BMW No-crank, No-start (Intermittent)

Hey hey hey! The BMW is BACK IN THE HOUSE!
This time the fancy German at times refuses to crank over, and left the owner stranded! He is fed up and is ready to trade it in....on ANOTHER BMW!!
Let's see if we can get this 2006 325Ci convertible back on its feet one more time and restore the owner's faith in his favorite car :)
Enjoy!
-Ivan
For all your BMW Service and repair information, check out this AWESOME RESOURCE:
www.newtis.info/

[@nostrasimpus8359]

This was probably the best diagnostic I’ve ever seen. Excellent job dude

[@shugfizzle8984]

Da Russians know German cars. Спасибо

[@ptrck6]

Ivan. You are a true mechanic and not a parts replacer. Hard to find someone as good as you

[@knocksensor3203]

“Automotive diagnostic technician” ☝️mind you...

[@erolmcc8779]

Hope you can help, 2002 320d starts when engine cold but when it gets up to operating temp it won't start. Can you help?

[@makgawd7259]

This is the best video I’ve ever watched in my life. Even after all these years.

[@musclekingmedia]

For those that don’t know, this is a perfect example of how different mechanic/shops work. Also to add, diagnosing this kind of issue would cost the customer more diag time but at the cost of finding the correct problem, vs parts swapping and loosing money. Great video!

[@kevinbyrne4538]

Always a pleasure to watch you diagnose a problem: nice, clean, straight-forward reasoning.

[@chrishensley3591]

My 99 323I was doing the same intermittent starting, more so in hot weather. It finally would not start, at all, in my driveway. Lucky me. I followed your video, step by step. And I had the same issue. Ignition switch. I cleaned it, and it starts. I`ll be ordering a new one, just to be safe. Thank you for sharing, you saved me a lot of money.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Cool! Glad the video was helpful, Chris!

[@Diagnosedan]

Finally Ivan you showed some love for European cars!😁You didn't use the word Trash a single time! I'm proud of you!😉

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

hahaha I was so tempted but this time everything was easy to get to and I had a good info database :)))

[@Diagnosedan]

🤣🤣🤣

[@abochavez]

lol

[@london1026]

European cars are shit trash ,german loans billion of dollors to american banks to loan out at low intreast rates to buy these pieces of shit hate euro and germany

[@georgemosqueda7142]

I recently had the same intermittent symptom on my 2006 BMW 330ci and watched a lot of KZbin videos regarding starting issues. Your video nailed my symptoms and made the most sense. I followed your post and cleaned the switch and the car started right up. I did purchase a new one so I will swap it out when it gets to me. I appreciate the step-by-step methodology in the root cause of the issue. I can also add that prior to the car not starting I noticed that the convertible top was also intermittent and then stopped working and then the airbag light came on, this all happened in a span of 3 to 4 weeks. All the problems are now fixed after the switched repair! Thanks for sharing your expertise and continue the great work!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks for the kind words George! 👍

[@grantsnell6782]

At the start of the video my first thought was ignition switch. BMWs of that age are notorious for it. Glad you got it.

[@mike94560]

I like the way you tear apart the modules to get to the root cause. Not just swap a bunch of modules until it starts working.

[@meekstrova203]

You have no idea how helpful this was, I have a bmw 318i seating on my lap as I'm speaking..thanks dude

[@memphisautodiagnostics4136]

there is no one like you Ivan. no one goes that deep.

[@nathanrspain]

Hans Auto Care That's what she said

[@memphisautodiagnostics4136]

LOl Nathan damn it just hit me ...... Touche '

[@nathanrspain]

Hans Auto Care hahaha

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

hahaha that's a good one xD

[@nathanrspain]

Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics I've been watching too much of The Office lol

[@Garth2011]

Great trace down to find the origin of the problem. Those contact points have a hardened surface finish on them so once they pit, you can file them for a temporary fix but after long term use, they will fail again due to the hardness was lost and now a softer material is making the connection. Under engineered contacts for that kind of amperage or the part was defectively manufactured. Considering this engages the starter motor, likely it would be best to replace that part so no one gets stranded. You never know where you will be, a safe or unsafe location, so a reliable ignition switch would be the best practice. Excellent trace and diagnosis ! I wonder how long a BMW dealership would have taken to find this one.

[@daverobertson8034]

I love the way you went about diagnosing this problem.

[@wyattoneable]

That's funny that you went there later and it didn't start, then started with the camera on. The TIS website looks like a great find. Anyone else would have replaced the switch but you always go the extra mile to inspect components and whenever possible fix it. At least we get to see what the inside of the switch looks like. Great diagnostic steps to find the issue.

