What are the odds...?
 

So after "rebuilding" the starter motor in my 30d, I enjoyed three days of trouble-free motoring and the car was running beaut!

Until i suddenly got the dreaded "no crank, no start".

No click, no dimming lights, nothing at all when turning the key to start - just dead.

Carp, I think - what did I screw up? :rolleyes:

Except, I was so meticulous with the process on the starter, I just couldn't imagine anything could be wrong with the starter.

So after a couple of days of stormy spring weather that kept me from diagnosing the issue, I finally got under the hood and did some testing. I pretty quickly proved the EWS was OK, which really left the starter solenoid or the ignition. A quick jumper lead test on the solenoid coil contact turned the engine over effortlessly, so that just left the ignition switch. Jumpering the contacts on the ignition switch was the final proof, with the engine starting easily. After removing the switch assembly and cleaning the starter (position 3) contacts, all is well again. I have new switch on order and will replace it, even though it's now working, since I really don't want to pull the dash apart twice in one week....

So what are the odds of getting a sudden and total ignition switch failure within days of working on the starter motor? And no, I never messed with the starter circuit when working on the starter, as all testing was done on the bench.

I guess the high current being drawn by the starter for a long time might have contributed to the demise of the ignition switch, since the solenoid pull-in coil is connected to ground via the main winding in the initial turn-over phase.

I guess it never rains but.... :rolleyes:

Starter switch only carries the solenoid current but it is running longer which usually not an issue since it's just a start and stop situation. Seems like justa crazy coincidence.

Nope... It's a CONSPIRACY by big BMW!!! [emoji1787]

I replaced my suspension and broke a spring within 10 days...
When I catch that little Bavarian gremlin I will use a deli slicer to examine him![emoji48]

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Nice


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On these diesels 2 of the six contacts on ignition switch are not used. So you can change those two new contacts on the most worn positions. You can just knock out the contacts from the plastic casing and push back in desired position. Usually the most worn are high current Terminal 50 (starter activation) and Terminal 15 (pos. 2) contacts. A few years ago I had the same kind of switch failure when starter occasionally said nothing.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7najyUasWbpYgjcx7

Solenoid pull-in current would increase a bit with starter current so you never know ;) Good tip on changing the contacts around! ;)

I just replaced my starter a few months ago because I was worried about trying to get the proper bushings and brushes but had I known it was just a clean-up I would have done the same thing! ;)

I noted that there were spare contacts when I was removing the switch and considered that option when I had the switch apart. The pins/contracts were pretty hard to remove and I figured the chances of damaging the switch were too high to risk, given I needed to get the car running that day - a weekend day when buying a new switch is not an option.

But I’ll probably do that repair to the old one (once it’s replaced) and keep as an emergency repair part).

Thanks for the pics too, Tony. On my terminal 50 outer contract, the (palladium?) contact was completely worn away!

If you look my pictures the contact on the top facing towards the camera is the Terminal 50 one and clearly arched several times.

Warm up the part in an oven for like 10-15 min in about 80 C so the plastic is a little softer before hammering the contacts out supported between wood blocks.

Decided to do transmission service while doing new coils.

Last filter kit on hand and only BBR fluid available.

Guess what I found?
No really, guess....

Another F'n problem [emoji849] my center support bearing has left the chat......

I hate winning this contest of the most dicked-up, odds defying nickel and diming problems encountered per repair!![emoji36]

[emoji117][emoji108]/me!!!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...8638b741db.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f28fcbee7c.jpghttp://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/67279dfe...3-WA0005_1.mp4

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Aye EOD, you know the OLe’ SaYin.. It’s always some [emoji90]..! LoL..


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