Engine cut out on the highway, cranks but will not start?

Tiny
OCEANVIEW SCOOTERS
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 BMW 525I
  • 2.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 257,000 MILES
Hi everyone,

I encountered a serious issue with my BMW 523i while driving on the highway. Out of nowhere, the engine cut out while I was cruising, and now the car cranks but does not start. Here are the details:

Event Details:
The engine suddenly shut off without any prior warning or dashboard indicators. Immediately after, I tried to restart the car—it cranks, but it fails to fire up.

Preliminary Checks:
• I’ve verified that the battery voltage is normal, and all battery connections are secure.
• There were no warning lights or error codes observed on the dashboard at the time of the incident.

Suspected Areas:
• Fuel Delivery: I’m considering the possibility of a failing fuel pump or a malfunctioning fuel pump relay, which might have interrupted fuel supply.
• Ignition System: There is a chance that an ignition component such as the crankshaft position sensor or the ignition control module has failed.
• Electrical Issues: I suspect there might be a wiring fault or a loose connector affecting the engine control module (DME).
• I haven’t yet scanned the car for diagnostic codes, but that is my next step.

Any suggestions on further diagnostic steps or known issues with this model would be greatly appreciated. If anyone has experienced a similar problem or has tips on troubleshooting these symptoms, please let me know.
Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 AT 8:25 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yes, I have had this problem in the shop and the crankshaft sensor fixed it, but it could be the fuel pump as well. I would run the codes to see if any are stored that can help us.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Here is a video that shows us how to determine if the fuel or spark which help as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE

How does it sound when it is cranking over normal? If you are unsure, please load a short video of the engine cranking so I can tell if the engine is hurt or not. Here is the location of the crankshaft sensor which is right below the starter motor so you can swap it out in case there is no spark.

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 AT 11:38 AM
Tiny
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Hi, the fuel system operates properly and no error codes were registered.
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Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 AT 11:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Thanks for the video. It sounds like something happened inside like a timing chain jumped. We can confirm the failure if we do a compression test, this guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/the-reasons-for-low-compression

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
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Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
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Thanks, I will try that and send an update.
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Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 AT 11:48 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Sounds good :)
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Thursday, February 13th, 2025 AT 9:06 AM

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