ignition problem

[krkheire]

when i turn the key to start the car, nothings happens, no cranking noise and car doesn't start and the lights on dashboard are not available, but then if i try another time the lights on boardare available and car starts without any problems. i was told that this problem happens in e46 but does any one have any suggestions on what's wrong or what parts i need to change so i can fix the problem. i have to sy that the this have happened less around 15 times i nthe past 5 months, so it's not a regular occuring incident. any help is appreciated

[Jeron]

Sounds like the ignition cylinder to me, since the dash lights dont come on.

15 times in 5 months is a regular occurance in my book.

[krkheire]

where can i get the ignition cylinder and how much is it, any clue?

[Jeron]

I'm just guessing it could be the ign cylinder, I've heard about them going out and it seems like a possible cause of your problem. You should do more research before commiting much money to relacing the cylinder.

I don't know how much. Try junk yard, Pelican, zygmunt, bimmerworld.

I think this is the part # on my 01 330i (32 30 1 095 821) $64 on Pelican

[krkheire]

i've called the dealer, it's $75+tax and registration and license are required

but When i turn the key, it doesn't turn more than it should or doesn't turn freely, so you wouldn't notice anythin wrong except that the car doesn't start, so don't you think that will eliminate the cylinder as a ppossible problem. I'm thinking maybe it's the electrical part that goes into the cylinder since there are no lights on dash when car doesn't strt and the appearance of llights on dash when car starts. let me know what you think and thanks for the replies

[Jeron]

I think replacing the ignition is a big deal in the E46, because of the anti-theft protection designed into the key. If it is the ignition cylinder you will probably have to take it to the dealer.

This problem is probably a good candidate for going to a mechanic and not trying to diagnose or DIY. Have you searched the web for similar problems?

[krkheire]

i went to the dealer today and told one of the cervice guys the problem that i'm encountering. he said that it seems to him that the prob is not with the ignition cylinder but maybe it's problem with the key, saying something like the key is not being recognized. si i ordered a valet key(35$) since i don'tt have a 2nd key and he said to try the new key once the problem occurs and see if that helps. he then said that they can run a diagnostic and see what the prob is if the key doesn't seem to be the problem. he said it might e the ews module that might be bad. for now i'll try the key, if that dosnt work i'll take it to the dealer so they can diagnose it. but i guess from what i heard so far, that this prob needs to be fixed at the dealer, just like jeron recommended.
it's frustrating with these bmw's , they 're a pleasure to drive and very smooth yet they have these little probs thatget on your nerves and your pocket.

[Jeron]

So the service guy is saying that occasionaly your key isn't recognized electronically. That sounds possible, but this is the first time I've heard of it.

[BMWCowboy]

Its prolly the electrical portion of the ignition->not to difficult to replace....If the EWS isnt recognizing the key then it just wont start->>the lights would still turn on

[krkheire]

so i take from what ur saying that the ews either recognizes the key all the time or never recognizes it at all. there is no inbetween.
today for the first time the light came on and didn't start on the 2nd try, it took 3 times to start .

[BMWCowboy]

The EWS will not release the starter if it doesnt recognize the key

[krkheire]

i tried the new valet key today and the prob still occurs and this time the lights do come on and still doesn't start, so i guess i'm going to get the elctrical part of the ignition just like u recommended. i'm also going to take it to an independent bmw shop in charlotte and have them check it out too. thanks

[krkheire]

i found out that i have a code p1397 which is camshaft position sensor for exauhst side, bought the sensor for 77$ and will replace tomorow that should solve the problem. stealership wanted 103 dollars for same senor.

[Jeron]

I've had a camshaft position sensor error before and never bothered to fix it. It has never manifested itself as the problem you described.

In fact it doesn't do anything abnormal it all, no engine light, no indications other than the code in he computer.