Help required!

[Phil Chambers]

Hi everyone
Apologies if this is not posted in correct forum - if so please advise and my apologies again if so.
I have been absent from site for some time due to having to sell my last Z. However, I am now the proud owner of a slinky black 1.9 roadster - I attach a couple of photos and will post some more on the photo section of the site.
I wasnt using the car so it was sat on drive and I would start it evry now and again - always started first time every time. This was for around 6 months. Literally, I would turn key and she would fire up and run at idle wonderfully.
However... I had moved car to take the photos having given her a clean. I went to move car back and whilst the starter engaged and egie turned, it wouldnt fire at all. I didnt think much of it, but that was weeks ago and despite having removed battery and fully recharged, she simply will not start. I assumed a fuse issue so checked those and all ok. I couldnt find any other electrical issue so was confused. I have a OBD reader so attached the round 20/16 pin connector to the reader but the reader would will not light up and show any sign of getting power through. I have attached the reader without the connector to another car and that works fine. I have checked the pins on the OBD scoket and there is power there so why it is not turning on the reader is a mystery to me. As regards the engine, it is as if the immobiliser has engaged although do not understand why that would have happened.
I am our of work at the moment so money is extremely tight. I thought of buying another 20/16 pin connector but that has no visible damage and it keeps nagging at me that the engine will not fire up so possibly there is link here?
Has anyone come across such issues before and if so provide me with guidance. Failing which can you recommend where I am best placed to start investigating/testing?
Many, many thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Cheers, Phil.

 

[Zephyr]

Hi Phil,
do you have a remote key?
does it unlock and lock with it as it should?
tried with another key?
is the battery over 12.5 volts?
do window go up and down?
does the car “click” when you try to start it?

 

[Shelly]

 

[Phil Chambers]

Hi, many many thank for taking the time to respond. To answer your questions:

1.Do you have the remote key? Yes, it is the original BMW fob and all works as it should once reset after battery charged and re-fitted. That is, it locks and unlocks doors, the emergency button sets the alarm off.
2. Tried with another key. I only have one key.
3. Is the battery over 12.5 volts? Have fully charged battery so should be tip top as quite new and no issues before this.
4. Do window go up and down? Yes.
5, Does car click when I try to start it? I think you are referring to the old solenoid/starter motor click? It does more than that, the engine turns over just fine - spins really quick and clearly plenty of punch from the battery. Simply doest fire. LIterally as if the HT leads/sparek plugs removed as no spark, not even an attempt to fire. Just spins and spins.

I have today ordered a new 20/16 pin adapter. I cant think there is anything wrong with the oneI have, certainlyno visible damage, but I figured for the sake of a tenner it was worth getting a new one and seeing if I can get anything from the OBD port.

Again, I am really grateful for you help with this. I hope my responses assist you and I very much look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers,
Phil.

 

[johnc46]

Hi Phil, where do you live, someone local may be able to help.

 

[Zephyr]

When you turn the ignition on, does your dash do anything?
apart from the digital miles and the airbag light, is there any other sign of life?
btw, do you have fuel in the lines? Is the pump ok?

of all these are ok, maybe try an ews bypass?

 

[Oddly Godly]

When you plug the code reader in have you turned the ignition on. My reader needs the ignition to be on. It could be something as simple as a camshaft sensor but you really need the codes. Also have you tried the port inside your car in the drivers footwear if fitted. It doesn't read all the modules but might work on the engine modules

 

[t-tony]

The 16 pin OBD connector under the dash only reads Engine and Auto G/box modules, nothing else.

Tony.

ps. Try removing the air filter and spray some carb. cleaner or brake cleaner into the intake and crank the engine. If it tries to start then you have a fuel issue.

 

[Zephyr]

The connector under the dash can read most of the codes when you bridge the round one.
just connect these two pins and try

 

[Zephyr]

Try removing the air filter and spray some carb. cleaner or brake cleaner into the intake and crank the engine. If it tries to start then you have a fuel issue.

Solid advice.

