Author Topic: E36 starting fault - strange noise (Read 4509 times)

johna · « **on:** November 21, 2007, 02:16:29 PM »

My 1994 318is (M42 engine) occasionally doesn't start when I turn the key.

Sometimes I hear a quiet noise -- which I can only describe as a kind of screeching, but not a mechanical screeching, maybe electrical if that makes sense -- which lasts a second or two before the starter operates and the car starts.

Just wondering if anyone has had a similar problem which they might be able to share their solution.

The noise seems to be from inside the dashboard, around the instrument cluster, but it is very hard to tell. It could even be from the engine bay.

Thanks.

Vladi · « **Reply #1 on:** November 21, 2007, 04:23:40 PM »

Starter solenoid maybe?

johna · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2010, 05:34:16 AM »

Sorry to bring an old thread back to life but 2.5 years later I still have this problem.

Here is some new information on the problem in hope that someone may have some idea on how to fix it...

The problem happens more when the car is hot, either after it has been running, or if it has been sitting in the sun. To complicate things it also happens sometimes when cold.

The screeching noise that I mentioned I hear when it doesn't start is coming from the starter interlock relay located under the dashboard. I can feel it vibrating when the problem happens. There is no noise from the starter or anywhere else - all is quiet except the relay.

So I replaced this relay... Didn't make any difference.

I have randomly replaced a few relays under the bonnet too but the problem still persists.

I was told by a BMW specialist that this problem is often due to an aftermarket alarm. I did have one when I bought the car but I removed it myself. I have checked all the wiring that I messed with and couldn't find anything wrong.

Anyone had this problem before?

johna · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2010, 05:12:04 PM »

Problem turned out to be ignition switch.

mr.vang · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2010, 07:31:59 PM »

i'm having the same problem. when you drive it hard and park the car, start it right after and it won't start. it just make that noise you described. good thing you found the problem. so how much did you pay for a new ignition switch?

johna · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2010, 04:05:22 AM »

I'm in Australia and a second hand switch is about $75. But according to realoem.com they are only $80 US new.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #6 on:** October 25, 2010, 07:49:56 AM »

I don't think that's a starter relay. BMW calls is an overvoltage relay. If that's true something is pulling too much voltage to start the car when it's hot. Might be the ignition switch, might be the starter solenoid, might be the fuel pump.

I'll check into it & see. Did you post this over on r3v or bimmerforums? They have a lot more members & this isn't isolated to the M42.