My 2005 X5 4.4 with 176,000 miles would occasionally not crank when key was in cranking position. When I would remove the key and try again it would work. Some times I would have to do this several times before it would crank. After one time of having to do this about 12 times before cranking, I replaced the ignition switch with a Febi brand. All was fine for a while, but then it happened again where I had to turn the key 2x before cranking, so I replaced the starter with a rebuilt unit from my local parts store. The new starter spins the motor much faster, and worked fine for a few weeks, but last night it wouldn't start after many attempts and had to have the car towed home. Tried it this morning and it started on second attempt, cranked fast like new.
Anyone have a similar issue? Any ideas? Thanks.