BMW 740 il.... like a princess in the cold, will not crank

1998 BMW 740
180,000 MILES • 4.4L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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740IL
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Ok, cold weather, below 20.... no longer in a garage and she will not crank, warm it up cranks and starts.

Left outside in the cold and will not crank, I have never had a car be so temperamental.

Now it can crank when left outside after it used , but left in the cold for more than say 6 hours and will not crank, always a wonderful moment when she is last in the driveway....

What could cause that ?
Feb 15, 2015 at 9:49 AM
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TY ANDERSON
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There is a few things that could cause this.....
When the engine is cold and ambient temperatures are cold (below freezing) a larger demand is placed on the starter motor. So make sure the battery connections are solid and clean. You shouldn't be able to move the battery terminal clamps by hand. If battery terminal clamps are good and the battery is the right one and in good condition. I would seem to me the starter is not able to crank the engine at these cold ambient temperatures.

The other issue is a sensor issue which if the check engine light is not on, then it is going to be difficult trying to find the issue.
Feb 16, 2015 at 5:20 PM