Why isnt my 328i not starting

Asked by Helpmy328i Oct 13, 2016 at 11:09 PM about the 2007 BMW 3 Series 328i Sedan RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My car all of a sudden won't start. I tried jumping it, and nothing. All lights
work, car makes a pumping sound as attempting to start, yet again, nothing. I
tried resetting the battery, and sad to say, nothing once again. Please help.

71 Answers

440

I would start seeing if your car is getting any fuel. My 330i had the same problem. I sprayed starter fluid into the intake and the car started for a few seconds so I knew it was the fuel. If that's the case you need to check if the fuel pump is getting power or if the fuel pump went out. You can find articles online on how to check and change these.

44 people found this helpful.
7,745

As with any car that won't start, check for fuel, air, and spark. Do you hear the fuel pump engaging when you turn the key to the "on" position?

27 people found this helpful.
1,040

I push the start button but it does not turn over or click is there a fuse or a reset to the starter

104 people found this helpful.
7,745

That might be something worth looking into... check your owner's manual. Does anything happen at all when you push the start button?

20 people found this helpful.
600

Nothing happens when I push the start button except the dash board and notification lights

60 people found this helpful.
250

Same here with my 2006 330i. Did you figure out what the issue was?

25 people found this helpful.
7,745

First step of any no-start condition is to check for fuel, air, and spark. Confirm you have all 3 of those things before going any further. Also check for OBD2 codes if the check engine light is on.

19 people found this helpful.
200

I have the same problem with my BMW E 90 320i will find out tomorrow since I am bringing my machanic to look into it otherwise first I had a petrol pump problem but I have now replaced it but still it won't start.

20 people found this helpful.
340

I just bought a 2007 328xi.. Now mine is doing the same thing.. did you figure out what it was?

34 people found this helpful.
490

I wish someone could tell me the answer to I have the same problem I have a 328I 07 and I replaced everything fuel pump cam sensors battery coil pack spark plugs and still crank but no start need help please help

49 people found this helpful.
7,745

See my post above. Check for fuel and spark before loading up the parts cannon.

13 people found this helpful.
600

Same issue. 07 328i. Put meter on battery 12.39 amps. Fuel pump is fine. Just got this 2 weeks ago! Pissed beyond words.

31 people found this helpful.
220

Same for me, light in the dash Turn on, but engine is not crancking.

22 people found this helpful.
480

Try the fuel regulator switch in the fuse box square fuse

17 people found this helpful.
600

Mine turned out to be a bad starter. Replaced with new(not remanufactured) Bosch.

29 people found this helpful.
480

My 2007 328i turned it off went in the house came right back out it would crank but not start bought a new battery looked for the fuel relay fuse couldn't find it had it towed to a shop they replaced a plate? And reset the battery it started picked it up next day same thing had it towed back they replaced 20 amp fuse it started told me fuel pump it took me 8 20 guess to get home I put a 25 amp fuse in no problems so far

31 people found this helpful.
190

Hello, My name is Daniel. I wanted to get into European cars so I bought an E46 325I 2002, the key was messed up when I got it. I drove it to school for one day and on the way back got a valve gasket kit, I parked it to start on the project, and I had to move it for some reason and it did not start. I thought it might be the key so I replaced it at the dealership and it does the same thing... please help. I'm regretting this... I'm willing to put time and money but I gata go to school. Major Problems: I turn the key to start, all lights light up. but no crank. battery fully charged, new key, and that's about it. no clicks or anything. I can hear all the selinoids kicking in and the pumps. checked all the important fuses under the dash, and they are all fine. Also, the key will not pair up with the car (on position, off position, hold the top key while clicking middle 3x.) I contacted the dealership but they didn't know, they want me to bring in the car, but the car won't even run... Car: 2002 BMW E46 325I HELP PLEASE

19 people found this helpful.
190

So I have a 2011 328I E40 and mines turning on and cranking but not turning over I replaced 3 spark plugs (bucause it was shaking really bad and the code said engine coil 1, 4 and 6), so now is it my engine coil or what... I’m stuck at work I have the tools with me but I can’t get anywhere. Please help

19 people found this helpful.
7,745

It could possibly be the ignition coils on those cylinders. It would be a good idea to search the P--- codes individually, as that will get a list of possible issues.