[@MacCaughey]

Unfortunately the TIS website has been taken down on the instructions of BMW

[@kyhomegarage3430]

Excellent diagnoses and repair . You are very talented and patient person Ivan. I can't thank you enough for posting link to BMW repair website it's very useful. Cheers my friend.👍👍

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Hi Ramon! Good to hear from you! Those intermittent problems can be a pain in the ass...especially on European cars ;)

[@ruschman96]

I love the fact that you’ll take a part apart (play on words intended) and really take the time to get to the actual specific problem. Nice work Ivan. Really.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks Daniel! Anyone can replace a part, but you can learn so much more my taking stuff apart ;)

[@haywire17]

Intermittent no crank, no start (He**, intermittent anything drives me nutz...) can be maddening. I have a 2008 Toyota HIghlander we bought in 2010 with only 44Kmi that immediately had this issue. After 4 trips to the dealer (under warranty) and a "New battery'" (I made 'em give me the "bad one" back... the lights didn't even dim, LOL) I got the wiring diagram on CD and fixed myself. Was intermittent starter relay contacts. Again 7 yrs later at 110K, same issue. This time I fabricated a larger 30A made in 'merica relay to take its place, with pigtails to allow to plug in to where the smaller factory relay went. Original "not man enough for job", I guess...Literally about the only trouble I've ever had with this 'Yota.

[@playboiyaz6610]

what a legend my god you saved me from having to tow my car from my friends house!!! I am going to get a new one and hopefully it fixes my issue you’ve gained your self a follower😄

[@mrb1864]

A lady walks into a BMW dealership. She browses around, spots the Top-of-the-line Beemer and walks over to inspect it. As she bends over to feel the fine leather upholstery, she inadvertently breaks Wind. Very embarrassed, she looks around nervously to see if anyone has noticed her little accident and prays that a sales person doesn't pop up right now. As she turns around, her worst nightmare materializes in the form of a salesman standing right behind her. Cool as a cucumber and displaying complete professionalism, the salesman greets the lady With, "Good day, Madame. How may we help you today?" Very uncomfortably, but hoping that the salesman may just not have been there at the time of her accident, she asks, "Sir, what is the price of this lovely vehicle?" He answers, "Madam, if you farted just touching it, you are going to shit yourself when I tell you the price."

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

LMAO I just died laughing xD

[@mrb1864]

Have a relaxing day, sunday is no beemer day lol .

[@NoWr2Run]

LMAO ALSO, VERY GOOD SIR.

[@retiredperson4054]

LMBO!

[@mikechiodetti6737]

LOLOLOL!

[@fieldsofomagh]

Great new website for BMWs.Love the teardowns and seeing the details. Mrs Ivan is looking fab

[@andyfanshawe]

Hi Ivan. Very common problem here in the UK on most BMW's. Changed 3 Z4 ones in a 2 week period with exact symptoms.

[@leehodson6843]

fainly the only video on you tube witch actually shows you the fix fantastic love how you shown us the full walkthrough step by step too was nice to watch

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@TonyGeestudio]

i've been following your show for over 2 years now , i just wanna say good job u've helped me understand my issues b4 i start missing around with my x3 and 550I and 530xi. thanks bro!

[@CoolantWhisperer]

Common problem on the E46. Didn’t even have to watch the video to know it’s the ignition switch on a no crank no start situation with a known good battery. No diagnosis needed. Part is $55 online. Takes minutes to install.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

"No diagnosis needed"...that's like the whole purpose of this channel lol!

[@jason.arthur.taylor]

Actually pine hollow your video is very bad since it should have a segment saying where to go to in the video to know what the problem was. It should also say where in the description. In real life the other things probably don't matter to many.

[@rw7051]

Thank YOU! I should have know, since this happened to my ford focus. Easy fix, no crank, no start, just lights. Replaced ignition start switch on left side of column. Boom. Fixed. Replaced starter first, out of desperation, laid on my back for 3 days to do that. Your video reminded me about the start switch. On the ford, I was using a screwdriver in that switch to start it. should have known.

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

This oughta be good, gonna watch this during my lunch break 👍 thanks for sharing Ivan!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

It's a good one! BMW never disappoints!

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics didn't wait until my lunch break 🤣 great resource, thanks for sharing that. Great find Ivan! You caught it red handed for us! And to top it off you got a Mercedes Benz commercial right before you catch in the act 😆 nice work Ivan, persistence paid off!

