Q&A

1991 BMW 318i

Question: Car won't start

Question

hookahking, Colorado Springs, CO, January 13, 2011, 00:01

 Rookie

i bought my 318i at an auction it runs beautifully if i can get it to start and the only way i can is to bang on the steering column its an electrical issue i drove it back from auction and it ran great but i can't find a short or anything any suggestions or common starting problems?!?

2 Answers

Answer It

Flag This

Follow this Question Unfollow this Question

• Answer #1

  ZeeTech January 13, 2011, 05:00
  

   Master

  When you can't start it, does the engine turn over, or won't crank at all?

  Zee
  Flag This
  Like0
• Reply

  hookahking, January 13, 2011, 08:26
  

   Rookie

  it wont crank at all unless i beat on the column or shake the whole car, and i've changed the starter and the electric part of the ignition switch so im stumped.
  Reply
  Flag This
• Answer #2

  Auto Tech Plaza (see my shops), January 13, 2011, 06:35
  

   Enthusiast

  POSSIBLE IGNITION SWITCH, ANTI THEFT DEVICE, OR WIRING HARNESS ISSUE. MAY REQUIRE TEARDOWN TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. MARK
  Flag This
  Like0
• Reply

  hookahking, January 13, 2011, 08:27
  

   Rookie

  ive torn apart the whole wiring harness didnt find anything =/ and replaced the electrical part of the ignition switch it might be the actual key switch though
  Reply
  Flag This

• Car won't start
  My car won't start. It's been stalling for a week and today it won't start at all. It has 137k miles and I've only had it for 3 months. Any suggestions where to start looking (ignition switch, batt...

  Q&A > BMW > 1995 BMW 318i

• My engine won't start. It does not have spark on the plug cables.
  The car had been parked and not starting when I bought it. I was told that the anti theft system had to be disengaged. Is this possible? there is no spark.

  Q&A > BMW > 1995 BMW 318i

• the car sounds like it is not getting fuel and won't start.
  I ran out of gas so I added fuel from a can so I could make it to the gas station.now the car wont start and it sounds like it is'nt getting any fuel. do I need to prime it?

  Q&A > BMW > 1991 BMW 318i