alternator

all for nothing. I just wont start, no click nothing. There has to be someone out there who this has happened too, tell me what it was?! It seems like the starter isnt getting any power from the ignition switch. The positive lead on the starter though does show its getting power, HELP HELP HELP PLEASE. I've dropped over $1000 on these parts and still nothing
 
#5 ·
Try push starting it, if it starts you know its a starter related problem...since you already replaced the starter, you could have an issue with the key ignition or a problem some where in the wiring.

Let us know what you find out. Try push starting it first.
 
#16 ·
Yeah discord I had a very similiar predicament to what you are going through. I ended up paying around 500 at the dealership and it turned out to be a central control unit that had to be replaced.

Word of warning though, tell them that it may be due to your immobilizer so they dont fluff around for hours trying to figure it out. I had taken it to a indy shop who told me the prob, and they couldnt find it themselves. I had to get them to call him so that he could tell them the problem, and voila ten minutes later they confirmed it.

Good luck
 
#9 ·
When you say there's power at the starter positive, do you mean the thick battery lead? Put a DVM on the smaller wire that goes to the starter relay and see if there's 12VDC there when the key is turned to start.

If it were an immobiliser issue I doubt it would start with a push. That wouldn't exactly be top security would it?

BMWs can be very sensitive to batteries. If they're not reading within a certain range the car will not even try to start. Did you buy a spurious battery or a BMW one? Can you borrow a battery from a working BMW to try it?
 
#10 ·
I'm having the same problem with my car. The car has been sitting in my parking spot for the past two weeks. I tried all weekend to fix it, fuses, relay, starter, etc. but can***8217;t get it started. I give up and I am going to tow it to an independent shop to take a look at it. Maybe we have the same problem? I***8217;ll keep you updated<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:eek:ffice:eek:ffice" /><o:p></o:p>
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#11 ·
I am having the same problem with my 99 328i. I was driving on the highway at about 60 mph and it just died. No warning lights first, nothing just cut off. I replaced the battery because i was told the battery was bad. The car will not even attempt to start. No clicking no nothing. I thinking it cant bethe battery because it brand new. It cant be the starter because i replace that along with a damaged flywheel about 6 months ago. Imobilizer could be an issue but 500 bucks? WTF
 
#15 ·
Did you try the positive terminal under the hood? I ahve seen a numerous amount of e46 that the terminal get loose and wont start at times. Give that a try and keep us posted.

P.S its the positive terminal on the passenger side near you micro-filter just double check to see if the top nut is tight
 
#17 ·
Wow

BMWS ARE AWESOME... when they start... Unfortunately mine is not either! Im so pissed, new starter, new altenator, new battery... Keep Us informed, i wanna know what to expect with mine!
 
#18 ·
My problem was somewhat was the starter, the mechanic wrack the starter with a hummer and it fire up. But knowing it will fail again, I got him to replace it with a new one. Plus while it was in the garage for the first time, I got him to install headers, upgrade the piping for exhause, control arms and bushing, etc.
 
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