Start button

[ZbobZ]

Over the last several years, my '02 has been occasionally unresponsive when I initially pressed the start button. Subsequently applying a bit of additional pressure to the start button has always yielded results. However, I recently had an episode when a bit of additional pressure did not do the trick - I had to forcefully push the button to get results. I assume I have a start button that is about to fail. I thought I'd check here before I call the dealer and ask if anyone has had similar issues with the start button. BTW, the battery is good and the starter turns the engine over with authority.

Thanks for any info.

Bob

[RRZ8]

Do you hear 'the click' when pushing it and engine doesn't fire up?

[ZbobZ]

RRZ8, mild (read appropriate) pressure on the start button results in a click. Heavy pressure on the start button results in a start.

[RRZ8]

Click from the engine compartment or from the switch?

[ZbobZ]

Engine compartment. Again, engine response is dependent on amount of pressure applied to button.

[RRZ8]

Sounds like switch (?) Of course our Z8's are known to have some trouble with starter engine;

http://bmwz8.us/vbb/showthread.php?t=654 (http://bmwz8.us/vbb/showthread.php?t=654)

RRZ8

[harvey2]

Of course our Z8's are known to have some trouble with starter engine;

RRZ8

This has not been proven, so it is not "known". I think you should say "believed" and leave out the "of course".

[RRZ8]

Maybe I shoud have said; 'trouble with starting the engine, not being a dead battery, likely to be switch or starter engine'

Better? ;)

[harvey2]

Maybe I shoud have said; 'trouble with starting the engine, not being a dead battery, likely to be switch or starter engine'

Better? ;)

Yes, thanks. Sorry to be so nit-picky.

[Scott Pettit]

Being that it is a basic momentary switch, I'd bet that the contacts need to be cleaned. I wonder if the button can be "popped out" with a gentle pry from a small screwdriver.

[SProZ8]

I seem to recall that the start button was secured from the back side of the lower leather covered facia. Checking the TIS manual confirmed what looks like 3 screws holding it in place from the back. When I recently pulled the fascia, all I had to do was unplug the switch and never had to remove it and therefore paid it little attention. If I'm right then it will be a long pain it the...x!o! to remove. Since pushing the button causes a click, I bet it's not the switch. Probably not the clutch interlock either.

[gutMD]

Has anyone gotten to the root of this problem as I am noticing similar behavior in my car?

[macfly]

I have no experience with this, but my first thought is it could be a damp/moisture, as all the cars responding here are in more humid climates. Following the other starter issue threads there also seems to be a key charge issue and an actual starter issue that can be at play here. I'll email Jürgen at the Club, and see if they have a knowledge base on it over there yet.

[gutMD]

I have no experience with this, but my first thought is it could be a damp/moisture, as all the cars responding here are in more humid climates. Following the other starter issue threads there also seems to be a key charge issue and an actual starter issue that can be at play here. I'll email Jürgen at the Club, and see if they have a knowledge base on it over there yet.

Many thanks Andrew

[macfly]

Basically there is no info beyond what we know, battery and car key charge being by far and away the two main causes of the starter issue.

As far as I remember only one or two cars have had the starter solenoid problems, and only one car has had an actual starter motor problem, all the other starting problems trace back to the battery being old/low or the key has losing its charge.