E28 528i - M30 Intermittent Hot No Crank

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
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MEN0MS
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Location: London

E28 528i - M30 Intermittent Hot No Crank

Post by MEN0MS »

Good morning forum,

I have a 1986 E28 528i auto, the old girl has developed a strange intermittent starting fault, after running for some time getting upto temperature, If i pop to the shops or go for a walk (10-20mins), when I return to the car it wont crank? Totally dead. Popping the bonnet you can hear the fuel relay click, but nothing from the solenoid or starter. Dash lights up as usual and dims when you try to crank. Ive tried starting in P and N, no response.

I have to pop the bonnet and leave for 30/40mins, then suddenly starts fine?

Car has new battery and has had a starter motor & solinoid replacement 2yrs ago (1000miles).

ideas / experience welcome!

thanks in advance.
RonW
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Re: E28 528i - M30 Intermittent Hot No Crank

Post by RonW »

Try whacking the starter motor with a broom handle. If it magically starts, you have your answer.
Badger
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Re: E28 528i - M30 Intermittent Hot No Crank

Post by Badger »

brass rod works well too, if you don't have a broom handle.
RonW
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Re: E28 528i - M30 Intermittent Hot No Crank

Post by RonW »

Badger wrote: Jun 07, 2021 8:14 AMbrass rod works well too, if you don't have a broom handle.
Careful - brass rod conducts electricity. (Wooden) broom handle is safer.
Badger
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Re: E28 528i - M30 Intermittent Hot No Crank

Post by Badger »

Never thought of that . . . been using it since I was a kid, yikes
tn535i
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Re: E28 528i - M30 Intermittent Hot No Crank

Post by tn535i »

I always used the tire iron from the trunk to whack the solenoid.

If you have to replace it again get an e34 gear reduction starter. Much better I believe.
RonW
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Re: E28 528i - M30 Intermittent Hot No Crank

Post by RonW »

Badger wrote: Jun 07, 2021 9:13 PMNever thought of that . . . been using it since I was a kid, yikes
So when you change your oil, you keep the oil filter housing away from the back of the alternator, right?
tn535i
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Re: E28 528i - M30 Intermittent Hot No Crank

Post by tn535i »

And when giving it a wack doesn't work you grab a screw driver and bridge the connection form the battery cable to the starter motor winding. Sparks may fly for sure but if the starter motor is good and the solenoid is not pulling in it should start the car. I've had to do that but I've not had to do that on my cars with manual transmissions. I like that you can very easily push or roll start these cars.

When these cars were new I believe there was a rubber boot over the bare cable and starter connections so you couldn't just bump into those and get a short. But I'm not sure. There is no cover over the battery + on my car and maybe there never was. In any case the starter is tucked up under there so well who will get into that unless determined. Never even considered it when changing oil. I think you would have to work at that. The alternator on the other hand should have a rubber boot on it.
RonW
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Location: Long Island, NY

Re: E28 528i - M30 Intermittent Hot No Crank

Post by RonW »

tn535i wrote: Jun 08, 2021 1:03 PMThe alternator on the other hand should have a rubber boot on it.
It did when it was new. The newest E28 is well over 30 years old.
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