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Not cranking

Tiny
JOSH1125
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 BMW 318
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 244,000 MILES
The car was sitting up for 3 months without being started up. A new battery was put in and stp gas treatment and an engine starter fluid was put in gas tank. It continues to not fully crank over. What if anything else can be done before having it towed? Thanks
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Monday, October 20th, 2008 AT 9:15 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
TECHNOPRO
  • MEMBER
  • 45 POSTS
I think the first thing is to check if you got spark at the HT leads/coils.
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Friday, October 24th, 2008 AT 3:46 AM
Tiny
EPSILONAPPRAISALS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 BMW 318
When I turn the ignition key to start the car, engine wont crank, won't turn over, no click, nothing. (Headlights/radio works fine). I will normally wait few minutes (15-20 minutes or so) and attempt to start the engine, the engine will start fine on first try & I'm able to drive the car anywhere with no problem. But when I start engine again, I get no crank, wont turn over, nothing. So I wait few minutes and try again and engine starts fine. Been doing this engine start routine for over a year but I'm afraid 1 of these days, engine wont start at all. Don't know where to begin to diagnose problem. Battery is fairly new, belts are new, clutch replaced and I perform regular routine maintenance. What do you think is causing starting problem?
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 2:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
When the time comes that it will not start at all-Do below or do it now and identify if its fuel or spark problem

This guide will help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Get a helper disconnect a spark plug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,cap and rotor,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
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+1
Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 2:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OIDAVEY
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
I had this problem and the guide helped me find the starter was bad cost me $134.00 all fixed!
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 2:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHUGHES
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 BMW 318
Engine Mechanical problem
1995 BMW 318 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

i have 1995 bmw 3 series and it was recently put a used motor in. It would start so it had to be takn to the dealership so that can reprogram the computer. They got the part in they said that it will turn over but still want start. Can you all please help me with some suggestions on what it is
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 2:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Have it check for spark and fuel if these 2 or one is missing she'll never start-It takes 3 things for an engine to combust-compression/fuel/ignition
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 2:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CUPHOLD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 BMW 318
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,000 MILES
My BMW seems to shake in the front once I get over 50 mph. If I turn the wheel a little, it seems to stop. I'm thinking an alignment, but wanted to check and see what you think first. Thanks!
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 2:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
Alignment perhaps, but I would check the lower control arm bushings, they go bad and cause what you are posting about. Look for cracking and replace if found.
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 2:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JERRYGOODWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 77 POSTS
Have the tires checked. Possible broken belt in tire or ft end has loose parts.
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 2:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SHOWIE2584
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1994 BMW 318
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 155,000 MILES
Sometimes when I fill up my car at the pump, it won't crank up immediately. It will idle down after about 3 seconds. It also does this after I drive a distance of about 2 hours. Any ideas?
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 2:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
When did this start to be an issue?
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 2:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SHOWIE2584
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It started about a month ago.
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 2:47 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi,

It may be best to start a new post with all your specific vehicle info so we can be sure to assist the best.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Assuming your vehicle is a 96 318, I attached the info for the charcoal. When this gets fuel in it, it will create issues after filling the tank because this allows too much fuel in the intake. Also, you will need to replace the purge valve if you find raw fuel in the canister.

If you need more assistance, let's get a new post started with your vehicle specifics.
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 4:44 PM

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