[@brainstorm4207]

Hey Ivan you're like a super hero for auto techs. watching your videos has increased my working knowledge 10 fold. i diagnose cars 10x faster than before from watching you do it the right way. You, and Eric O are like Batman and Robin. ill let you two fight over who has to wear the green tights with underwear over them like Robin lol

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks for the positive comment! It really makes my day when these little videos help other people out :)

[@Paul1958R]

Ivan, Another great diagnosis and video. The sequence with the wife and the power seat was hilarious! Thank you and God bless Paul

[@stevenlauben8946]

Fixed e46 intermittent start tonight. Thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@The_coach333]

Awesome video I like how you went to youtube to find info never stop learning 👍

[@micksautoelectrics8750]

I went to a BMW 330 today NO CRANK, been stood for 2 years, No power to DIAG socket, (3 fuses missing in fusebox), Car starts and runs fine :) :) Wonder why the other 2 auto electricians didn`t spot it :)

[@QUINCYHUBERTSMITH]

My brother your truley the best great job i started to hate my bm for this issue , now iam falling in love again with the beammer , your the best thank you

[@ZAKU-GD]

I need more people like you in my life. I'm tired of being around idiots! good stuff. I own a 2001 330ci zhp. so seeing e46 content on any channel makes me happy! subbed

[@draganraducu]

i have 2005, still a lovely toy. this is a proper video not like others that is just confusing af .

[@billyyoder8171]

Thank you Ivan. I appreciate your videos.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

My pleasure! I have plenty lined up so get out the popcorn :)

[@mikechiodetti6737]

Ya gatta love intermittents! Sometimes it's just a simple switch problem. Good Job!

[@ManicMechanic007]

Great analytical approach Ivan, thanks for the website.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

The BMW runaround! Yah gotta hate those intermittent gremlins.

[@adamtrombino106]

Face it Ivan, you were glad the roof and hardcover didn't hit the garage door when you opened it.. Pucker moment.. lol Good vid. I thought for sure it was going to be the immobilizer.

[@TOM2RN]

Ivan, just an observation. I noticed the door chime worked intermittently when you were diagnosing this problem. It seemed to be a consistent inconsistency. Part of the issue? Always like your videos.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

hmmm maybe it had to do with the position of the ignition switch?

[@WizzRacing]

Door chime is telling you the key, ignition and tone ring are not the issue. As it means it see the key. Then will pass it off to the EWS. Which then hands it off to the DME..And the EWS rolls the code after each start... If they get out of sync. It will block any attempt to engage the starter. Why the starter has 3 wires. One from battery. One from EWS and one from the DME.....

[@diymisfit_Mechanic_UDX404]

7:05 Gawt Damnit it started LOL. Nice troubleshooting.

[@epriiih]

actually laughed there

[@DavidMartinezDC4L]

Appreciate the video, i was about to call in the beamer techs, then last minute i searched for issues like mine and whoa your youtube popped up and the rest is history, saved me hundreds im sure, thank you for the video..appreciate it!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

My pleasure, David! Feel free to contribute to my PayPal link if the video helped you out :)

[@youbreakemwefixem7209]

Only thing better than a cheap fix is a free one! Good find!

[@DB-023]

Thanks for posting this Ivan, I really dig your troubleshooting process, I had no crank, intermittent, so figured starter was OK, tackled the ignition switch, looked ok, but after a clean it started, working again, will try it for a few days before buying a new switch if needed, around €80 for a switch here!

[@johnanthony5931]

Bravo! Best video on the infamous bmw no start no crank.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thank you!

[@jesselyons2002]

7:06 are the moments I wait for in your videos.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Ivan I was going to call you and suggest you remove your shirt in order to find the problem and get the car fixed but then at the 10 min mark in the video you did the right thing! 😁🤣😁

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I was thinking to myself...what would Glen do? What's next....yoga pants? xD

[@ozzstars_cars]

Ivan I would have immediately suggested you go with the triple stitched Kevlar reinforced crotch design. In a tough diagnosis the more protection from back door entry the better your chances of repair success! LOL

[@Micko350]

I actually laughed out loud Glen! 😅

[@christianventura4156]

Just watched the video, and, thought, because of this issue, perhaps, that's why bmw switched to key fobes? Great vid

[@elpuerco6059]

You’re awesome, dude. Let the haters hate. You’re common sense diagnostic abilities are impressive. Off topic, what is DRAMM?

[@DaveSender66]

Was hoping you'd find an ice cold lake to jump into to cool off! Hope your summer is going well good to see you buddy!!!!!!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Good to see you too, Dave!

[@jackbmxtran]

Hey man I'm having the same issue with my 325ci. Got my ews and dme back from a programer. I have the same snap on reader and all looks good ecxept. My starter enabled (no) no codes on ews no codes on dme. Gonna try to hot wire like u did and hope it works

[@62ejo]

Ivan the deep ,thxs great workmanship...