4 people found this helpful.
90

I have a 2009 328 xdrive with the same problem. It was my starter

9 people found this helpful.
590

I have an 08 328i and i drove in to work everything normal tried to start after work all lights work push button o start no start had battery tested was good changed starter and still nothing all lights working just no cranking to start when button pushed please help my only transportation

59 people found this helpful.
480

Help328i possible a relay CSA if you have another same relay I’d recommend using it but use one from something you wouldn’t need to start if it works great just replace that.

13 people found this helpful.
230

Hey everyone, have 2010 328i xdrive, I was on way to get it clean when it broke down on the street, I tried to re start it; it started but wouldn’t crank, waited 5-6 min tried again, and worked so got it back home quickly, I did notice when I first started it had a bit shaking to it. And just this morning I tried to go to a meeting and wouldn’t start. Any idea ?

23 people found this helpful.
480

@Melkhoury it sounds like a fuel problem tbh but when it doesn’t start and you turn it to the on position do you hear the pump priming also does it try cranking over

13 people found this helpful.
480

@Melkhoury also as my previous post stated because I just re-read your post as to no crank and no start also being intermittent can be a possible cause from the relay KL.30g also if you have no clue as to where it is located just google it there should be plenty of info on that

10 people found this helpful.
60

I got 330i 06 i done atranny swap now it wont crank up a relay keeps clicking in my fuse box all dash lights come one im getting fuel air nd my starter is good car has not started since the swap. Help

6 people found this helpful.
200

Well in my experience I had the same problem carbon start wouldn't crank when do nothing all the dash lights would come on everything else was perfectly fine batteries fully charged gas is full.... I almost pulled my hair out but then I realized on the dash cluster where it said P4 Park normally it said s like it was stuck in stemattic mode.... Got to looking on the E46 forms and came across the forum that's head simply check fuse number 30 underneath the glove box sure enough it was blown put a new fuse in started right up this was after hours and hours and hours of trying to figure out what the hell the problem was lol but hopefully that helped somebody!!

20 people found this helpful.
120

I have a bmw 328i 09 xdrive .. went to start it for work this morning everything was normal everything came on the same lights radio sound for doors . Cranks with the same normal noise engine just won’t turn on. Any ideas on What is wrong ?

12 people found this helpful.
60

I have the 328i 2009 doing the same thing !!! Sitting at gas pump and want start all lights work just want start battery is at 12 amp

6 people found this helpful.
130

If your car goes Rrrrrrrrrrr-rrrrrrrrrr-rrrrrrr when your push the button or turn the key, it’s not the battery or the starter.

13 people found this helpful.
80

my 2010 328 xi won't start , all light on dash board is working, it crank but just won't start, sometime it start after a long crank, when it start , the car shake for a while, it go back to normal, after turning it off for more than 5 hours, having this won't start issue again, normally happen in a cold weather it gets harder to start, i had my mechanic change the starter, timing , air mask sensor, time crank sensor, and also checked the fuel pump, it is still happening the same. please help

8 people found this helpful.
30

Sounds like more of a relay problem then anything. I had a faulty fuel pump relay that would work intermittently. I cracked the plastic open and inside I found soldered connection points. I simply touched each point with a soldering iron and remelted the solder, put it back together and never had a problem since. Over time and with the changes in the weather the solder on these points can become cracked which will cause intermittent interruptions. It may work for you and cost nothing to try.

3 people found this helpful.
140

Hey everyone, I am reading through this forum and it seems like many of you had had the same or similar problems that I am currently having. I have a 2010 BMW 328i (E90). Not quite sure what is causing no crank. I have just replaced battery and checked all fuses. Has anyone solved this issue, if so please let me know what it was

14 people found this helpful.
270

The sad part about this is there is no BMW experienced expert on here to identify the problems here. Some say fuel, someone says coil, someone says starter, another says fuse. Bottom line is BMW needs to be sued. This is too common in these vehicles and expensive if you take it in. I'm having this issue currently. Having to wait until it starts. Somebody have to know what's up with this.

