2006 BMW 530xi (E60 E61 w/ N52 engine): Troubleshooting a no crank/starter issue

In this video, I troubleshot a no start/no crank complaint on a customer's BMW 530xi, and determined that the starter was faulty.

[@ANVAL125]

Great Video Appreciate your effort ...Greatings from the Caribbean !

[@lukieshabangu3667]

Thanks it was helpful, i am experiencing that problem as we speak

[@Carmania1991]

I had this exact issue. No codes. After a few tries. I bump started it down the hill on the side of my house, parked it on the hill when I came back and couldn’t get it started. Checked the machine again and showed up as starter issue. Got the starter motor changed today and it started straight up.

[@OsamaBinLlama]

Is it normal for the red cable to have a huge spark when you touch the screwdriver on it to test voltage?

[@lukmanhakim860]

So why this can happen..I need the answers

[@jdawg5960]

fyi dont use the "jump start port" to jump start. only connect direct to battery. technically that port is just for a battery stabilizer while coding. or a battery maintainer. if you put to much voltage to that port with key on it can fry a few modules

[@AKJeeper]

I have never had any issues with jumping from that terminal in all my years of working on these cars. It is the most direct and accessible route for power to get to the starter, exactly what you need in a situation where the car needs a jump and precisely why BMW put it there (among other reasons like coding modules). It’s in the owners manual as well as factory service data.

[@jdawg5960]

@@AKJeeper bmw intended yes same for my car e60 however the starter demanding amps is different than a jump charger loading up the hot circuit with no demand. issue is the with key on not starting. as modules wake up there isn't protection. protection is back by the battery. its relatively common for people to blow a module. just a thought these cars can be annoyingly sensitive. i have personal experience with this and is mentioned on forums. this is also why low battery voltage can cause these problems. voltage down amps go up lighting module goes poof.

[@ohyeahthatdude1760]

What if the voltage had dropped to let’s say 8v when trying to start, what would that mean?

[@AKJeeper]

Could be an indication of a poor connection at the starter, battery, or jump start port. Could also be an indication of a battery that is not good, or needs to be recharged (low voltage). If the battery voltage level is low, I would check the charging system to make sure it is working properly. Lastly- if the battery, connections, and charging system check out fine - the starter itself might be drawing too much amperage.