Start FAIL

SDMostro · 08-17-2009, 11:49 AM

Hey guys,
I'm hoping someone here can help.
The 335 is at the dealer as we speak but I have little confidence in them since they've already failed to diagnose/fix this problem once.
'07 335i E90, CPO w/ 37k miles, purchased a month ago.
Insert Key, dash lights up, hit START, lights dim, dash lights flicker, engine doesn't turn over. Push START again, lights off, etc. Hit START again, same thing, engine doesn't start. Get out, lock, then unlock, then repeat, etc.
On and on, sometimes for 5-10 minutes until finally, some combination of things kicks the car in to start.
Sometimes the brake pedal is very stiff when I get in the car, sometimes it's not - the last time this happened the dash indicated to step on the brake pedal to start car. Odd since I always do - but maybe there's a link between the brake pedal and START?

I'm not experiencing this exactly (I don't have the wiper issue seen in this vid), but certain elements are similar - like the lights and no start:

Has anyone else had this problem or have any insight on what might be going on?

HighVoltage · 08-17-2009, 12:34 PM

Not sure but it sounds like the battery and/or IBS.

This is the only TSB I have seen about the brake pedal stiffness:

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/b340607g.htm

jopa489 · 08-17-2009, 12:51 PM

They may have thought it was more of a fluke the first time around, but they should now know there's a real problem. What you're experiencing certainly isn't common, but the dealer should be able to pull some codes and fix the problem for you. Be persistent but not obnoxious, as this problem is tricky to pinpoint with these cars.

Let us know how it turns out.

SDMostro · 08-17-2009, 01:10 PM

Agreed, this is definitely a tricky one. Could be as simple as power to the computer, compromised by a weak battery...could be complicated and associated to the brake pedal SI.
Talked to the SA and he wanted to keep all other SI's etc out of the equation for now to assure the techs are focus primarily on the starting and not brake feel.
The video I posted shows some clear similarities to my problem sans wiper issue. He references a faulty DCS. What is that? I have searched but can't find info on it.

08-17-2009, 11:49 AM	#1
SDMostro Enlisted Member 32 Rep 45 Posts Drives: M340, 987, Macan Turbo, QV Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Start FAIL Hey guys, I'm hoping someone here can help. The 335 is at the dealer as we speak but I have little confidence in them since they've already failed to diagnose/fix this problem once. '07 335i E90, CPO w/ 37k miles, purchased a month ago. Insert Key, dash lights up, hit START, lights dim, dash lights flicker, engine doesn't turn over. Push START again, lights off, etc. Hit START again, same thing, engine doesn't start. Get out, lock, then unlock, then repeat, etc. On and on, sometimes for 5-10 minutes until finally, some combination of things kicks the car in to start. Sometimes the brake pedal is very stiff when I get in the car, sometimes it's not - the last time this happened the dash indicated to step on the brake pedal to start car. Odd since I always do - but maybe there's a link between the brake pedal and START? I'm not experiencing this exactly (I don't have the wiper issue seen in this vid), but certain elements are similar - like the lights and no start: Has anyone else had this problem or have any insight on what might be going on?
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08-17-2009, 12:34 PM	#2
HighVoltage . 32 Rep 867 Posts Drives: 07 E90 335i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: . iTrader: (0)	Not sure but it sounds like the battery and/or IBS. This is the only TSB I have seen about the brake pedal stiffness: http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/b340607g.htm __________________ Not only will it kill you it will hurt the whole time while you're dying. http://www.stevesnovasite.com/ http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/ http://www.garagejournal.com/
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08-17-2009, 12:51 PM	#3
jopa489 Major General 122 Rep 6,594 Posts Drives: Anything with Wheels Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (9)	They may have thought it was more of a fluke the first time around, but they should now know there's a real problem. What you're experiencing certainly isn't common, but the dealer should be able to pull some codes and fix the problem for you. Be persistent but not obnoxious, as this problem is tricky to pinpoint with these cars. Let us know how it turns out. __________________ X7 LCI // Incoming C7 ZR1 ZTK // Sebring + TRX // Hydro + Raptor Gen1 Roush // Tuxedo
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08-17-2009, 01:10 PM	#4
SDMostro Enlisted Member 32 Rep 45 Posts Drives: M340, 987, Macan Turbo, QV Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Agreed, this is definitely a tricky one. Could be as simple as power to the computer, compromised by a weak battery...could be complicated and associated to the brake pedal SI. Talked to the SA and he wanted to keep all other SI's etc out of the equation for now to assure the techs are focus primarily on the starting and not brake feel. The video I posted shows some clear similarities to my problem sans wiper issue. He references a faulty DCS. What is that? I have searched but can't find info on it.
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