14 people found this helpful.
7,745

Saying BMW needs to be sued? That's pretty extreme. All cars have problems, and all situations are different. You can't blame the manufacturer for the poor troubleshooting skills of the owner or shop. Not to discredit anybody here, but each individual needs to be as specific as possible with these issues if he or she wants to get any help. It's extremely difficult to troubleshoot a no start condition over the internet.

10 people found this helpful.
280

Lmao sue bmw because you have an old model that’s out of warranty and you have to spend money or time to fix it ? Don’t buy the car if you can’t afford it. All the answers given have been spot on in this thread.

4 people found this helpful.
10

Hi my son has a bmd 2003 328i has been sitting during lockdown and now battery flat have recharged battery and starts at times ut no lights displayed and no indicators working on dash but everything working outside?

1 people found this helpful.
270

naMr3puS, Goes to show you how compartmentalized you are. The issue is not that the car is older or unaffordable to fix. First, it's the manufacturer due to this has been a common defect in these types. Secondly, if you know my financial situation then, you pay for it. No one wants to continually having that expense. That's why this type of vehicle is purchased. Fyi, I don't need to explain to you their state so just so you know, I have a warranty. You must be an advantage mechanic. Keep lyao.

10 people found this helpful.
7,745

If you can't afford to maintain it, then buy a different car. Things go wrong on an older car, that's just what happens. It happens to everything, cars, houses, lawn mowers, computers, you name it! Every car has its common issues that show up over time, it just shows the weak points. Maybe BMW learns from those weak points and improves them on their new cars, but most of us just get over it.

8 people found this helpful.
280

CEASAR10 ,no one needs to know any of that . This is a site to help people not complain about taking legal action against others or complaining. I come on this site to help people or find information for other people. If you have a real problem that you can not solve from the steps given in multiple answers you need to bring your vehicle to a repair shop that can. This is not a “common issue” with even a small amount of Bmw’s. Common would be an exact part fail failing on a vehicle before it life expectancy. Batteries, switches, spark plugs, fuses, and a lot of other parts can’t last forever. If these things are too upsetting or difficult for you vehicle of choice (or you can’t afford repairs ) the only real solution is to buy a car that you can . Like a Honda

8 people found this helpful.
270

You are a genius I see. The concerns is the problem not so much about can't afford it. You needen tell anyone what to go buy. I'm rather sure everyone here knows they have that option. If that's what you are on here for is to insult people that are experiencing these problems then you have no care of the issue. Are you the lawyer? I didn't as I have seen suits for lesser reasons. I was just acknowledging my experiencing the same problems. Cars do get old. I keep up my maintenance so it's inappropriate for you are your bandwagon to respond with what someone can't afford. If that's how you choose to resolve your problems that's fine. I'm over it, believe that.

3 people found this helpful.
280

CEASAR10 Thanks for the update! IF you EVER find out why your Bmw won’t start please come back and let everyone know what it was,This way if anyone else has similar problems they can go through the process you did to fix it ! Best of luck with everything. Remember Fuel,air, and electricity are the number one causes for most cars failing to start.

8 people found this helpful.
280

I have found on multiple vehicles that their has been a bad ground on the engine. Mostly 5+years older . Placing a negative jumper cable on the engine and the negative jump point on the fire wall try starting the car . If the motor turns over you have a bad ground wire on your block. If the dash only comes up put a jumper pack on the battery and let it sit for 20 mins and try starting it on quick start with the same set up as directed before with the negative ground in the engine bay. If it turns over now you may have 3 problems. Bad motor ground , bad battery or the piece on top of the battery may be bad . Could be all three could be a combination of those.

8 people found this helpful.
20

Hey, I am having a serious issue with my bmw that is very similar to some of your situations. My dash lights work, headlights, radio and windows no problem. But when I go ahead and try to turn on my engine it clicks a few times and makes a electronic noise. It’s only been a few days but I am losing hope.

2 people found this helpful.
80

This is crazy... I also have a 2010 bmw 328i. I've paid sooo much money having the fuel pump replaced crankshaft, camshaft, battery, starter, ignition coils spark plugs fixed and still! The car won't start

3 people found this helpful.
80

Next is the oxygen sensors! Sooo really it has nothing to do with NOT wanting to spend the money. BMW needs to listen to what's going on and put out a new recall becase muse at this point the only thing left is to replace the motor. One day it was running beautifully I had a check engine for fuel pump. The fuel pump was replaced and the car never started again after it was replaced. It cranks but doesn't turn over

5 people found this helpful.
7,745

It sounds like you’re just firing off the parts cannon. You need to logically diagnose this problem... an O2 sensor will not prevent the car from starting. Start with reading codes with INPA.

