Car won't start

[PeterCS]

My 315 Baur will not start
- car stopped
- would not restart (and would not jump start)
-ignition makes a click when I turn the key but the starter does not engage
- the battery is good (recharged)
- the starter has been checked
- over the last year, the car would appear dead and not start, but i could jump it successfully
- then the car would start perfectly the next day

Any thoughts? Help needed.

Thanks

PeterCS

[e21-Mark]

There must be a problem with battery or starter somewhere. Have you tried a different battery?

[DrGonzoPOW]

Bad earth somewhere ???

[e21mad]

I had a similar problem with my 323i. turned out to be a worn ignition switch. stick the key in and lift it as you turn. if that starts it then there you go. Also had a similar problem on a 320i in the states. that turned out to be a torn ground strap between the engine and frame. the thing would start then we would drive 20 miles and the car would die and then no start. tow it home and it would start. lol did that 5 times before we found it.

[PeterCS]

thanks for the replies.

yes, i hve tried a different battery with the same result. Just a click and the starter does not engage.

Peter

[e21-Mark]

Bad earth (clean them with a wire brush) or solenoid on starter is sticking. Or both.

[cobbler2u]

It could be the wiring from the back of the ignition barrell to starter

[murran]

as said id check the engine earth strap hasnt broken.
without the strap the only other things earthing the engine are stuff like the throttle cable, clutch hydraulic pipe etc.
ive seen a burnt out throttle cable before now, center cable looked like a blown fuse, outer cable melted, due to an earth strap being broken. was on an diesel astra van if i remember right.

quick way of checking is to get some jump leads and put one side from the neg pole on the battery to the engine somewhere to make your own earth connection and try it, if its still the same as before starting wise, then you can pretty much say its not an engine earthing problem.