Won't start!

[Jonnymaz]

Well I've tried the bonnet switch again, and put the main headlights on and they work fine with no dimming, so does that suggest it's not a battery issue? Also I have checked and the battery is only a couple of years old.

The gears are changing fine, I can hear the clunk. When I turn the key in the ignition I can hear a pump whirring for a bit, not sure which one it is.

Read about a "dead spot" on the starter motor, tried rocking it but nothing.

Could it be a failed starter motor?

Any ideas what the significance of the warning light is? I think it is the emissions warning light, which stays on in yellow.

Also, just had a thought, is it normal with CSLs to have a delay between turning the key and firing up? It has always waited for a second or 2 before doing anything. Didn't think anything of this but wonder if it was a symptom if this is not normal?

Sorry to keep with the questions!!

[Levente]

Get the EWS software replaced by bmw. I had a similar problem, and it was the EWS causing it, it was messed up. it costed 50 euro

[Jonnymaz]

Hmmm, few options here.

The display definitely shows it going into neutral. Did try pressing the brake harder as just had new rear brake pads and discs.

I seem to recall previous owner got a new battery - larger M3 one - so it's not particularly old or small!

Will try looking at bonnet switch, and turn headlights on to see if battery seems low. Any easy way of telling if it is the battery (eg multimeter etc?)

I drive it maybe once a week so haven't bothered with trickle charger before, maybe I should?

[Steve B]

No electric in my garage as it's in a block of garages away from house... I have now bought a hoooge battery (takes up the whole battery tray) and kept the small 1 for when I sell her as an optional extra

[CraigMillwardCroft]

I had the same on sunday, all dash lights are lit up, wouldn't go into neutral and wouldn't turn over..... Flat battery (what a poxy sized small battery in the boot as well)...


Steve

Have you not got a trickle charger for the car, or is it used daily :-D

[Steve B]

I had the same on sunday, all dash lights are lit up, wouldn't go into neutral and wouldn't turn over..... Flat battery (what a poxy sized small battery in the boot as well)...


Steve

[billyboysm3]

Lift the bonnet and get a mate to hold down the bonnet switch, then see if it will start it happened to Billy at Donny last year :thumbs:

Yep, but what I have noticed is when you change the brake pads the next time you start the car you really need to hold the brake pedal down firmly.

My moneys on the battery.

Billy

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Lift the bonnet and get a mate to hold down the bonnet switch, then see if it will start it happened to Billy at Donny last year :thumbs:

[Jonnymaz]

Not sure what to be listening out for to be honest. While I was trying various things I turned the interior fan off so I could listen out, and that made something make a buzzing/whirring noise behind the dash, and it then made the same noise when trying to start it. Very strange. Not sure if it's related or not...

Seeing as it's stuck on the drive and not moving, should probably try the battery first. Next problem - no charger!

Been meaning to get one for a while, should probably get something that can jump start my wife's Civic as well as charge mine (don't think I need to stretch to something that will jump start the CSL, but charging/trickle charging would be useful).

Any recommendations or further ideas re problem?

PS already have a 2 year old so doubt I'd have been allowed to go to Munich anyway, wife already hates the CSL and that would just be the final straw! Hope to meet up in this country some time tho...

Thanks for your help!

[Bounce]

Sounds like battery,get it charged up,That was bad timing in September,you knew we were going,couldn't you have waited untill October,Shimmy has put a lot of time and effort into this trip.:whistle::whistle:

[adem.csl]

when you unlock and open the door do you hear the pump buzzing?could be battery though.do the lights look dim?

[Jonnymaz]

Thanks guys.

The gear display is changing between 0 and 1 ok so looks like it is in neutral.

All lights are on ok, and when I turn the key it is silent rather than feebly attempting to turn the engine. Could it still be the battery?

I have tried opening and closing the bonnet (I saw somewhere a reference to a problem with the bonnet switch), and tried my spare key.

I also saw a suggestion that it might be relay switch?

Sorry should have posted in technical area, can it be moved?

Re Munich, would love to be coming but we are expecting twins in May so will never be allowed out again! Am now worried I will have to sell the CSL, but will hang on to it as long as I can!

[shimmy]

Battery dead.......maybe caused by alternator knackered


Hull..... Too far to lend you my sare battery. Charge up yours and see if it improves



Alternatively it may be SULKING coz you are NOT COMING TO MUNICH



.

[Yanto]

It's a write off.

I suggest you start parting it out.

I'll take the flippers, roof, front bumper, bootlid, rear splitter, airbox and door/rear interior panels.
























Post this in tech section...someone will be more helpful...good luck

[adem.csl]

have you checked that the gearbox has changed back to n in the display?if it is in 1 or r that means you hydraulic pump hasnt opperated.its either the gearbox relay or you havent pushed gearstick into neutral position.try that.