Won’t crank

[YYZ-M3]

Ran some errands in the M3 today. Parked to do a quick shop. Jumped back in and the car won’t crank. Dash lights up like usual, fuel pump primes, but no attempt by the starter.

Tried 15x and finally it started. Drove home, parked, won’t start again. Tried both keys, no change.

Hooked up BMW scanner and all lights are green, so no issue with clutch pedal sensor or key being recognized by EWS.

Any ideas or should I throw a new starter in it?

[sapote]

check for 12v when key turn to crank position at pin1 heavy black wire on the dual row 8pin connector 6011. If no 12v then the issue is upstream at ews or ignition sw; if there is 12v then check the same black wire at the starter connection, or the starter is bad.

[jpiazzam3]

Bad starter. Had the same issue once upon a time. I would have to bump start it. It would start on its own after that for a month or so then same no crank issue. Replaced the starter and 3 years later no issues

[sapote]

Bad starter. Had the same issue once upon a time. I would have to bump start it. It would start on its own after that for a month or so then same no crank issue. Replaced the starter and 3 years later no issues

it's easier to check for 12v at the said black wire than to replace the starter and what if the root cause is the upstream ews or ignition switch?

[YYZ-M3]

It was the starter, dealer confirmed and replaced.

[jpiazzam3]

it's easier to check for 12v at the said black wire than to replace the starter and what if the root cause is the upstream ews or ignition switch?

Simple check for the Ews is simply putting the key in the ignition without turning the car on. If the Ews is properly working the car will beep as it is recognizing the key.

[sapote]

Simple check for the Ews is simply putting the key in the ignition without turning the car on. If the Ews is properly working the car will beep as it is recognizing the key.

This is correct, but the EWS can fail with the internal relay burned/pitted contacts. Also if the ignition SW is bad then good EWS and good starter still won't crank.