Troubleshooting No Start 2006 e53
 

Hello, during our "social distancing" my e53 has been sitting for about 5 or 6 days. Went to crank it up and it won't start. If I keep it cranking, I do smell gas. Sometimes I turn the key and it feels like it's about to catch. I'll stop and turn it again and it struggles. No consistency, it's slow to start turning over when I turn the key.

Here's a brief history of recent repairs:

June of 2018 : replaced the AIR MASS SENSOR
Feb. 2019 : replaced the FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY and FUEL FILTER
April 2019 : I replaced the IGNITION COILS and SPARK PLUGS. Car was idling rough. The spark plugs were worn and aged.

I just tested my battery at Advanced Auto parts and they say it's good. It does take awhile to charge, however.

I checked fuses and relays, however I have not checked the Fuel Pump Relay behind the glove box. Not confident that's the problem since I changed it recently.

Any troubleshooting tips or theories?

Is it a 3.0 or an 8 cyl?

first step - Do you have a code reader ? Any codes?

- I would make sure battery is fully charged.
-make a visual check and see if any of the rubber intake boots are cracked or disconnected
- pull a spark plug, insert into its coil wire and see if there is spark.
- you could unplug the MAF sensor and see if it starts/runs

Thanks for the quick response.

It's the 3.0.
I don't have a code reader. I'll try those troubleshooting tips out.

You have an M54 engine so the no start troubleshooting guide over on E46Fanatics may be a good source to read. It is a 37 page thread but probably will help identify your issue.

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1011677

It sounds like it maybe isn't cranking fast enough? maybe a loose connection at the starter or battery? Battery taking a long time to charge is a good thing BTW.