Strange starting issue

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Wed Jun 06, 2012 11:01 am

Hi everyone,

I just came into possession of a 1980 528i. One thing I have noticed that it is a little strange to start up.

If you put the key in and roll over to Start, there is nothing. Then if you roll the key back to On for a second, then back to start it will start.

Is this a characteristic of these cars or do I have a problem here.

alotawatts · Post by **alotawatts** » Wed Jun 06, 2012 2:59 pm

I don't know if it's a 'feature'. With all my cars, truck etc. I always wait (in ON position) for a second or two for the relays to engage and the fuel pressure to build before I crank the starter......

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Wed Jun 06, 2012 3:22 pm

That may just be it. Just seems strange that the starter wont't spin for a second or two.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:40 pm

Sounds like a bad ignition switch. Switch, not lock, they are different parts entirely that just interact with each other mechanically. As far as turning it to run, pausing, then to start? Nothing happens, the fuel pump doesn't start running until the main relay tells it to, which is either from the ignition being in the start position or the AFM opening. There is no Prime function built in where the fuel pump runs briefly to pressurize the system.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 8:33 am

I may replace the switch for good measure. I gave it another shot when I got home, and pausing for a second before trying to start seems to bandaid the problem for now.

Might as well throw in a new tumbler while I'm in there, only have 1 key with the car and the key is getting pretty smooth.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 8:39 am

Is there any good sites or manuals with wiring schematics? I need to chase a few things, also rip out a after market alarm someone put in somewhere along the lines.

Jeff Dennis · Post by **Jeff Dennis** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:27 am

Here ya go Nick this is an online manual.

http://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/057en/index.htm

You may want to look for a factory manual it has a blue 3 ring cover and generally sells for around $100.00.

Domingo · Post by **Domingo** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 10:32 am

Replace the switch!

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 11:59 am

Is it common that when the battery is not fully charged the starter will not engage?

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 10:03 am

Well I got under the dash yesterday and ripped out the old alarm system. Starts right up everytime now, no pausing needed.

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 1:17 pm

Nick wrote:Well I got under the dash yesterday and ripped out the old alarm system. Starts right up everytime now, no pausing needed.

Good job.