Is the dealer B$&^-ing me re start problem?

[jgfinn3]

My 325i has had an intermittent problem the last 6 months. When I turn the key to start (sometimes) it turns over for 5 to 8 seconds before starting. I usually turn the key to off if it does not start immediately and then it will start fine the next attempt.

The dealer had it for several days and could never replicate the problem. In the end, the service person told me "BMW allows for up to 9 seconds [key in the start position] before starting and does not view it as a problem less than that." I find this impossible to believe.

Obvious question which I did not think to ask at the time is why did they not tell me that the the first day. Anyone had this problem? Any ideas. It happens at least 10 or 15 % of the time and I find it annoying and probably indicative of a problem. Warranty ends in 3 months and would like it fixed before that.

Thanks in advance

 

[Krafty04]

Everyone is going to have an opinion, so keep in mind this is my opinion.

Any number of little things could be causing the engine not to fire immediately.... plugs, blockage, filters, weak coil (you have 6), etc. Some of my previous cars with intricate electronic ignitions call for leaving the key in the on position for 3-5 seconds before attempting to start.. You need to turn your key to the "on" position, and let the fuel pump pressurize the fuel supply lines before attempting to start a fuel injected vehicle. Harleys new fuel injection units take 5-7 seconds before attempting to start.

Check you plugs (gap also), run some 95 octane with fuel injector cleaner for a few tanks, and change your fuel filter if your bored.. especially if your close to your warranty expiring due to miles.

good luck,
krafty

 

[gpoints]

Everyone is going to have an opinion, so keep in mind this is my opinion.

Any number of little things could be causing the engine not to fire immediately.... plugs, blockage, filters, weak coil (you have 6), etc. Some of my previous cars with intricate electronic ignitions call for leaving the key in the on position for 3-5 seconds before attempting to start.. You need to turn your key to the "on" position, and let the fuel pump pressurize the fuel supply lines before attempting to start a fuel injected vehicle. Harleys new fuel injection units take 5-7 seconds before attempting to start.

I usually leave the key in the "on position" for a couple seconds (2-3) then attempt to start. Like Krafty, I've had a few other cars with the same tendencies.

 

[Kirby]

There was a recall for ignition coils that were intermittent and could cause this problem. Did they check to see if your car was included in the recall? They should have, but.........

 

[ThatOneGuy]

I had a similar problem with my M3. My SA recommended a bottle of Chevron Techron. Worked like a charm, haven't had an issue since. Only use their supreme now.

 

[Krafty04]

Ohhhhh snap, I forgot, my 04 325i had a coil go bad... man, she shook like my old girlfriend during orgasm... the computer would hold it together until I put too big a load on the engine, then shake, shake, shake, ....... shake, shake, shake,,,, actually I would have to pull over and restart the car to reset the computer...... they replaced ALL the coils now that I remember... that car was built pretty early in the model year... we picked it up in Germany in October... might be worth a shot...

But, if I was a betting man, my and gpoint are sticking together on this one... leave the key in the "on" position for a few seconds to avoid the excessive strain on the starter... easiest (and cheapest) fix. Turn the key on, put on your seatbelt, and then fire the beast up.

Krafty

 

[jgfinn3]

Thanks, all! I'll give the 5 second rule a shot!

 

[jgfinn3]

Dealer just called--it turned out to be a problem with a part of the fuel pump (don;t have the paperwork yet) that was causing a drop in fuel pressure and hence the starting problem

 

[jgfinn3]

btw: it had deteriorated to the point where it constantly did it after the car was warmed up, not just 10% - 15% of the time

 

[chadfarrell]

seems to me like the crankshaft sensor maybe defective - do u have any fault report from the dealer ?

 

[jgfinn3]

i don't have any fault reports but it was back at the dealer 48 hrs after it was "fixed." Now they're saying there was a failure of the check valve in the fuel filter, which they will replace...

 

[chadfarrell]

sounds about right especially if youve experienced the problem at cold starts and the engine if off for more than 15 - 20 minutes

 

[jgfinn3]

Invoice says: "As per PUMA case-verified that fuel pressure not holding pressure due to stuck pressure regulator in the fuel filter due to pinched return line."

Car started fine multiple times

That would be the end of the story but...

my wife filled the tank after leaving the dealership--NOT overfilled--and afterwards a passerby while it was parked pointed out is was leaking gas at the right rear. SHe went from a full tank to 7/8ths over a distance of 7 miles.

Where is the fuel filter located on the car? A loose connection of some kind? It went back to the dealer immediately. I guess they'll take a look at it monday

 

[jgfinn3]

Gas tank cracked at the neck of the fill tube. They are replacing it.

I last 9 weeks, with 6 weeks left on the warranty we've had:

cracked bleeder screw in radiator
broken master power door lock button
bad fuel pump
bad fuel filter
cracked gas tank
broken rear seat belt assembly

 

[jgfinn3]

Gas tank replaced. Picked the car up this weekend when the service dept is closed and there is now a terrific stench in the cab of oil/gas that accumulates as the car sits--for hrs or overnight. It dissapates after a while.

Can someone advise me how to proceed? I've not taken this past the service advisor at this point and want some action / attention. Go to the service manager? DO they district area advisors to whom you can appeal? I'm at the end of my rope w/ them. Been nice and polite so far but it is not getting results.

Also: Warranty expires in the next couple months and I am wondering if a complaint that is not addressed pre-expiration gets "grandfathered."