A Guide to Solving 1980s BMW Crank No Start | Reviving a BMW 635CSI After Over a Decade of Sitting

[@juanonuser]

So proud of what you've become started watching you around the time you were doing the e30 m50 swap. I live right by where you picked up your M5 in California, would love for you to drive my s52 e30 when you're down here one day, it wouldn't be swapped if it wasn't for your videos.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you so much dude! I really appreciate that and it makes my day to hear I helped get it built!! Would love to drive it too!

[@LegalVideoMan]

I recently had trouble with my 1984 633CSi similar to this. I was driving home from a long trip and about 3 hours from home I started losing power and as I shifted down I would correct itself. This happened about a dozen times by the time I made it home. Once home, it would not start again. After replacing my plugs, fuel filter distributor and rotor I finally had to leave it up to the pros. It turned out it was those two sensors which both were replaced. Good video, I wish you had posted this 5 months ago. You might want to keep that 635.

[@adareone]

I have a 1987 L6 that has been off the road since 2004 and thats what my issue was, crank sensor and it was a BEAR to get out, came out in very small pieces. She started with the old gas as well. So its been a process since July getting things refreshed. Took her for her first ride since 2004 and she drove great!! More fun to come in the months ahead.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@adareone awesome!!! Enjoy!

[@Bubblun1]

Agree it's always the crank sensors. Only time my 1984 635CSi has left me stranded in 16 years of ownership.

[@mikesphoenix_e46m3]

Loving these style of videos josh helping people out at the same time but producing great contents and every monday around 3pm uk time im waiting for your video to come out 😃

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you so much Mike!! Really appreciate that

[@chile_the2jz618]

Dude I recently bought a 1985 635csi and it was running and driving when I moved out to Houston. Long story short it started giving me issues it would loose power. It would start and drive and eventually it went to just a crank no start. The other day I tried cranking over so much that it stopped cranking. I’m hoping the starter went bad and it didn’t lock up 😅 if I get it to turn over I’ll for sure check in order and see if I can figure out the problem.

[@iruben77]

Hey Josh... Really love your videos.. I'm just impressed with your attention to detail and passion and patience to make these older beauties run. I'd like to think I'm just as involved but maybe on a lesser scale. I do love BMWs!! You work hard at what you do and it doesn't go unnoticed! Keep it up. Always a joy to watch and listen to any car being worked on 💯👍 thanks my dude Edit: you would be an awesome next door neighbor to have 2nd Edit: that 6 series is still sexy AF. hopefully it gets that restoration done

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you so much for the nice words! Im glad the efforts are noticed!!! Means a lot to hear!!

[@Wilantonjakov]

Love this video. Wish I knew as much back when I owned an E28. Would love to see something similar for an older car such as an E12

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thanks man!! I need a non running E12 first then id make the video!! Lol

[@brianaust8897]

Haha I got so much out of watching your joy upon startup! That was indeed exciting. Love the 635s the shark is one of the most iconic BMW bodies ever and these cars are such a nice simple yet elegant package.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

It was a very joyful moment, the crank sensors fought me pretty hard! Lol I love E24s but never got the right one for collection

[@brianaust8897]

@@m3nameisjosh464 I had been lusting for an M6 for decades but never really got over the US or even the world bumpers. So then I pursued a Euro M635 but they always got away from me. Once I shopped for a Euro 635CSi it all got easier (and much more affordable for a comparable condition unit) and frankly that motor is enough power and with a manual it’s just so fun to drive hard. 👍

[@jpadicecoffee9812]

Good job man, getting the elder champ back running. You get your hands dirty to show us how it's done.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Yessir!!!!

[@brodycastellano3035]

One of the only things you have to keep an eye on when checking air is the cold start valve which won’t let the car idle right when cold if not working properly. This was the problem on my M5

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@brodycastellano3035 very good point!

[@richardwebb9400]

Really enjoy your videos, I have a 81 633 gray mkt with the motronic ignition. Also its a crank but no start. Do you buy aftermarket crank sensors or what

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@richardwebb9400 genuine crank sensors or OE

[@richardwebb9400]

Thank you so much! You have given me so much hope for my Bimmer

[@robsweekendgarage]

Great vid emphasizing diag vs parts throwing. Even if you know what’s wrong. Man I want a shark nose. Just not a crusty one! Since moving to Atlanta from Buffalo I’ve vowed to never work on a rust bucket again.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you Rob!! I dont blame you at all. Rust free is a blessing! These crank sensors fought me! Lol

[@jessekeasler4278]

HELL YEAH NEW VIDEO!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@namtar223]

E39 M5 wheels looking real good on here

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Grew on me, but diameter still too big

[@carolinacars739]

23:30 Well at least it came out. I had to drill/completely obliterate one of those in my E24 after the metal part seized in the bell housing and the plastic part snapped off when I tried to pull it out. Absolutely brutal! Next step would have been to pull the tranny, but I managed to get it out with a right angle dremel attachment.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@carolinacars739 oh that exact thing happened on the other sensor, just didn’t film the frustration 😭😭😭

[@mflow6374]

Really love your content dude!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@mflow6374 thank you!!!

[@mflow6374]

Maybe you could do a head to head comparison of an e39 and an e34.

[@giantrobot9000]

Inspired me to finally get my 633CSi running. It has spark, I need to check if the fuel pump died though.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Likely the issue!

[@1995RangeRover]

Good DIY bro and

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you!$

[@christianpaz2781]

that car is so good looking

[@m3nameisjosh464]

A true classic

[@1983dmd]

Very interesting and well explained. Thanks!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thanks for watching!