[@shopenz]

Same model as mine, i told you there are good bmws. Great job

[@mikehayes2538]

You can put a 30 amp fuse in the harness plug that connect to the news and it will let you know if it's bad or not

[@billneu9520]

Thanks for your time and knowledge great to see your wife in the video another great learning video Bill N

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Nice diagnosis & repair Ivan.

[@Steven-m5g]

Times I wish I had your knowledge. I have had enough time with my altel scanner.

[@bWitched96]

I wish I could teleport you to my sister's house (where my BMW X5 broke down today.) At first we thought it was the battery but that's not it. It won't start (or crank) so perhaps it's the Starter? My stomach is in knots and my nerves are pretty shot at this point, lol.

[@jetjazz05]

The solder in the relay for the high beam headlights in a Saab cracks (basically all 90s and 2000s), the darn thing is like 80 bucks new, but thankfully you can resolder it and it's good for another 10-15 years lol.

[@lukecameron519]

I think this is my problem but every time I go to crank it, I can only crank it once. I try again and the ignition is locked, have to take the key out to try again

[@FredFlintstone21]

It's like a tdi vw, it knows it's being tested, then performs differently (starts in this case)

[@hammondautollc7809]

I totally agree with wyattoneable. I find it odd that the two parts that you looked at were that easy to take apart usually they're Non-serviceable parts pretty cool you fixed the car without buying parts I'm sure the owner appreciates it.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I was pleasantly surprised as well! Maybe BMWs aren't all that bad lol

[@charlesmiller5078]

Component Level Repair, no board swappers around here I tell you.

[@ashleydutton5009]

Hay Ivan you seriously kick ass. I know your probably super busy, but u was wondering if i could run the problem i am having by you. i have a 2001 BMW 530I. the first problem i ran into was my fob got deactivated, now with the new fob i put the key in and turn and i get a inconsistent clicking followed by a buzzing that sounds like its coming from near the gear box. i have absolutely no idea where to start. Some people at the bar told me starter, alternator, and the word flooding has been said a couple times. if you have any advise or maybe a clue of where i should start i would greatle appreciate it. I have been watching tutorials, and how to videos since day one, and i have to say your videos are by far some of the best i have ever seen. Thank you for the time you take to make these vids, and sharing your expertise. I Hope to hear back from you. you are the man!!!

[@embreesmith7613]

great video! ..holy crap, how are you keeping up with work/travel and still making videos ..??

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I had to cut out some sleep xD

[@diymisfit_Mechanic_UDX404]

My job alone is taking away all my sleep, I can't wait until lay off. LOL

[@jannepo]

Just file it smooth and bend the arc spring a bit to compensate for lost tension.. Will work for 10 years, all the way to crusher. No need for a new one until the contact pieces are all gone.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

that's what I figured lol

[@upallnight888]

Ignition switch contacts are known to go bad. A bad ignition switch will not throw a code. The visor vanity light will give you some clue as to whether the switch is bad. The switch can be taken apart and the contacts cleaned. If I was to shoot off the part Canon the ignition will be the first part I would load into the canon.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Visor vanity light? I'll have to remember that tip!

[@upallnight888]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4rUemmpeLCJepo

[@Nabeelco]

The Park/Neutral switch was flipflopping on the scanner! Did anyone else see that?

[@noelgriffin645]

Yep

[@wysetech2000]

Nice job as usual, Ivan.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@proatbilliards]

that bloody ews and ignition system is a real pain after struggling to find answers for 2 weeks Ive found the problem. most of my e46 is serviced with new parts except cough cough ignition switch

[@nasir_adam]

I am happy because this site helped someone and thank you for this helping and teaching channel personally i learned too much from you

[@salsations1869]

Great job! this really helped me move forward with my problem

[@michslisconstantinou1388]

Bro you are fantastic.I have the same thing with my Range Rover and I cannot find such expert especially in Cyprus to fix my car and I don’t know what to do

[@rrmech11]

That ignition switch repair will outlast 50 dorman ones. You should of showed your wife the button that turns the seat into a massage table. Lol

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

It has freaking 4-way inflatable lumbar support too xD

[@jonathanbock8435]

I presume you replaced the wires connecting to DME and ECU, correct? If so, where did you purchase it from? Correct terminology for it?

