Expert: Josh Fields - 12/1/2005

Question
Hello Josh

I have a BMW 535i 1991. the key turns and continuous "clicks" come from the start or engine, but the engine does not start. the car has electrical power since all the alarm lights become on. is it from spark plugs ? or electrical wire to plugs? or what is it?

sincerely
Amir

Answer
Amir,
 Well, you said when you turn the key, you only hear a "click" from the engine bay, and NOTHING ELSE?

 What I'm trying to understand is:  Is the engine spinning over, and just not starting?  Or is the engine doing nothing like if you had no battery in the car?

 I'm guessing you are talking about the second guess, as you said you heard a "click" and nothing else.

 With that in mind, there could be a few different options.  Either your starter is bad, you battery needs to be recharged, or the starter is not receiving power.  if the engine was spinning over, but failing to start, then it could be your spark plugs, but if the starter is not engaging, it's something like what I said.

 Either way you need to go to a mechanic and have him check the starter.  Bases on what you've told me, I'm 99% sure that the starter has gone bad.

 Hope this helps,
 Josh