2003 325i starting after 3-5 attempts

[dino2000]

Hi, I hope someone could help me with this issue.

My 2003 BMW 325i 5speed 56k miles is experiencing some starting problems.
When the car is sitting for couple of hours without driving I have to turn ignition key 2-3 times before the car starts, then yesterday morning I had to try 5 times before it finally started. Otherwise it starts without hesitation just when there is longer pause between driving seems to be the issue.
I don’t know where to start, is it the starter or something else ???

 

[Kirby]

Does it "kick" or stutter at all, that is, does it sound like it is almost running but stumbling? Or does it sound like it is out of gas, no kicking or sputtering at all?

If the second is true - it sounds like it is out of gas - it might be either the fuel pump or the check valve. The fuel line is supposed to stay pressurized between starts so that the car starts quickly. But if the check valve is leaking, you will get the exact symptom you describe.

 

[dino2000]

No the engine does not make sound at all, just the computer lights come like they should for a regular check before the car starts. It almost seems to me like the computer is doing some kind of a test but like I said it doesn’t happen all the time.
Other than this car runs great I just don’t get it why sometimes it starts and sometimes I have to go trough diagnostic check 3-5 times.

Thanks

 

[Kirby]

So are you saying that it does not crank (spin the engine at all) when it does this?

Does it make a clicking noise from under the hood, or total silence under the hood when this happens?

 

[dino2000]

correct complete silence

 

[Kirby]

There have been MANY known issues with the ignition switch (lock cylinder in steering column) on 5 and 7 series. Haven't heard much about this on the 3 series though. It could be the starter or starter solenoid, however I think it is more likely in the control circuit side - ignition switch or starter relay.

 

[jcz1987]

I have had this problem before, I think its your battery because I had the same issue and I just got a new battery and it fixed the whole problem for me and the car fires up right away, and my car is also a 2003, maybe its something about 2003 BMW 3 series taht maybe a issue about batteries... idk

 

[dino2000]

OK guys here is an update, last couple of days the car started 99% of time after leaving the key in position 2 and waiting 5-6 seconds for comp. to finish self check but still what kind of a car is this if I have to wait on this every time. Is there something wrong with my key or ignition switch?

Thanks