Tricky crank no-start problem

[BimmerBreaker]

Those EWS codes you have will prevent starting and it sounds like the EWS delete you attempted on the other DME didn't work. If your car has the round port in the engine bay, you need to use the round port adapter or jump two pins and reinstall cap to be able to communicate to non-DME modules and this includes performing the EWS sync process. If yours does not have the round port under hood then you may have a faulty EWS module itself. Either way a proper EWS delete tune should solve it, but there's no reason not to simply get EWS to work since this car was originally ms43.

[DonaldFoss]

Originally Posted by BimmerBreaker

Those EWS codes you have will prevent starting and it sounds like the EWS delete you attempted on the other DME didn't work. If your car has the round port in the engine bay, you need to use the round port adapter or jump two pins and reinstall cap to be able to communicate to non-DME modules and this includes performing the EWS sync process. If yours does not have the round port under hood then you may have a faulty EWS module itself. Either way a proper EWS delete tune should solve it, but there's no reason not to simply get EWS to work since this car was originally ms43.

I hear you and agree, except that I flashed my factory ECU back to virgin+EWS delete+DS2 this afternoon, reinstalled it, and no joy. Everything turns, but no hint of any start.

I also just attached jumper cables directly to the battery negative post and 2 places on the engine, the exhaust manifold and the left ring on the front of the head. Does the same thing.

If I push the gas pedal while cranking it does make a different noise too, so I feel the throttle body is working.

My 2003 doesn't have the round plug as far as I know, plus with the EWS delete I shouldn't need it. Plus, my understanding is that EWS is what sends the second signal to the starter solenoid telling it to engage the flex plate gear. The engine is rotating.

I'm all ears on ideas because I'm all out of them.

[DonaldFoss]

These aren't regular ECU DTC codes, but from my RepairSol2 software plus Bluetooth OBD2 dongle:
EGS: 96, CAN Engine speed to transmission
EWS: same 4
KOMBI:
BF, IKE-EEPROM Error, coding incorrect/incomplete
8D, ATS Signal: Telegram Error or no telegram
F4: No CAN Id
C7: Lever-type sensor 1
D7: Level-type sendor 2
LM: 28, Thermal sensor for oil level defect (I replaced this last year, assuming it's the thing in the bottom of the oil pan)
LWS: (I haven't reset steering angle yet, have subframe on, but no front wheel assembly)
09, No ASC2 Embassy
0B, LWS ID False
05, EEPROM defect
10, Watchdog
MRS: (airbags, I took out a door airbag when replacing the window regulator)
50, Supply voltage
05, Ignition circuit 2k4/Side airbag front left

I don't see where any of these except for EWS have anything to do with starting, but the EWS delete is on the ECU and verified, plus I'm getting fuel and it's cranking. I havent' checked spark in a couple weeks, might do that again for peace of mind.

As I mentioned above, I'm using this RepairSol2 thing that runs from my iPhone or Android and seems decent, it cleared airbag codes before, although it won't right now for some reason, can pump the ABS, does battery registration, etc. and only cost $50. I've looked at the Foxwell 630 for a while but never sprung for it because while slow due to Bluetooth I guess, this seemed to work. Is there a reason to get the Foxwell? Will it tell me more than what I'm seeing here? Is it worth it or is another better? I do have the INPA/INST+ and BMW essential tools, but they seem to only half work when connecting to or reading from the car. It's been sorta nice for technical materials, once you find them but it should be able to diagnose the car too, and while it reads some stuff I end up with communication errors at the end. Same equipment works with every other piece of software I've used from JMGarage to Renlovo to MS43 flasher and RT TunerPro. OK, I don't think I got it reading stats in real time with RomRaider, but I'm pretty sure that was RomRaider and I don't need that with RT TunerPro working great.