Does it only happen when the engine is warm?
Hi, just bought a 540i E34 from auction. Really impressed with it apart from one annoying problem. Every so often when I go to start it, the car is completely dead; I turn the ignition and all the lights, computer, wipers, stereo, etc come on as normal apart from the engine does and starter motor do nothing at all. I can't even hear the solenoid. There is no immobiliser on the car and I have checked all of the fuses. Twice I have called out recovery only for it to start as normal and the RAC to over no help whatsoever. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Does it only happen when the engine is warm?
Check the engine ground (right hand motor mount to frame rail) and then the B+ pole connector in the main electronics box (right hand side of the car, under the hood by the windscreen) -- four philips screws secure the top, B+ pole is red and located in a line of relays between the DME/ABS/Cruise modules. Funky little red/black thing with heavier gauge red wires going to and from it.
inspect the fusable link under the rear seat, they crack and have internal falures which are exactly as you discribe
95 E34 530I V2.37
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Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.
John F. Kennedy
Seems to be completely random will have a look under the bonnet over my lunch break!
Many thanks!