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E36General discussion and technical help for (E36) 1992-1999 3 series cars. 318, 323, 325, 328.
A new member PM'ed me with this problem, and I haven't any ideas, so I thought I'd post it and see what you all think . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pippin2<
Hello Sir, my name is dave and im in the USAF i have basically the same car as you well 1992 325i 2 door but it is the uk spec. any way the car ran great even when it got colder here but the one morning it would have power and try to turn over but i would have to keep the key turned to keep it started. took it to the dealer and i think they dont have a clue. Anyway its a 36 m50 5 speed. 145000 miles cheers mate
oh so the key switches back to the off position? yea probably a new ignition cylinder/switch whatever hte hell its called, the best thing to do is get one from a junkyard b/c the dealer will RIP YOU OFF(oh and make sure it comes with the keys )
i actually did this replacement, at the factory there are bolts they snap off for security/theft protection so you have to take a chisel to them to get it out
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Quote:
Originally Posted by c1apton
I keep forgetting that - I have a great memory but it doesn't last long
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Your Ride: 1995 325i
I've heard (fairly credible) stories that if the ignition key is on a key ring heavily weighted down with a bunch of other keys and other assorted paraphrenalia it can somehow wear on the ignition assembly, so if that's in the history of the present illness that may help narrow the diagnosis.
He pm'd me also but not with enough details. But if the previous is the case, I tend to believe it's the complete ignition switch assembly. (Not the key part but the electrical back-half) Your ignition switch (electrical part) handles 3 seperate electrical systems -->the starter = momentary part, the run position supplies ignition - ECU, plugs, etc and also the functions section - lights, horn fuse box etc.. so yea I'd have to say it's the back half of ignition switch. There's also a fusible link that's inline - that to could be bad - they pop occassionally when temps flucuate. He's going to need to meter the circuits if he doesn't want to be throwing parts at it.
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Your Ride: 1992 325i
?? Well i picked it up from the dealer and it started up and then again this morning it started no prob. They didnt do anything "could not duplicate" But the car just runs like crap, its lost its acceleration and vibrates or kinda shakes!! at low speed low rpm. It was a fast car a week ago and now nothing. Well i know the thermostat is not working cause i get no hot air other than from the engine bay and i dont know about the fan i think the coupling is shot because it turns on as soon as i turn the car on and i can move it with my hand when it is cold. i really appreciate the help because the dealers really rape you here. plus its in euro twice as much. this would really suck but maybe the broke thermostat and fan might have ruined my engine hopefully no one agrees because its as cold as crap in england and have only had the car 4 months.
I'd replace the fan clutch and thermostat not just because of lack of heat, but your sensors are temperature sensitive also. Re: starting etc, look for lose ground wires or connections that look questionable. Cold connections "contract" making better contact after warming up they expand and easily lose connection
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Your Ride: 1995 325i
If the thermostat and the fan aren't working and vibrations are setting in and etc., etc., etc., it sounds to me as if there's a lot more wrong with this car than just the ignition assembly, principally due to lack of maintenance. As mentioned in the previous post, a lot of stuff depends upon operating at the proper engine temperature, and that ain't hap'nin' with a non-functioning thermostat. I think you're gonna hafta part with some bucks, or Euros, and a fair amount of time if you're capable and inclined, to go through just about everything on this car. It's fifteen years old now, meaning that not only do certain things need a little extra attention (e.g., hoses, belts, brake and fuel lines), but it should have had its brake system flushed about 7 times now, its cooling system flushed flushed the same amount of time, plugs changed maybe 5 times, transmission fluid, differential fluid, you get the idea...
02-07-2007, 09:31 AM
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I keep forgetting that - I have a great memory but it doesn't last long
