not cranking

1996 BMW 318
244,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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JOSH1125
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The car was sitting up for 3 months without being started up. A new battery was put in and stp gas treatment and an engine starter fluid was put in gas tank. It continues to not fully crank over. What if anything else can be done before having it towed? thanks
Oct 20, 2008 at 9:15 PM
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TECHNOPRO
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I think the first thing is to check if you got spark at the HT leads/coils.
Oct 24, 2008 at 3:46 AM
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EPSILONAPPRAISALS
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When I turn the ignition key to start the car, engine wont crank, won't turn over, no click, nothing. (Headlights/radio works fine). I will normally wait few minutes (15-20 minutes or so) and attempt to start the engine, the engine will start fine on first try & I'm able to drive the car anywhere with no problem. But when I start engine again, I get no crank, wont turn over, nothing. So I wait few minutes and try again and engine starts fine. Been doing this engine start routine for over a year but I'm afraid 1 of these days, engine wont start at all. Don't know where to begin to diagnose problem. Battery is fairly new, belts are new, clutch replaced and I perform regular routine maintenance. What do you think is causing starting problem?
Oct 29, 2019 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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When the time comes that it will not start at all-Do below or do it now and identify if its fuel or spark problem

This guide will help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Get a helper disconnect a spark plug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,cap and rotor,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
Oct 29, 2019 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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OIDAVEY
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I had this problem and the guide helped me find the starter was bad cost me $134.00 all fixed!
Oct 29, 2019 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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CHUGHES@2010
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Engine Mechanical problem
1995 BMW 318 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

i have 1995 bmw 3 series and it was recently put a used motor in. it would start so it had to be takn to the dealership so that can reprogram the computer. they got the part in they said that it will turn over but still want start. can you all please help me with some suggestions on what it is
Oct 29, 2019 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Have it check for spark and fuel if these 2 or one is missing she'll never start-It takes 3 things for an engine to combust-compression/fuel/ignition
Oct 29, 2019 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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CUPHOLD
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My BMW seems to shake in the front once I get over 50 mph. If I turn the wheel a little, it seems to stop. I'm thinking an alignment, but wanted to check and see what you think first. Thanks!
Oct 29, 2019 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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DOCHAGERTY
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Alignment perhaps, but I would check the lower control arm bushings, they go bad and cause what you are posting about. Look for cracking and replace if found.
Oct 29, 2019 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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JERRYGOODWRENCH
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have the tires checked .possible broken belt in tire or ft end has loose parts..
Oct 29, 2019 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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SHOWIE2584
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Sometimes when I fill up my car at the pump, it won't crank up immediately. It will idle down after about 3 seconds. It also does this after I drive a distance of about 2 hours. Any ideas?
Oct 29, 2019 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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DOCHAGERTY
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When did this start to be an issue?
Oct 29, 2019 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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SHOWIE2584
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It started about a month ago.
Oct 29, 2019 at 2:47 PM (Merged)
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KASEKENNY
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Hi,

It may be best to start a new post with all your specific vehicle info so we can be sure to assist the best.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Assuming your vehicle is a 96 318, I attached the info for the charcoal. When this gets fuel in it, it will create issues after filling the tank because this allows too much fuel in the intake. Also, you will need to replace the purge valve if you find raw fuel in the canister.

If you need more assistance, let's get a new post started with your vehicle specifics.
Oct 29, 2019 at 4:44 PM