3 people found this helpful.
130

I was having the same problem in my 2011 328i and I had to leave the key fob in the ignition for a while and then it started.

13 people found this helpful.
480

To actually reset your vehicle electronics take off the cables and interconnect them together to drain out the voltage. @BartLooking if your starter is just clicking and not turning you’ll probably end up with a bad starter because if it goes click click whirrr the internal mechanism has failed most likely. No crank start off checks is ground and power then relays. @Beverly if your vehicle cranks but won’t start I would tell those people to recheck for spark fuel and compression then if that checks out good tell them to look at timing as it may be off because doing a crankshaft literally meant that the whole motor came apart and you may have bad internal parts, no fuel, and/or bad timing. LMK what you get as an answer

4 people found this helpful.
480

@Beverly if your vehicle has never had timing chain, guides, and tensioner done I would recommend that as well for the biggest overall where it should of started. The simple no starts should always be spark fuel compression and timing.

4 people found this helpful.
480

Also tell them to double check the crankshaft sensor if that is plugged in or not because that can cause a no start issue.

4 people found this helpful.
7,745

Ryan, do you have a steering wheel icon showing up on the cluster?

2 people found this helpful.
110

Take a booster cable and attach it to the metal frame, the other end to the engine. If it starts, its your engine ground cable.

3 people found this helpful.
110

BTW, generic ground cables are around ten bucks from the parts store. Just make sure it's thick like 4 gauge because starters draw a lot of amps.

4 people found this helpful.
30

i have a 2007 328i bmw. i noticed that my car lagged a bit to turn on. so i think it’s bc i don’t really turn it on and use it bc of covid and needs a new battery. the next day my car stops turning on. the lights do turn on though. so i go buy a new battery and replace it. i also noticed after the time i tried and turn it on the brake kinda locked and i can’t press it all the way down. i try to turn on the car after putting the new battery in and nothing. i do hear the car trying to turn on but doesn’t. does anyone what might be wrong?

3 people found this helpful.
40

It’s either the biggest Relay in the fuse panel( too right) in the glove box or starter..I recommend trying the relay first

3 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2007 bmw 328i that does not crank. I’ll try to be super specific here. We have already replaced the largest relay in the fuse box because it was getting super hot so I figured it was bad. When I press the start button, all the solenoids clicks and the fuel pump builds pressure but the motor does not turn over I.e the starter does not engage. I’ve already checked fuse #30 which someone said above to check as well and it’s fine. And as far as I can tell none of the fuses have blown.

1 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2000 bmw 323ci and for some reason my cat will drive fine, but when I hit a small puddle on the right side is the will stall out. It has normal power but when I try to crank it it turns over but won’t stay running. Anyone know what this could be?

1 people found this helpful.
70

I have a 2007 BMW 335i and after running just fine all day with no problems turning off or on. I go out to run to store (car has not been turned on for 3 hours MAYBE) put foot on brake push button... lights (interior and exterior), radio, windows...everything comes on as should.. except car does not start. Makes no sound either. no clicking no humming no nada just silence. I have NO IDEA what could be the cause for it. I tried giving it a jump start just in case it was the battery. Nothing still. Any help would be awesome and greatly appreciated

7 people found this helpful.

Replace this Relay and you'll be fine. BMW 61-36-6-901-469 Relay its in the glove box compartment...it's the top right Relay.... If it isn't that... take a Pry bar with a 22 nut and see if you can turn your engin..it's quite hard so add a tube to help you turn it.

7,745

If nothing at all is happening, it's highly likely that the starter has failed.

1 people found this helpful.

So basically, no answer. Everyone has ideas. No definitive answer. My 2007 BMW 328i will not start. Not the key. Not the battery. All the lights and radio operate. Replaced the main relay. Nothing. Nada. Answer? Time for a Japanese car.

7,745

It's impossible to diagnose something properly over the internet. There is no definitive answer for a no-start condition. Is the starter getting a crank signal? Getting power?

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