BMW E36 starter not turning or hard starting
Why does my E36 starter not turn the engine at all?
The most common causes are a weak battery, an oxidised engine ground cable or poor contact in the cables. Battery voltage can look fine even if the ground does not conduct. Also check that the starter is not loose. An immobiliser-related fault is diagnosed with a diagnostic tool at a workshop.
What causes the E36 starter to click, rattle or stick?
Clicking can be caused by the battery, a contact fault or the starter solenoid; the solenoid contacts and wires are worth cleaning. A rattling noise suggests the gear (bendix) is not moving properly onto the flywheel ring gear. If the bendix sticks, the starter is removed and cleaned, or replaced.
Why does my E36 crank but not start, or start poorly?
The cause is often on the fuel side: the pump fuse, the relay or the pump check valve, which lets the pressure drop while the car stands. The crankshaft position sensor can also prevent starting without a fault code. Keeping the ignition on for a moment before starting helps the pressure build up.