Starting issues

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jeepjones03a3
Newbee
Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Jul 23, 2025 12:09 am
My E21(s): ‘83 US 320i

Starting issues

Post by jeepjones03a3 »

Recently replaced engine harness on '83 320i, after a whole shebang of starter replacement issues. However starter does not engage now, everything is wired in correctly, however when i turn key to start position all that happens is a single click, fuel pump engages, dash lights up and I can bump start the car. I do have a new starter relay on the way but as for now I am out of other ideas as to what the problem could be, i did have to connect the old ecu port to the new(er) harness, and the only thing i could've wired on that wrong was the ground wires. the ground from the engine itself is in good condition, distributor coil is only 1&1/2 years old, battery is 3 years old and was checked to be in good condition. When the starter relay gets in I will be replacing the fuel line from the W.U.R., as it is starting to crack. As for any other potential issues it could be I am welcome to suggestions.


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Jeroen
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Posts: 30050
Joined: Tue Sep 14, 2004 12:23 pm
My E21(s): '81 323i Baur
Location: The Netherlands
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Re: Starting issues

Post by Jeroen »

If you're absolutely sure starter wiring is ok I'd wait for the starter relay to arrive first, fingers crossed! If that doesn't work better check if the control wire on the starter is getting its current. Sure the starter itself is ok?
Regards/groeten, Jeroen
jeepjones03a3
Newbee
Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Jul 23, 2025 12:09 am
My E21(s): ‘83 US 320i

Re: Starting issues

Post by jeepjones03a3 »

Yes, I purchased a new Bosch starter, as I was originally going to buy just a solenoid, but it was seized up so bad the heads of the screws broke off leaving the threads unreachable, so I had to replace the whole thing.
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