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      05-16-2019, 11:03 AM   #1
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longer crank start

Hi All,

My 2012 X3 35i (99k miles) is taking longer to start, i hit the start button and it takes about 4-5 cranks at times to start. Is it the starter? or something else? maybe run a fuel injector cleaner or something?

Thanks
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      05-16-2019, 01:41 PM   #2
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If its cranking and sounds normal it is not the starter.

Check spark plugs and look for any boost/air leaks.

Some fuel injector cleaner probably would not hurt.
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      05-16-2019, 03:30 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheCoolX3 View Post
If its cranking and sounds normal it is not the starter.

Check spark plugs and look for any boost/air leaks.

Some fuel injector cleaner probably would not hurt.
i replaced spark plugs last year so they should be fine, i will check for boost/air leaks..and will buy fuel injector cleaner, any recommendation on which one is good?
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      05-16-2019, 05:51 PM   #4
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check battery (maybe weak cca). how old is battery? recharge battery with ctek charger.
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      05-16-2019, 07:14 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335twins View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheCoolX3 View Post
If its cranking and sounds normal it is not the starter.

Check spark plugs and look for any boost/air leaks.

Some fuel injector cleaner probably would not hurt.
i replaced spark plugs last year so they should be fine, i will check for boost/air leaks..and will buy fuel injector cleaner, any recommendation on which one is good?
Anything I can't find in Liqui Moly I use STP. Really doesn't matter that much, they all do the same.

Battery is also a good thing to check.
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      05-17-2019, 05:00 PM   #6
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cranks slow or normal speed?

hot weather in AZ is a battery killer.

if cranks ok then look at the intake valves. power/performance ok? direct injection engines get really bad valve deposits over time.

original coils? spark might be weak. BMW coils don't last more than 100k
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      05-23-2019, 12:26 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ejw2011 View Post
check battery (maybe weak cca). how old is battery? recharge battery with ctek charger.
Battery was replaced 2-3 years ago, but i will definitely check it. How do i check battery? just check the voltage on it? should be 12Volts?
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      05-23-2019, 12:28 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast4d View Post
cranks slow or normal speed?

hot weather in AZ is a battery killer.

if cranks ok then look at the intake valves. power/performance ok? direct injection engines get really bad valve deposits over time.

original coils? spark might be weak. BMW coils don't last more than 100k
it cranks a bit slow, especially in the morning.. performance seems ok. After driving it for a bit it seem to get better, take 2-3 cranks to start, in the morning its like 4-5..
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      05-23-2019, 08:12 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335twins View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ejw2011 View Post
check battery (maybe weak cca). how old is battery? recharge battery with ctek charger.
Battery was replaced 2-3 years ago, but i will definitely check it. How do i check battery? just check the voltage on it? should be 12Volts?
Should be around 13+ volts. You can check with digital multi meter or by using the 'hidden menu' that can be accessed/displayed in the instrument cluster- videos on YouTube explains how to access the menu.
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      05-23-2019, 09:57 AM   #10
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I would check the fuel pressure first. I "think" it should be around 75 psi, but I would first check the value first - maybe the New TIS has it, or someone can post it. If it's lower, say in the 30-40 psi range, then it could be a fuel pump issue. If your car is boosted, you have 2 fuel pumps - the HPFP and the low pressure one.
If all checks OK, check the cam sensors - when these start to go, you might experience same issue. As mentioned battery check see if it holds charge (turn vehicle off, turn on the headlights and leave them on for 5-10 min, then turn them off, wait a few minutes and check battery voltage).
If your car is not boosted, check the MAF as well.
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      05-23-2019, 12:03 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wgosma View Post
Should be around 13+ volts. You can check with digital multi meter or by using the 'hidden menu' that can be accessed/displayed in the instrument cluster- videos on YouTube explains how to access the menu.
Cool, i will check tonight, thanks.
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      05-23-2019, 12:04 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doru View Post
I would check the fuel pressure first. I "think" it should be around 75 psi, but I would first check the value first - maybe the New TIS has it, or someone can post it. If it's lower, say in the 30-40 psi range, then it could be a fuel pump issue. If your car is boosted, you have 2 fuel pumps - the HPFP and the low pressure one.
If all checks OK, check the cam sensors - when these start to go, you might experience same issue. As mentioned battery check see if it holds charge (turn vehicle off, turn on the headlights and leave them on for 5-10 min, then turn them off, wait a few minutes and check battery voltage).
If your car is not boosted, check the MAF as well.
How would i go about checking PSI on the fuel pump? the car is boosted, its the N55 engine, but all stock.
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      05-23-2019, 01:49 PM   #13
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There should be a Schrader valve on the fuel rail. Looks almost like tire valve, just hook up a pressure gauge to it.
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      05-23-2019, 02:03 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doru View Post
There should be a Schrader valve on the fuel rail. Looks almost like tire valve, just hook up a pressure gauge to it.
got it, thank you.
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      05-23-2019, 05:52 PM   #15
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Cool, i will check tonight, thanks.
Hidden menu: (any F-series)
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      05-24-2019, 12:40 PM   #16
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Hidden menu: (any F-series)
fantastic, thank you so much..
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      05-24-2019, 07:55 PM   #17
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I checked the voltage and it shows 11.8v, is this too low? do i need a new battery?
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      05-24-2019, 08:14 PM   #18
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Quote:
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I checked the voltage and it shows 11.8v, is this too low? do i need a new battery?
Battery or alternator charging issue. I'm seeing 14.2V...1 year old battery in my car.

Auto shop can load test the electrical system and advise if battery is at fault and/or other issue. Battery generally lasts about 5-6 years at most.
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      05-24-2019, 08:27 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wgosma View Post
Battery or alternator charging issue. I'm seeing 14.2V...1 year old battery in my car.

Auto shop can load test the electrical system and advise if battery is at fault and/or other issue. Battery generally lasts about 5-6 years at most.
I think i had BMW replace the battery about 5 yrs ago.. BMWs have battery in the trunk so that helps alot..
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      05-24-2019, 09:21 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335twins View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wgosma View Post
Battery or alternator charging issue. I'm seeing 14.2V...1 year old battery in my car.

Auto shop can load test the electrical system and advise if battery is at fault and/or other issue. Battery generally lasts about 5-6 years at most.
I think i had BMW replace the battery about 5 yrs ago.. BMWs have battery in the trunk so that helps alot..
I bet that battery is at end of its life.
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      05-28-2019, 11:11 AM   #21
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I bet that battery is at end of its life.
I just checked and it was replaced in 2014.. here we go another $350 for new battery
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      05-28-2019, 11:17 AM   #22
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I had Pep Boys install AGM battery- $215 out the door and they registered (coded) it. (Original BMW battery in car was traditional lead acid).

I'd avoid the Dealer on item like this, too costly and there are only a handful of battery manufacturers, BMW obviously buys from one of these companies on private label basis
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