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Hi I have a bmw e46 1999 which randomly doesn’t start . Lights come on when I turn the key but no sound. The ignition comes on and is fine . The lights are bright as they should be without dimming. When i have the problem , I use to be able to bump it down hill and start it but that no longer works. The same applies for a jump start with another car. I broke down the other day and i tried bumping and jumping it which didn’t work . I called the recovery service out , and upon arrival low and behold it fired up straight away (I waited for an hour in the freezing cold n even tried starting it during the wait but no luck) So he said my battery seems to have the power to turn the starter so didn’t think it was that. He done a test on the alternator whilst engine running which read 46 amps at 13.8 and said it’s not likely to be the alternator . I took it to my mechanic and he immediately said change it battery as most likely that. So I purchased a brand new battery and installed it . I drove for 2 days of short journeys and had no issues The next day I done a 60 mile round trip . On my return journey it didnt start . I turned the key 5 times n it eventually started . Once the car is running it doesn’t stall . So I’m totally baffled and hope someone can help me
Hi Zane, When you said “the ignition comes on and is fine”, what do you mean? Does it sound like it’s cranking but just not starting? Or is it just clicking? If it is just clicking, it could be that your starter is starting to die. Some of the coils may be damaged, and the starter may land in a dead-zone position and not crank. Pushing/rocking the car slightly while it is in drive (if it’s a manual transmission) may get it out of that position, as well as repeatedly trying to crank it a few times in quick succession…which you did. I would suggest checking & testing that next.
