2001 BMW M3 Engine won't crank

Tiny
MARKMYWORD
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BMW M3
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 120,000 MILES
Got home late last night and my gas gauge said I had 20 miles left. Came out today to start the car and the car does not crank. The lights are bright, the stereo works fine. When I turn the key all indications are the same as normal. When I go to crank, I hear something coming from what I believe is around the fuel rails. Not a cranking sound.

I put 2 gallons of gas in the car. Turned the car on, left it on for a minute and tried to start. Same thing. I turned the key on and off a few more times and then tried to start again. Nothing. Tried with the clutch out, same response. Tried to jump it, nada.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Saturday, July 31st, 2010 AT 4:16 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
It sounds like there might be an issue with the EWS system, it is what the Germans call drive away protection. It does a "handshake" with the DME before it allows the starter to operate, it also stops ignition and fuel injection. This alignment will require someone with the proper (read proprietary) software to realign these two electronic modules. This is not something you can do yourself and as you know this car will probably need to go to the service facility where you have the periodic maintenance performed, hopefully it aint Pep Boys.
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Saturday, July 31st, 2010 AT 4:38 PM

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