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LuiMey

BMW 4 Series Convertible problems again and again the starter does not work

Car won't start

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Warning light in the speedometer of the vehicle

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Weird engine noise

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Weak battery when starting the engine

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Longer cold start time

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Dim or flickering lights

Hey everyone, my 2018 BMW 4 series diesel with 186,543 km is causing problems. I have the following symptoms: prolonged cold start, car won't start, strange engine noises, weak battery when starting, dimmed or flickering lights and a warning light in the speedometer. I think it could be the starter motor. Have any of you had similar experiences or any tips on what else it could be? I am cautious after a bad experience at the last mechanic visit. Thanks in advance!

(Translated from German)

14 comment(s)


Best Answer

HelmSchu

Hey, sounds a lot like the problems I had with my 2015 BMW 3 Series last year. I had similar symptoms: difficult cold start, strange noises from the engine, weak battery and flickering lights. It turned out that the fault was the result of a subsequent fault in the vehicle's electrical system. A thorough check in the workshop revealed that a defective voltage regulator in the alternator was the cause. This meant that the battery was not being charged properly, which led to all the problems described. The mechanic had to replace the alternator and recalibrate the electrics. It was a somewhat more complex repair, but the car ran perfectly again afterwards. Perhaps you can tell your garage to specifically check the vehicle electrics and the alternator. Hope that helps you! Regards

(Translated from German)

LuiMey (Author)

Hey, thanks for your answer! That sounds very similar to my problems. Do you happen to remember how much the repair cost you? And has anything happened again since then or is your BMW now running without any problems? Best regards

(Translated from German)

HelmSchu

Hey, sure, I can help you with that. So, after I went to the mechanic, it was determined that the problems were actually caused by the vehicle's electrical system. More specifically, it was a consequential fault that meant the engine may not have been able to start. Fortunately, this was completely resolved and the cost of the repair was €0. So it was completely free as it was a fault in their system. Since this repair, my BMW has been running absolutely smoothly. No further failures or anomalies. So, it's best to have a thorough check-up of the electrics - could be the case for you too! Kind regards

(Translated from German)

LuiMey (Author)

Hey, thanks for your detailed information! Today I went straight to another garage because my confidence in the old one was pretty shaken. The mechanic there took a very close look at it and indeed, he also thought that it could be due to the vehicle's electrics. He then checked the alternator and found that the voltage regulator was faulty - just like yours! He replaced the alternator and recalibrated everything. Fortunately, he managed to do this quickly. The cost was not insignificant, but I'm glad that my BMW is running smoothly again and no longer has any problems. Thanks again for your help, without your advice I would probably have spent ages looking for the cause. Best regards!

(Translated from German)

DsbmwM

I have replaced the valve cover gasket and now the bmw e92 320i petrol does not start, it only runs through

(Translated from German)

CarlyMechanic

@DsbmwM

I have replaced the valve cover gasket and now the bmw e92 320i petrol does not start, it only runs through

It sounds like there might be an issue with the installation of the valve cover gasket or something related was disturbed during the process. Check to make sure all the connectors and hoses are properly attached and that the gasket is seated correctly. If everything seems fine, it might be a good idea to have a mechanic look at it to avoid causing further damage.

Mika2603

How do you do? I have the following problem when I want to start my BMW e90, only the ignition comes on and the starter makes no noise. Yesterday the car was still running without a problem and the starter motor was replaced 2 months ago. My assumption is that the starter motor cable may be broken or disconnected, am I right?

(Translated from German)

CarlyMechanic

@Mika2603

How do you do? I have the following problem when I want to start my BMW e90, only the ignition comes on and the starter makes no noise. Yesterday the car was still running without a problem and the starter motor was replaced 2 months ago. My assumption is that the starter motor cable may be broken or disconnected, am I right?

It's possible that the starter motor cable could be the issue. However, before jumping to conclusions, I would recommend checking the battery first. A weak or dead battery could also cause the symptoms you're describing. If the battery is fine, then yes, you should check the starter motor cable for any signs of damage or disconnection.

Flexer1895

Hello, after replacing the valve cover gasket and new spark plugs, I forgot to connect the engine ground strap. The first time I tried to start the engine, it clicked and crackled in the ignition. After checking all the plugs again, I noticed that the ground strap was still connected. After I connected it and tried to start the engine, it turned over, but there was no ignition. Error code 00CE4D Could it be the fuel pump fuse or the relay? Vehicle BMW E82 125i N52B30 Thanks in advance

(Translated from German)

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