2004 BMW M3 Car will not start- new battery

DCHOOD

MEMBER
2004 BMW M3
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
30,000 MILES

2004 M3 that worked fine yesterday- despite frigid temps- went to start it this morning and had good lights and accessory power but the car would not turn over. I attempted to jump the car with no success- having had a similar problem with a domestic car I went ahead and got a new battery without testing the old. Anyway, the car still responds the same way- the car does make a sound when the key is moved all the way to the ignition position but it is not a clicking sound like the starter is trying to work. It sounds more like a computer is trying to send a signal or a dude gargling under the car. Please help. This problem resembles one that is posted and you asked for the vin- not sure why but my vin is WBSBL93494PN56722. Thanks

5 Replies

DCHOOD

MEMBER
2 POSTS

It sounds like this might be common- do I need to replace the starter- and if so is that advice that I can do the R&R without removing the exhaust and lowering the tranny correct?

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Friday, January 16th, 2009 AT 6:59 PM

KEVIN12881

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336 POSTS

I am not p to par with your type of vehichle. If you donate, even just a few bucks, a real pro will answer you. It could be the starte siliniod, not sure if it is connected to starter (like chevy) or on firewall (like ford). Sorry I could not be of more help, but if it is front wheel drive then changing the starter could be difficult. It just depends

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Friday, January 16th, 2009 AT 7:09 PM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

A no crank no start condition in an E-46 could be something to do with the EWS system(drive away protection) or with the EWS system not aligning with the DME. Either way, the systems will require scanning with the proprietary BMW software.

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Friday, January 16th, 2009 AT 8:30 PM

///M3_CHRIS

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1 POST

I have a 2003 SMG M3 and im having the same problem. It's been happening for a little over a year now. It will start fine and then the next time I go to start the car it won't even turn over.

There definitely is some strange noise - much like gargling and it sounds like a computer or electrical current is sending a signal. I too have a fairly new battery. I replaced the starter as well but to no avail. I dropped it off at a dealer where they ran diagnostics and found a switch that was supposedly worn out and the source of the problem. After taking the car home that day, it refused to start once again later on that afternoon.

One thing I noticed is that the battery light flickers randomly and its most likely due to a failing alternator. I should have news from my mechanic by this weekend.

Good luck

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Thursday, April 9th, 2009 AT 10:22 PM

DOCHAGERTY