Okay chaps - have a little problem with my 1989 535I SE.

It won't start.

Its weird tho....sometimes it will, sometimes it wont.

I turn the key in the ignition and 'nothing'...not even a 'click' from the solenoid. Then, if I bump start the car it will work fine for a few days, start on the key and then, out of the blue, nothing - the same thing all over.

Today I started and stopped the engine (on the key) about 4 or 5 times and then, suddenly, it wouldnt start. I tried to bump start it but the engine wouldn't 'catch' - it ran (really rough like it was firing on only 1 cylinder) for a bit and then died. It did this 2 or 3 times and then I tried the key again and managed to start it first time - It ran fine - I drove home (about 7 miles), turned the ignition off and tried to re-start and guess what! - NOTHING!

So I removed the starter motor (not an easy thing to do) and replaced the Solenoid but it still wont start on the key.....

The starter motor appears to be fine, the brushes are not worn and everything seems okay within.....I cleaned all the terminals, greased the inner 'gubbins' - but nothing, not even a 'click' from the solenoid.

The haynes guide says that either I have a problem in the 'fused' ignition wiring or that the starter switch is faulty - any ideas?

I have tried to trace the wiring back from the starter/solenoid but its really difficult - I also can't find the 'fuse' that the Haynes guide is talking about....

HELP - I need my car!!!!!!!!!