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Starting issues...


DoubleD

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Hey Im new to this world of BMW 2002s but oddly enjoying it.

I picked up a 74' 2002 about a month ago for dirt cheap and everything seemed to run perfectly fine both mechanically and electrically, the interior and exterior have taken a bit of hammering but with a coat of paint and some seat covers It'd be a passable car. Im considering turning her into a project at some point as it could be quite a cool little beamer.

Until now everything was running fine, however she now wont start. I parked up for about half an hour then when I went to go start her up again to leave she wouldnt start, the dash now no longer lights up the L dial when the ignition is set to on and when I go to turn her over I hear a pop from the solenoid but the starter refuses to go and all the dash lights, dials and ignition dies with it then refuses to come back up for a while even when I remove the keys and turn the ignition several times.

I managed to push start it and get it back home fine (about 30KM) but it still wont start with the key.

My mate seems to think the starters shot but up until now she started up first pop everytime without fail so I dont think its that, I think its something in the wiring but not sure.

Any suggestions/ troubleshooting would be greatly appreciated! Otherwise shes going to the wreckers :/

Chur bro

87' Ford Falcon Fairmont Ghia

78' Triumph 2500s

89' Nissan 300zxtt

74' BMW 2002

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Sounds like a dead battery. Try jump starting it and see if it starts, if it does then go get a new battery.

It does sound exactly like a dead battery.

The lights on the dash come back after a while because the battery recovers some charge after resting from trying to crank the starter.

Get it charged and see if it holds it, also use a voltmeter to see if the car is making enough juice to keep the battery charged.

I'm no longer affiliated with Maximillian Importing Company in any way, please address any questions directly to them.  -Thanks.

2002 "tii" coupe 1970
E21 320/6 2.7 Stroker 1981
E23 730 1978

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Otherwise shes going to the wreckers :/

Woah there! Don't expect a 1974 2002 (or any car this age) to be trouble free. That's why we all have projects and major scope creep on our cars, they're fun to tinker with. The electrical system is super simple on a 2002; take the time and search the forum for hints as to what could possibly be wrong.

It also sounds like a dead battery to me.

Don't send the car to a wrecker. There's tons of us looking for these cars right now in any condition. It could be a project or parts car for someone if you decide you can't work on it, but again, pick up a haynes manual and a restoration guide, sit down with a voltmeter and you will learn your car. Take care of the car and it will take care of you :)

1974 Malaga 2002 4282899 "Little Red"

1976 Polaris 2002 2374061 "Rusty Shackleford" 

1998 Dk. Blue Volvo S70 T5 "Carlene"- 221k Miles 

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I'd remove and thoroughly clean the battery cables--both the battery end and the terminal end. Make sure the dual ground strap is in good shape, and the battery-to-body ground strap is in place and functioning. Otherwise the not inconsiderable current flow when the starter engages grounds back through the carburetor linkage!

After you've cleaned the terminals, charge the battery and load test it. If the battery tests OK and the starter still doesn't function properly, I'd next check the starter motor for proper operation.

cheers

mike

'69 Nevada sunroof-Wolfgang-bought new
'73 Sahara sunroof-Ludwig-since '78
'91 Brillantrot 318is sunroof-Georg Friederich 
Fiat Topolini (Benito & Luigi), Renault 4CVs (Anatole, Lucky Pierre, Brigette) & Kermit, the Bugeye Sprite

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Well I cleaned the terminals and checked all the ground straps and point, everything there seems to be alright, I dont have a voltmeter so Ive just used a test lamp to ensure voltage is getting to the solenoid and it seems to be getting a bit of juice.

I tried jump starting it and it doesnt make any different, the problem still persists, flick on the key, turn it, hear a double click (like if there was insuficent voltage) and then the ignition dies altogether for a while even when I take out the key and try it again.

Any other suggestions before I take out the starter?

Chur bro

87' Ford Falcon Fairmont Ghia

78' Triumph 2500s

89' Nissan 300zxtt

74' BMW 2002

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test it (most auto parts stores can do this for you).

Voltage may be right at 12, but with no amps, you're not gonna get anything from the battery. I once had a battery that showed 12 volts across the terminals with a voltmeter, but didn't have enough amps to light the dome light (4 watts) in the car.

It's beginning to sound like a battery...check it as above.

mike

'69 Nevada sunroof-Wolfgang-bought new
'73 Sahara sunroof-Ludwig-since '78
'91 Brillantrot 318is sunroof-Georg Friederich 
Fiat Topolini (Benito & Luigi), Renault 4CVs (Anatole, Lucky Pierre, Brigette) & Kermit, the Bugeye Sprite

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