[ryschlapia]

Hey guys! I have a 2011 BMW 128i, the starter kicks out before the car can start. What can be the causes?

Here’s what I’ve done/looked into already:

• Changed crank sensor
• Tested the battery & starter, both were fine
• Sent off the CAS, DME, and FRM modules, but nothing came back

[No one]

Ignition: spark plugs, the coils. Injection. Fuel supply. Ever changed the engine air filter?

[ryschlapia]

No one the car runs just fine as far as idling, running, and accelerating goes. Fluids and filters are changed regularly. I have no reason to think something is wrong with spark or fuel since it runs fine, just the problem with the starter disengaging before the car can start

[No one]

Originally Posted by ryschlapia

No one the car runs just fine as far as idling, running, and accelerating goes. Fluids and filters are changed regularly. I have no reason to think something is wrong with spark or fuel since it runs fine, just the problem with the starter disengaging before the car can start

How do you start it then? Does it take a long attempt or does the starter try only briefly? Does it struggle? Also, someone around here seemed to step off the (brake ) pedal too early. You should also have better support on the model specific forum rather than this non-BMW one.

[ryschlapia]

No one It takes multiple attempts until the starter stays engaged long enough for the car to start. I wouldn’t say the brake pedal part is causing the issue haha. I did end up posting this same text to different forums, including the one specific to my model, just haven’t had any responses on those yet. Thank you!!

[No one]

Originally Posted by ryschlapia

No one It takes multiple attempts until the starter stays engaged long enough for the car to start. I wouldn’t say the brake pedal part is causing the issue haha.

If it's really the brake pedal, I would have a wild guess the automatic transmission might provide some extra resistance to the starter. I prefer to declutch.

[DrVenture]

I would suspect a weak starter solenoid, despite testing okay.
Or chafed wiring or rodent chewed wiring.

[ryschlapia]

DrVenture that’s what I’m thinking... Thank you for the reply!

[No one]

Regarding wiring. I had a rotten starter ground cable recently. The car would still start at first try, just unconfidently. It also started shooting warnings of a (critically) low battery. And then the starter failed to get engaged at all. The battery was fine (no warnings) and a battery jump starter didn't help.