 

[Phil Chambers]

Firsty:
- My SINCERE apologies for having not responded sooner. I am EXTREMELY grateful for the time you have all taken to respond but unofrtunately we have been at hospital with family member and all a bit rubbish so car last thing on my mind. Now resolved, not well, ut resolved so can now deal with these messages.
- I am desperate to get car fixed as we are without money and now without car so any guidance any of you can give would ve very very gratefully received.
- I have used the new 20/16 pin connector and unsurprisingly it has not made any difference. It simply does not power up at all. I havent checked all pins but there is a live feed, I know that much.

 

[Phil Chambers]

Hi Phil, where do you live, someone local may be able to help.

Hi

We are in Wolverhampton, just off M6.

 

[Phil Chambers]

When you turn the ignition on, does your dash do anything?
apart from the digital miles and the airbag light, is there any other sign of life?
btw, do you have fuel in the lines? Is the pump ok?

of all these are ok, maybe try an ews bypass?

- When I turn on key the dash all lights up as it should. All electics work, even the power sunroof. All lights on dash come on and go off as they should. Car literally appears perfect save for just not firing up. It starts, it turns over, just no fire. I would have though obviously no fuel or spark save for the OBD issue which makes me think that there is something else going on.
- There is fuel in tank but as yet unsure if it is getting through. Tomorrow I m to find a fuel line/pipe under bonnet and turn over engine ans see if fuel spurts out.

 

[Phil Chambers]

The 16 pin OBD connector under the dash only reads Engine and Auto G/box modules, nothing else.

Tony.

ps. Try removing the air filter and spray some carb. cleaner or brake cleaner into the intake and crank the engine. If it tries to start then you have a fuel issue.

Will try this tomorrow Tony thanks as have some brake cleaner in a can to use. Will report back

 

[Phil Chambers]

The connector under the dash can read most of the codes when you bridge the round one.
just connect these two pins and tryView attachment 236809

I have looked and looked for this and in fact got most of under dash trim removed to look for it but simply cants find it. Are they definately fitted to all models?

 

[Zephyr]

So sorry to hear about your troubles. Hope it all goes well.

 

[Duncodin]

I have looked and looked for this and in fact got most of under dash trim removed to look for it but simply cants find it. Are they definately fitted to all models?

Your's is an 'R' reg? Mine's not as old as your's. A 'T' (1999). Mine does not have the under dash connector. There's a little plastic blanking cover where the connector could be but there's no connector.

So I'm guessing it's only later cars that have the under dash co.nnector.

 

[IanA]

Hi Phil- if the car starts but will not run, disconnect the MAF sensor on the air intake between the filter body and the throttle body. I've had this happen a few times. The car will run OK on a default mixture map but may not pass an MOT emissions test.

 

[Phil Chambers]

Been fiddling today.
Have removed air filter box and tried starting whilst spraying brake cleaner, didnt fire.
Have removed a spark plug and turned over - no spark/arc between plug and ground.
Simply appears that for unknown reasons, the engine is not being told to fire.
The OBD port remains out of action. Port 18 shows live so there is power but it will not fire any up any reader when attached.
I am at a loss.
Any other suggestions guys? I rarely pay a specialist to look at car and simply cant afford to at moment as now out of work so desperate for any help. If nothing else, she is such a bloody lovely car that we are both desperate to just drive her.
Many thanks
Phil.

 

[colb]

Been having a private conversation with Phil today after he reached out for ideas, been away last 10days and now holed up at home with a dose of Covid so just caught up now with his posts and the replies so far.
Since his car is R reg I am wondering if his scanner has ever worked on his car as its pre OBD2 and not all scanners will connect. I would be trying BMW INPA plugged into it and see if that connects. If it connects with INPA that would allow access to view the state of the key and the EWS. The absence of a spark would point me in that direction and that of the transponder aerial around the key barrel, if they have gone bad the EWS is not going to release the ignition hence no start. INPA should allow the key and ESW functions to be viewed as to their staus and operation. Phils a bit far away from me to give INPA a try so is anyone nearer the Wolverhampton area that could give it a go?