Help! I turn the key and nothing happens! - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

M-Flying · 16th April 2006, 08:15

All the dash lights are on but turn the key and nothing happens, not a sound. I've had my 2000 e39 passed between my faithful mechanic and then to the local dealership and both have been unable to figure out why my car won't start. They seem to think it's related to the security system in the computer. All mechanical parts (starter, battery, ignition switch etc.) all test out fine. Any ideas?

Beamer_usa · 16th April 2006, 08:29

Is there some type of ignition kill installed aftermarket. I'm thinking definetly something electrical. That sucks! Keep us posted!

gsfent · 16th April 2006, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-Flying

All the dash lights are on but turn the key and nothing happens, not a sound. I've had my 2000 e39 passed between my faithful mechanic and then to the local dealership and both have been unable to figure out why my car won't start. They seem to think it's related to the security system in the computer. All mechanical parts (starter, battery, ignition switch etc.) all test out fine. Any ideas?

Security system is a likely culprit. Good for the dealer to be checking, hard for an indy. I assume they haven't forgotten about the clutch lockout on U.S. cars.
Regards,
Jerry

Kin Mak · 16th April 2006, 16:13

Not trying to be a smart arse but if you have 2 cars make sure you have the right key. Someone did that on Friday that I know of.

djo715 · 16th April 2006, 20:19

Try opening the door with the key, and then seeing if the car will start?

Cheers,
-Darryl

Mike_Rock · 16th April 2006, 21:22

Something similar happened to me. BMW Emergency services came and suggested it was to do with the key (maybe losing settings through static discharge while rumbling about in the pocket). Since I was stuck in a mall miles away from home, we couldn't get the spare so we ended up tow-starting the car. I carried the spare key for precaution for a little while after but it's been fine since.

HTH

Anzir · 16th April 2006, 22:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsfent

I assume they haven't forgotten about the clutch lockout on U.S. cars.
Regards,
Jerry

That's what I was thinking.. maybe something sneaked underneath the pedal and it won't go down all the way.

M-Flying · 17th April 2006, 02:05

Thanks guys. We’ve replaced the safety switch behind the clutch…twice. According to the dealer after resetting the error codes, the computer now recognizes both sets of keys. Something else in the security system is not talking to the relay switch between the computer and the starter. They reloaded the software, changed a couple fuses and it ran. This was Friday. I picked up the car Friday afternoon, drove it twice on Saturday (yesterday) and on the third time the problem returned. Now it’s completely dead. Tomorrow I have to call the truck and flatbed it back to the dealer to start all over again! LUCKY FOR ME MY WARRENTY JUST ENDED THIS PAST DECEMBER!

jclyman · 17th April 2006, 19:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-Flying

Thanks guys. We’ve replaced the safety switch behind the clutch…twice. According to the dealer after resetting the error codes, the computer now recognizes both sets of keys. Something else in the security system is not talking to the relay switch between the computer and the starter. They reloaded the software, changed a couple fuses and it ran. This was Friday. I picked up the car Friday afternoon, drove it twice on Saturday (yesterday) and on the third time the problem returned. Now it’s completely dead. Tomorrow I have to call the truck and flatbed it back to the dealer to start all over again! LUCKY FOR ME MY WARRENTY JUST ENDED THIS PAST DECEMBER!

LUCKY???

greg · 17th April 2006, 19:18

Changed a couple of fuses?

Look - a fuse is a simple, simple device. It is either good or it isn't. There is no in-between. And it is easily tested. Perhaps it was a fuse all along?