Good Afternoon All,

I went to start my 4.4 V8 this morning and it wouldn't start. The keys are going in and turning the steering lock off and the starter motor is firing and 'sort of' jamming on but just not starting the car. It's not a battery issue and after speaking with a mechanic on the phone he thinks perhaps immobilisor, but I'm not convinced as I've tried both keys

Any ideas? I've never had any issues before in the 18 months I've had the car and the car worked perfectly when I last used it on Thursday during a 40 mile run. Now: BMW 640d M Sport, Alpine White
Gone: Range Rover 4.4 V8 Vogue, Zambezi Silver, Charcoal Oxford Leather
Also: Mk1 Audi TT 1.8T Quattro, Brilliant Black
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If you are hearing the starter clunking but not turning, it's very likely the starter is at fault. There are two actions it performs, firstly, it has a sliding solenoid, that flicks in the drive cog, and then a pair of contacts are engaged at the end of that action, to then spin the motor. If these are not in GOOD connection, or the motor has failed then it won't turn the engine. Releasing the key, 'uncluncks' the solenoid. If you can see the motor from underneath. The old way of proving this was to use a block of wood and a hammer to thump the motor to jog it a little and make the connection, to prove the fault, and get you temporary moving.

Thanks for your response. The starter sounds very strong and is definitely not struggling or clunking. Now: BMW 640d M Sport, Alpine White
Gone: Range Rover 4.4 V8 Vogue, Zambezi Silver, Charcoal Oxford Leather
Also: Mk1 Audi TT 1.8T Quattro, Brilliant Black
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Click image to enlarge

So you hear no clunk or spinning sound? The clunk would only be the metallic action of the solenoid. To me if the starter is doing something, it is past the immobiliser. If you look under bonnet, does the fan spin at all, I mean just a tiny bit?

I 'think' I've narrowed it down to a fuel filter/fuel pump issue but it's one for Saturday now... Now: BMW 640d M Sport, Alpine White
Gone: Range Rover 4.4 V8 Vogue, Zambezi Silver, Charcoal Oxford Leather
Also: Mk1 Audi TT 1.8T Quattro, Brilliant Black
[URL=]

Click image to enlarge

i had the in-tank fuel pump give up on me, spinning over, but no fire. easy test, remove engine cover, and put on ignition. there should be a small air valve shraeder on the left front of stainless fuel rail. if you press it with a small screwdriver, fuel should spurt out properly, and continue to do so. (into a big cloth above) if its not you need to look up the wiki, fuel pump change. could be just the relay in the boot on the right on the fuseboard. switch it around. you can buty a pump for about £45 pattern part. its a bity of a job, but its do-able. I proved mine by probing the fuel pump block connectors for voltage. (12v and earth) (under rear seat.) you can also prove it, by spraying in some easy start to the air filter. a three second spray should give it enough to fire.

I thought before you had no engine turn over.

or you could try some 'start- ya- b@stard'!

FYI for anyone experiencing similar - it turned out to be the fuel pump, after replacement with a new one all is working well. Now: BMW 640d M Sport, Alpine White
Gone: Range Rover 4.4 V8 Vogue, Zambezi Silver, Charcoal Oxford Leather
Also: Mk1 Audi TT 1.8T Quattro, Brilliant Black
[URL=]

Click image to enlarge

Andy

Thanks for posting what the problem was.

I have just had a similar no start issue, in my case the engine will fire but not continue to run - ie it dies after a second or so. For this reason I am also suspecting fuel pump.

Did you have similar symptoms, or in your case did the engine turn over and not fire at all?

Cheers

Jerry

if you read above the remedy re fuel pressure, get someone in the know to assist you,. try that method, or you could just spay easy start into the MAF area after starting to see if it continues to run, on a jet of easy start etc. meaning you have not enough fuel through the injectors, perhaps fuel pump. -they are dear for the whole assembly, or you can change just the actual pump motor, for around £60 search threads, and see the fuel pump wiki.