Expert: Don Berlan - 8/7/2006

Question
I just bought the 1985 bmw 535i.  It started fine until 2 days ago.  Now it doesn't start at all...no clicks, nothing.  The battery is fine and it starts by popping the clutch.  Is it the solednoid/starter or is there somekind of fuse or relay which may have gone bad?  I was able to hear a spinning by shorting the solenoid pos to ground, but the starter didn't engage.

Answer
Where you have first bought the car this will be your first investment.I think what your going to need is a starter.You say if you pop it will start so that is where I would start to look,at the starter circuit.You can check the voltage at the solenoid wire(the small one)when you turn the key if voltage is present when you go to start the car the starter solenoid probably is bad.Being this day and time the starter comes as a complete unit with the solenoid so that is what you would replace,unless you have someone that can rebuild the starter..cheaper to buy one already rebuilt.Call Bavarian Autosports 1-800-535-2002 they can help you get one for about $215.00 plus shipping.