Most liked posts in thread: Got the Mini today!! Need help getting it started!

Well before I dropped the starter out I jumped the starter + leads together and the starter spun freely. Also the starter side wouldn't pick up voltage like the solenoid was bad. I even jumped the starter directly with another battery to bypass the wiring and make sure it wasnt a bad connection or low voltage. Same problem. It just spun and did not engage. I am going to replace the starter tomorrow afternoon after oriellys closes. Let's just hope I can get around with all the bf sales going on. :S

 

Yeah but I fixed the lights and even if the clutch switch was bad by me hot wiring the constant 12v at the starter solenoid to the starter it should of started right?

 

Yes that is correct the sons friend was the last one to have it working. I feel like the dash lights would only dim if the starter solenoid was able to transfer power to the starter motor and use power in some way. even if the motor was shot power would still cycle through it. There is a constant 12v supply to the solenoid which acts as a relay. Is there something I am not doing right that would engage the starter? Or is the starter spinning like it is without touching the flywheel a bad actuator or whatever it is called(the engager to the flywheel spring)

I work on my other car a whole bunch. I did a full custom turbo swap on it. It was all on my own with nothing to research since there were no write ups on it.

I took some pictures of the car today.










Owner before the previous owner claimed to had just put a new engine in it cause it went out the one before it. He dropped in a rebuilt motor. There are lots of new shiny parts and the engine is really clean the bottom looks super dirty in the video before it had a torn axle and the grease just spewed everywhere but after wiping it down it is spotless and very shiny.

I have some more on my other camera I will get them on here when I get out of the shower. I really appreciate all the help. You guys(and gals if there are any helping) are amazing and very knowledgeable people. This is my first bmw and my 2nd car ever. I have worked on suzukis only so this car is a walk in the dark to me. I know the basics are there and functions of stuff but I don't even know where the oil filter is at or the oil drain plug on this thing or which is the power steering fluid and ect.. haha I ordered a chiltons book from o riellys and will get it tomorrow.(closed early for thanksgiving... the only downside to holidays!)

 

Oriellys tested the starter and it is fine. I know the ignition is fine. So i guess im back to the :confused5: state

 

No 12volt signal at the starter solenoid when the ignition is turning over. I am guessing there is something with that clutch switch since I know it's getting 12volt ignition switch. Just to verify does anyone know the exact ignition pathing? Key ignition--> clutch switch---> fuse box ---> starter solenoid? something like that. I still don't have my book

edit: There is an immobiliser that drops in there somewhere. All the fuses check out good, the clutch and ignition switches functions. Honestly all i think is now that it is that immobiliser. Now my question is, would the keyless entry work even if the key wasn't programmed for starting the car? Is the "proximity sensor" in the immobiliser box? If I replace the immobiliser will I have to have it repogrammed for my car? I found a box for 40$ on ebay but it is in the UK so it would prolly run close to 80 after shipping. What do you all think>

 

I think you nailed it right there

 

Well hot wiring the 12volts to the starter solenoid doesnt do anything haha. I mean its cranking over but I don't think there is any sparks going on at all

 

So I replaced the EWS computer and the car now cranks with the key but will still not start. At least the computer did fix something. Someone told me on another forum that the pcm needs to be reprogrammed to the new EWS.

So I towed the car to my BMW dealership and they will get at it tomorrow sometime and hit me up telephonicly. I hope it's just the simple reprogramming. That would be sweeeeet!!!


:deadhorse:
Cause this is what I feel like happened to my mini lmao