X5 E53 M54 No Crank Just Clicks DME code 80

[Animalmother]

So back in October my x5, e53 m54 140k miles, was in the grocery store parking lot. Got in to go home and No Crank No Start just a few clicks. The instrument panel lit up, lights worked but No Crank. After towing it home I retrieved the codes and got DME- 80 : EWS transmission/ communication parity. My battery was reading 11.9v and was nearing the end of its usefull life so I replaced it. Using Launch x431v I did EWS DME synchronization. In live data mode the EWS appears to be functioning and communicating as it should. The only key I have left is the plastic valet/ wallet key. One thing I found odd was, the key number the system was reading in live data mode was key #1. I would think one of my lost diamond keys would register as key #1 and the plastic key would be key #3 or #4. It's been my experience that starter motors usually give you a heads up before they fail completely. The location of the starter makes it difficult to test directly using a multi meter. Is there a way to access the terminals on the starter/ solenoid without removing the intake? Assuming the starter is functioning properly where should I look next?

[andrewwynn]

My starter failed no warning. It's pretty easy to remove the intake air filter box. I think you can reach the solenoid with the intake elbow still attached.

Not familiar with the error number.

[Effduration]

Please get a new key....It may not solve your starting problem...but that valet key as your only key can't be a good long term solution.

[getty150]

As we speak I'm replacing my starter too. Nice to have company ...oh the joys! At least I get to correctly reroute the positive power cable this time from the last time I did the starter.

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[Clavurion]

Ignition switch can also cause this. You can measure from the EWS module connector if starter activation voltage is coming from ignition switch. If yes, you could short the pin 1+2 thickest wires on EWS module to rule out its role. The module internal relay can fail even if the key recognition works correctly. If the key recognition does not work this shorting should activate the starter if starter motor itself is functioning but won't allow running if EWS does not give DME allowance for fuel injection.

[getty150]

I suspect strongly your starter has gone belly up.
What's the age of your battery?
A long overdue aged battery can exacerbate the life of a starter. Ask me how I know.


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[andrewwynn]

[mention]Clavurion [/mention] i was going to mention key switch but he said it clicks suggesting the solenoid picked up but what you included is more detailed for sure.

On M54, it's far easier to manage the power to the starter if you disconnect the power at the alternator to have some slack!

I recall using very long socket extension to get to the starter with impact wrench (after breaking free with bar). I thought i took pictures to share the exact combination of wobble and extension I'll look for them.

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

i was going to mention key switch but he said it clicks suggesting the solenoid picked up

Yes. If and when the starter clicks it's getting the Terminal 50 activation voltage. (It doesn't mean there is enough current to drive the solenoid, but this kind of activation problem is very rare on these.)

[BimmerBreaker]

Have you cleared the codes? Does the EWS code come back?

[Animalmother]

Wow thanks for all the rapid responses. Tomorrow I will test the EWS and short pin 1 and 2 to see if starter is receiving EWS signal. As Clavurion suggested.