[@BerwhaleTheAvenger-b5s]

Also watch out for the crank sensor pin on the flywheel as they can fall out, especially manuals. A spot of mig weld keeps them in position. I bloody hate Motronic 1.1.😂

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@BerwhaleTheAvenger-b5s man oh man, damn motronic 1.1💪🏼

[@NickBoellner]

Man, you live my dream through 5/6 series. Once my LS e36 is done id love to link up. In NE MD near Jersey haha.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Sounds like a super fun car id like to check out! ;)

[@bigdeeloc6861]

I have a 82 633 csi you have a email I have a few questions my won't crank neither

[@mnz19921]

Love these freakin videos.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you sir!!

[@DAdamAnt]

Great video! It's very informative. I still get no spark after replacing both reference and speed sensors, new coil, plugs, wires, rotor, and distributor. DME is show 12v to everything but still no spark. What would your next move be? Thanks.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

The relay module box under dash to left side if steering wheel?

[@DAdamAnt]

Sorry forgot to say it's an 1988 E28 535i

[@DAdamAnt]

Manual

[@juancorrea9037]

Another great video Josh! Are you planing to fix the trans? I would like that a lot.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thanks Juan! My work with this car is complete. Its going to its new owner to take it to the next level!

[@juancorrea9037]

@@m3nameisjosh464 The interior looks nice. My last boss has one fully restored but he messed it up in my book by changing the factory color from red to black. The interior is the same as that one but all black. He has it on storage. What a waste. Never drives it.

[@DoubbleAgent]

Great diagnostic video!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Thank you!

[@jacksmithers1721]

Hi - Great uploads, very much enjoy the work you do. I have just bought (some weeks) ago a M5 (or M6) 635Csi, I saw on one of your uploads where you have what looks like a reproduction of the Factory Original Service Repair Manual for the 635, could you please let me know where I can purchase one / where you bought it from. The PDF manuals are terrible and I do not like Haynes or Bentley either. I have been looking for a manual on the 635 / M5635csi - but no success thanks and regards Jack

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Hey Jack, that manual came with one of my E24s, so unfortunately I don't know where to buy one. Id check eBay though!

[@batsparsly6637]

could bad injectors dumping to much fuel cause a crank no start with back fire through the intake.. we have teste everything else on my e30 and everything else checks out good. the only thing i an think off is the injectors are worn out and dumping to much fuel causing flooding of the cylinders and any excess unburned fuel to clog the exhaust causing back firing through the intake

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Backfiring out of the intake is a sign that ignition timing is off. Or engine timing. Fuel dumping would cause backfire out of the exhaust.

[@niko123xyz4]

I’m having issues with my 1985 528e. Crank no start, BUT starts with starting fluid. I’m assuming has spark (since it starts with starting fluid) and have pulled fuel lines off (threw new fuel in and smells fine) and it gets plenty of fuel, have even jumped fuel pump relay. Could this be an issue with the crank position sensor as well? If anyone has any insight that would be greatly appreciated, also love the videos Josh!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@niko123xyz4 If the pump is working it very well could be crank sensors. Id replace them

[@grahammj1yt]

How to tell if your hood struts are shot... Open hood all the way open. Lean into the engine compartment. If the hood hits you in the head or back, then they are shot. Either replace with new or working used or insert a mop handle. Your welcome.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Jack handle or mop handle! ;)

[@Tasteless_dan]

Josh here deep down wondering to himself how quickly he can get rid of those horrible USDM bumpers 🤣😘

[@m3nameisjosh464]

HAHAHAHHA

[@kevin189w7]

M70 don’t have crank sensors right? V12

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@kevin189w7 it should!

[@anot1c]

hey mate, i've got this exact issue with this exact car, are the sensors you're replacing with genuine? i've replaced with vemo aftermarkets and the issue is still persistent and this leads me to believe that i'll have to bite the bullet with genuine sensors if so

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Mine are original genuine from past cars. So they are old but still work. Aftermarket crank sensors can definitely cause issues

[@gertstolk]

Did it come with period rims?

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Nope just the M5 reps :/

[@gertstolk]

@@m3nameisjosh464 That engine runs remarkably well. Hope the next owner will take off the ugly impact bumpers andcreplace them with euro-spec ones 😁

[@P.SergioF.Cardoso]

All four windows are not going down on My e28, what could it be?

[@arenscott4934]

Lolz! I only have the drivers window working. Checked for power on passenger side and there is, perhaps regulator has failed... but in all three windows?!

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Not super familiar with window wiring on an e28. Id check your breaker, fuses, etc. all 4 regs broken sounds unlikely

[@P.SergioF.Cardoso]

@m3nameisjosh464 yeah, I was putting on a flag for the Soccer ⚽️ championship recently when that happened, sunroof works, AC works, it's an old car, 1983 533i , checked the fuse box and all fuses are good

[@woapaggin6803]

How bad is it to do the brake lines and fuel lines on these 6sers i really do want one but i dont trust the 1980s North east cars

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Hard lines are always a pain. Need to bend/ flare a bunch which I hate. If they don’t look horrible id leave them

[@giantrobot9000]

I bought the factory fuel lines for my 1980 633CSi, I was told I got the last return line left in Germany two years ago.

[@mrc-by4vp]

I MIN IN CRANK SENSOR

[@Voges2023]

Anyone else think this guy is hot because he is from the Midwest? Just me...okay.

[@m3nameisjosh464]

@@Voges2023 PAUSE🫨

[@brenden0311]

The usual suspects

[@m3nameisjosh464]

Literally LOL

[@JohnDoe-z1h]

Iz there a mechanic in L.A. you can recomend to me for old BMWs e34 525i