[@rogerpatrick3642]

next time you get one of them BMWs can you put a amp clamp around the starter relay I would love to see what the current is

[@The_coach333]

Having same issue I watched your video and boom it started we’ll see what it is later I guess lol

[@lajocymbalski7589]

Great video. A bit scary for those of us looking under the hood for the first time

[@diymisfit_Mechanic_UDX404]

Did you let the better half know that BMW's don't come with turn signals before she drove it? I don't think I wanna drive a car without them. LOL

[@frugalprepper]

Plus legally you have to take a class before you can even drive a BMW in Pennsylvania. It's called "How to drive like an A-Hole 101"

[@diymisfit_Mechanic_UDX404]

here ya go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnyrZnqabpeebZY

[@laohantun7404]

Thank you Ivan for your selfless efforts, bless your heart.....

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Beautiful E46! See, they're not so bad Ivan ;)

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Are you a big BMW fan Niamh? They do have some nice features :)

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Haha yes 😂 I have an E46. I'll admit I have a soft spot for those but I love them all, mostly the older generations.

[@patrickmorrissey2271]

I love Ivan's reaction, when the car starts.... Hahahahaha! SUCH a great feeling, when it rips & starts.... This is very educational.... In case my Uncle's nightmares didn't make an impression, now Ivan is teaching us to never never never ever never buy a BMW.....

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

haha that was TOO EASY!!

[@Cheepchipsable]

Certainly never buy an old one.

[@MrJulian626]

Bro I swear this video is 100% help full swear everything that is said and done here is same issue with mine been down for a month and driving me crazy miss my bmw 535i a lil differant then this car but as soon as i get home I a try this out weather or not this works for me still helpful and u know your shit bro thumbs up

[@baxrok2.]

You're a beast Ivan! You should start another channel and call it, No Parts Required. It will be for fixes just like this. Thanks Ivan!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Not a bad idea! Keith would unsubscribe LOL

[@AP9311]

Hey Ivan, great diagnosis! Great little fix!!! If it were me diagnosing, I would be cursing up and down lol. Funny demo about the seat!!! Haha, poor Amanda! Maybe I'll call you no parts cannon Ivan! Haha lol

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

LOL Josh! That was funny with all the seat buttons hahaha

[@majetoJESUS]

WOW They should have a website like that for very make and model world wide :P

[@arthuriveraj7700]

Hmm. I like how you dont like changing parts.👌👌

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

It's the Soviet Philosophy lol

[@throttlebottle5906]

sudden silence............ "Later that day" I read that in some "sponge bob" announcer voice :)))))

[@mrb1864]

Ignition switch issue quite common on bmw's . either switch points or the pins in the connection block . aftermarket parts normally not much good out box or long life on these so fixing it or new oem the best route . Hope your wife doesn't take a liking to the fancy german lol .

[@JPanyon]

Get yourself a diamond coated contact burnisher. In a pinch, borrow your wife's diamond nail file, re-profile it to fit your needs and buy her a new replacement. Its amazing how a set of flat, polished, parallel and re-tensioned contact faces can perform at zero cost.

[@liviudaniel5082]

nice,you don't give up !nice job done!

[@colinellicott9737]

Wondering if those worn contacts could have their position changed with the contacts next to them so a new set would be under the high voltage and the worn set would be under low voltage - might increase the overall life-cycle of that switch?

[@iozel4633]

Hello, thanks for the video. So did you figure out why the conv top wasn't working before? Thanks

[@shaunsautorepairs5410]

Thanks ivan.. Good to see euro stuff on here for the guys lije me in the UK etc. Often my 1st place i look is youtube. Ive checked out that site..some good stuff but a kot of links dont work. But ill try using it when i can.

[@mikehayes2538]

U plug a 30 amp fuse in the harness to c if the ews is bad if the car starts the ews is bad if it doesn't the problem is something else

[@atrahasis3899]

Most German cars come with a small BDSM subroutine hidden in the ECU code. It activates every few years, and makes specific parts of the system behave in a completely illogical way. It has crude AI features so it can adapt to your attempts to diagnose and repair. When enough data has been collected, it is transmitted back to Germany where a few elite engineers receive great satisfaction via schadenfreude. Some of the more recent models are programmed to detect and photograph shirtless young men to enhance the experience.

[@richardcranium5839]

lol dont bogart pass that along

[@nathanrspain]

Atra Hasis Lmao

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

I've long suspected many computer operated systems have defects programmed into them. We had 5 machines that had the same problem at almost exactly the same number of hours. The man who designed and built them had died so we didn't have the program.

[@shopenz]

Not that old models

[@TheLordofdrift]

Thank you SO MUCH ! I fixed my ignition switch 1h job !

[@manden22]

Very nice video

[@SuperM1687]

Hi Ivan, I did the same type of fix for some E30 window switches. Took them apart and cleaned the contacts and they work fine now.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

BOOM nice fix!

[@sinegra30]

Great fix! Thank you Ivan