The scope on a rope is one of my favorite piece of test equipment.

Ok I just connected 12v directly to solenoid. Starter cranks. Not getting 12v to the solenoid when I turn the key. So problem is not the starter. Still scratching my head. Fuses and relays all seem to be fine.

O.K. at least we know it's not the starter. Since you have GT1, can you perform a EWS synch with the DME? The only reason I can see why there is no 12 volt to the starter solenoid is either problem with the EWS system or a break in the wire.

When you jumped the starter did you try starting the engine. You can place the key in the ignition switch and turn it to the run position and jump the starter. Make sure the trans is in PARK position and the brakes are on. Jumping the starter this way will defeat the shift interlock and allow the engine to start in ALL GEARS.

I've decided this Bentley manual is absolutely useless. Ripped out the glove compartment in order to expose the fusable links where F105 is, and the links under the plastic cover, and what I have there again does not match up with the pictures in the manual. See attached picture for what is under my cover. If one of those is F105 I sure don't see anything that is wrong. Attachment points and leads are secure. Anyone have any other suggestions? EDIT: just saw upallnight's post regarding ews test

UGH!!! Getting nowhere. :dunno: :(

In answer to your question, yes I did start the engine successfully when I ran power directly to the solenoid. So right now I have a wire attached to a clip on the solenoid terminal hanging underneath the car in case I have to move it in an emergency.

Also, I just performed the DME/EWS sync via my DIS software. After going through the steps, it claimed it was successful. Still not able to engage the starter. All of the status queries I'm making to the EWS system are showing that there are no faults stored and that it is not preventing the car from starting.

I don't know what else to check at this point. Surely the solution is simple and I'm missing something dumb... The car has been running perfectly until this.

Then you must have a break in the 12 volt supply wire to the starter solenoid. I used a cable tracker to find the location of the broken wire. Harbor Freight sells a cheap cable tracker.

Cable Tracker

Video on using a cable tracker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0HjaR0tj7Q

I had an Audi Avant in which the 12-volt wire to the starter solenoid was also broken so no crank on the starter. Trace the wire to a break that was just 1/2" away from the lug that attaches the wire to the solenoid. Made a new wire with a new lug and spliced my new wire at the break and that solved my problem.

Further examination and comparison to these Bentley manual and online diagrams has me still questioning the location of the starter relay. I want to make darn sure I've tested the right components:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ml#post1059205

SOLVED!!!
 

(Spoiler alert: it was the ignition switch)

Well I finally figured out what is going on with my no start condition. Based on all of the feedback and some more of my own research, I woke up this morning determined and deduced the possible sources of my issues based on the following tests and observations:

-Battery power was sufficient to crank and start the vehicle.

-All accessories worked; just could not engage the starter in the starting key position.

-12v was not showing up at the solenoid when the key was in the start position

-All fuses and relays checked out good.

-Since I could jump the starter solenoid directly from the positive terminal, this ruled out a bad starter.

-Problem existed with both master keys AND the valet key.

-Since I could also start the X5 by jumping the solenoid if the key was in the ON position, that ruled out any EWS problems, since an EWS lockout would have allowed the engine to crank but never start up. This also ruled out a bad key chip or antenna ring. (All of this was also confirmed by diagnostics in my DIS software)

So after all of those tests I figured the problem could only be one of a few things:

-a break in the wiring
-a starter relay that was acting strange
-a bad ignition switch that wasn't allowing power to pass to the starter
-some other strange voltage drain occuring between the switch and the solenoid

So, I decided to go after the ignition switch first, since ruling it out would be the easiest first step. I unplugged the connecter from the switch, and then proceeded to jumper power directly to ignition positions and then the starter. The X5 started right up!!! :thumbup:

So, evidently my ignition switch is bad! Off to the dealer I go tomorrow to grab a new one.

Thanks everyone who helped me with their feedback and suggestions, especially upallnight for all of his input each step of the way!!!!

Great that you finally solved the problem.

This youtube video may be helpful in fixing your existing ignition switch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sEfZIpE9h8

The contacts might be pitted from use.