bad ignition switch?

[rho123]

recently car won't start sometimes. Lights are on but won't turn over. I turn off the ignition and try again or twice it starts. It sounds like a bad ignition switch. Youtube shows it's easy to replace and recommended a cheap Ebay replacement. Any one else run across this problem? or buy one of Ebay?

[Our03z4]

If you car is a manual transmission it could just need the clutch stop adjusted at the petal.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by rho123

recently car won't start sometimes. Lights are on but won't turn over. I turn off the ignition and try again or twice it starts. It sounds like a bad ignition switch. Youtube shows it's easy to replace and recommended a cheap Ebay replacement. Any one else run across this problem? or buy one of Ebay?

I came across this issue on my e53 X5. I decided to go with OE BMW part just because I don't want to get stranded with an unknown eBay part. The OE part isn't too expensive that peace of mind is worth it to me - Just my opinion, of course.

[14Down]

rho123,
Does it happen when cold or only after the car is hot? If only after the car has been run, it could be the starter. Happened to my '06 M Roadster. According to a former BMW tech, because of the location of the starter, the windings expand quite a bit with the heat and over time may wear out their coating. The car starts fine when cold, but when hot, the windings expand and rub against the case causing it to short out. Mine would start after it cooled down some. Replaced the starter and no problems since (though starter is a pain to replace because of location).
Good luck.

[CJW2OO4]

I just went thru this same issue. I started by swapping out the battery, then the ignition switch, followed by the starter.

The starter was the culprit. Even after all this I sometimes need to push the clutch down hard to get the car to start.

[rho123]

Ok, I’ll swap out the ignition switch first and then work my way down to starter next if needed.

[rho123]

Originally Posted by 14Down

rho123,
Does it happen when cold or only after the car is hot? If only after the car has been run, it could be the starter. Happened to my '06 M Roadster. According to a former BMW tech, because of the location of the starter, the windings expand quite a bit with the heat and over time may wear out their coating. The car starts fine when cold, but when hot, the windings expand and rub against the case causing it to short out. Mine would start after it cooled down some. Replaced the starter and no problems since (though starter is a pain to replace because of location).
Good luck.

Didn’t notice if it happens in hot weather but I’ll make note of it next time it happens

[Jlo89]

Originally Posted by rho123

Didn’t notice if it happens in hot weather but I’ll make note of it next time it happens

Oye mate,

Did you ever figure out the issue?

[rho123]

Originally Posted by Jlo89

Oye mate,

Did you ever figure out the issue?

Yes, I changed the ignition switch and fixed it.