Need help starting the car. - United Bimmer Community

**johnnyclyde** · 05-25-2007, 06:40 PM

Hello all,
I've got a problem, and I'm not sure how to fix it. I thought I would start here first. My Bro.-in-Law owns a 1995 318i. He is currently overseas for an extended stay, and we are trying to get his car running. The battery had run down on the car after sitting in the yard for awhile. We charged it, but it still wouldn't start. He said there was a securtiy button we needed to push first. I discovered the button, but the car still will not start. It doesn't even turn over. When you connect a charged battery, the hazards immediately begin to flash on and off for a while. If you get in the car and turn the key, all of the electronics appear to work, but the car will still not turn over. The hazards will flash, and a little red light under the steering wheel flashes as well. I assume that is connected to the security system. If this securty system is factory, how do I start the car.? I have read about EWS modules, but don't no anything about it. Can anyone help me. We would greatly appreciate it.

JC

**stevo** · 05-25-2007, 10:35 PM

sounds like the car has some kind of ignition immobiliser on it and its not letting you bypass it, ask your bro if there is a particular sequence you have to follow in order to dissarm the immobiliser, or failing that consult the owners manual to see if there is a procedure that must be followed after a battery replacement / power disconnection. I own a 318se and have never come across this problem which makes me wonder if some form of after market ignition bypass device has been fitted to the car, perhaps one of the other members will have a better idea than me.

**Dudesky** · 05-26-2007, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnyclyde

. . He said there was a securtiy button we needed to push first. I discovered the button, but the car still will not start. It doesn't even turn over. When you connect a charged battery, the hazards immediately begin to flash on and off for a while. If you get in the car and turn the key, all of the electronics appear to work, but the car will still not turn over. The hazards will flash, and a little red light under the steering wheel flashes as well.

First of all, I really hope you're not some thief trying to get info on the internet on how to jack someone's car. But then you mentioned you have the keys, so maybe not. Anyhow, that's definitely not a BMW thing, sounds more like an aftermarket alarm. The security button you mention is probably the valet switch for the alarm, a lot of them work by pressing the button within a few seconds of turning the ignition to the run position. Beyond that, you really need more info from your brother to figure this out.

**johnnyclyde** · 05-28-2007, 08:42 PM

When i wrote the post, I wondered if someone would think I was trying to steal a car. I promise I am not. It's my Bro-in-law's car, and has been sitting at his folks place for about a year and a half. He won't be back from overseas until late this year or early next year. I told him that I would try and get his car up and running for him while he was gone. I know you probably don't care, but I just wanted you to know that I'm not a thief. I do appreciate the help so far. I haven't had an opportunity to try anything for a couple of days, but we will see what happens. Thanks

JC

**gnasher44** · 11-15-2007, 04:12 AM

I have a similar problem, car was running fine, now I can't start it all of a sudden. I have looked for a hidden switch etc, but no joy. Did you find a way to override it using a sequence?? Any attempt to disconnect battery and re-connect triggers the central locking and the indicators flash.