X5 - No Crank, No Start

[tomsawyer]

Hi Guys - I have an 05 X5 with 46k miles. A couple of months ago, my wife reported that the truck wouldn't start (turns the key, no crank no start, but the dummy lights and angel lights come on). She turns the key back and tries again but nothing. The 3rd time, it starts.

Now we have had some pretty cold weather here in NJ but this happens whether the its parked in the garage or outside and it happens intermittantly but it does seem to happen only when the X is completely cold, like first thing in the morning or leaving work.

So, this no start issue happens a couple of more times and she just tries again until the truck finally starts cranking and then starts (once it gets cranking it starts strongly). For the last 6 weeks we didn't have any issues and I completely forgot about this. All of a sudden, she calls me from work today to say that after 6 attempts, the X finally started cranking and then started (used to be 3 tries).

Anyone have a clue as to what's going on? I've read other posts that suggested the shift lever in P may not be catching....

Thanks to all who answer.