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Vehicle Fails to Start - No Cranking Action


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I attempted to start my 2011 E91 320d N47 at my mother-in-law's residence last night. The dashboard lights were functional; however, when pressing the start button, there was no response. I did not see any clicking sound, just weak, typical sounds emanating from behind the dashboard, but nothing more occurred.
She drove home in her Vauxhall Agila.


Returning this morning with the spare key, the code reader, and other tools.

It is at this moment that one reflects on the preceding 2 to 3 weeks, recalling that on two occasions the device failed to activate. Initially, it was attributed to insufficient key insertion, since reinserting the key resulted in successful ignition. However, this time, it did not start at all.

The battery is functioning properly; nevertheless, I will inspect the positive lines at their departure from the boot and ensure the battery box is dry, as well as scan for diagnostic codes.

Is there anything further I should attempt while I am there before I provide the codes?

Greetings, team!

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Ground strap for the nearside engine mount bracket to the chassis.
Instruct your assistance to begin the process while you monitor the voltage at the starting solenoid; it may just be a defective starter. I have had many N47 engines failing unexpectedly in the past.

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Accessing the solenoid wire in the E-box is possible without removing the undertray; however, I cannot recall the specific plug required. It is located inside the harness that connects to the gearbox, which is all I can remember.

Unless it is an early model engine, which has a plug connected to the DPF sensors that extends to the starter.

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Well it's home!

Did it all wrong by not attempting it again first - instead I plugged the booster pack up under the hood and attempted a start with the spare key and it started right up


I will examine the earth connections and the battery box today to identify any apparent issues and will provide an update.

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The brushes in the starting motor may be completely worn if it is the original component. My M47 failed to start one day after returning from a store. Disassembled the starter, leaving just the braided brush wires. No previous notice of non-initiation. Had I attended to it a little sooner, replacement brushes would have sufficed; but, the wires had somewhat damaged the commutator, necessitating the complete replacement of the starter with a new Bosch unit, acquired at an excellent price from an eBay vendor.

When the AA arrived to aid with my inability to start the vehicle, I had difficulties in bump-starting my car using a tow, as I pressed the clutch and repeatedly activated the start button in an attempt to ignite the engine. Unless I was mistaken, the vehicle would not initiate merely by towing, compressing the clutch, pushing the start button, and thereafter releasing the clutch, if you get my meaning.

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