[rosullivan04]

I had a very odd problem occur today... went to leave work, put the key in the ignition and nothing... no click or anything. All the lights come on, no error codes when I checked the DME. I was able to push-start it by pushing the clutch. I got home and tried it again and same thing... no crank. The battery was replaced ~10 months ago and still reads as good, last time it was checked. I also disconnected the battery sensor, beat on the starter with a wooden handle, checked all my fuses, flashed back to stock (was on MHD), tried a different key (in case it was CAS)... nothing has worked at all. I also left the battery off the car for ~5 minutes or so. There's no audible click or tick coming from the starter at all when you press the button. If anybody has any ideas what this weird issue might be it would be appreciated!

[Cloud9blue]

Dead starter?

[rosullivan04]

That was my initial impression, but I'd expected to see the lights dimming, hear a click... some tell-tale sign that the car was attempting to turn the starter. I don't even hear it engaging at all. It could still be the starter, if I don't have it fixed by Wednesday it's going to the dealership.

[amr_e90]

If the starter is dead it's dead , It does not slowly die . Very easy repair if ur a hands on guy . Two bolts and two electrical connectors .

[rosullivan04]

True, I've had them just up and croak in the past. From what I've read you have to take the intake manifold off to get to it. Is that a thing, or can you negotiate it off with the air filters removed?

[gabylonfive]

Very difficult to get to without removing the intake manifold.

[rosullivan04]

Originally Posted by gabylonfive

Very difficult to get to without removing the intake manifold.

Well bummer I close on my house in 6 days and just literally have no time to work on it. It'll probably get swapped at the dealer. Thanks all for the quick replies!

[techwhiz]

Sounds like the starter solenoid. If that craps out, it's possible you won't get a click.
Lights will only dim if you run current through the starter. If the solenoid is bad that won't happen.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

How many miles on the car?

[Logan335i]

Its the starter for sure. You can pull intake back without removing it to access thr starter.

[BRD1234]

Exactly what I had happen to me except I was on the second story of a very short garage for a grocery store in the middle of Miami Beach ALONE.
I had to roll my car with all my might to the ramp to go out of the garage and when I pushed it over the tipping point I jumped in my car and pop started it with just enough time to slam on the breaks. Much like you, the starter made absolutely no click or anything. It was just dead.

Long story short, I left work early, drove straight home and replaced the starter the same day ($130 somethin from Advance Auto Parts plus a little blood on a bolt in the back). Car started right up.
If you have any DIY skills do it yourself.
It's not too hard (there's just one bolt that is a bitch).
Let us know how it goes.

[Tiago@VRSF]

What is the voltage measurement on the battery when the car is turned off?

[tc535i]

sounds like a siezed starter

if your battery was dead, you wouldn't be able to drive much after clutch-drop starting

[rosullivan04]

Sorry for the late reply it's been a really busy week 85k miles on it, didn't have time to look myself at voltage so I ended up taking it to BMW of Nashville. $1050 later it was indeed the starter motor. BMW replaced it (under warranty) and fixed it right up. Thanks everyone!

[BRD1234]

Originally Posted by rosullivan04

Sorry for the late reply it's been a really busy week 85k miles on it, didn't have time to look myself at voltage so I ended up taking it to BMW of Nashville. $1050 later it was indeed the starter motor. BMW replaced it (under warranty) and fixed it right up. Thanks everyone!

$1050?!?!?!?!?

I paid $130 for my starter and put it in in an hour.
What did the dealer charge for labor?? That sounds a bit high for just a starter.

[davidkotok]

you should be able to do it cheaper than that - i havent had to replace e92 starter yet and i think my e46 was under warranty.

have you considered ordering parts from getbmwparts and calling luther?

[rosullivan04]

I'm in the middle of a move and just didn't have time to swap it out myself right now. Labour was around $400, ~$500 for the parts and the rest for diagnostic fees and taxes. Normally I would have ordered them from GetBMWParts or Rock Auto and done it myself