BMW E46 2001 M3 would not start, immobiliser?

This problem came suddenly yesterday. The alarm still works fine and also stereo and panel lights all fine, so i believe the battery is not dead. It just won't even try to start the engine. no motor sound. Everything was perfect before yesterday.

I did some research on the Internet, some people say it might be the immobiliser which needs to be reprogramed by dealer. but it's really expensive as i need to tow my car and pay 70 GBP just for inspective........ anyone please HELP!!!!
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Comments

3 Responses to “BMW E46 2001 M3 would not start, immobiliser?”
  1. Josh T says:
    November 23, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    Just becasue the lights and radio are working doesn’t necessarily mean that the battery is not dead. It takes alot of juice to start a car, especially one as electronically advanced as a BMW. It get someone to give you a jump or take the battery to be test, also it could be the starter itself.

  2. Davey says:
    November 23, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    While the EWS system (aka immobilizer) on your car CAN keep it from starting, this is not a common problem, especially out of the blue. On the other hand, your car is 6 years old and likely has the original battery. Most batteries only last 4 or 5 years. You need to test the battery and the charging system. This should be cheap, maybe even free at a local independent repair facility (one that specializes in BMW, of course).

    Be certain to have a battery conditioner hooked up to the terminals located under the hood (bonnet) before you disconnect the battery terminals in the trunk (boot). This will eliminate the possibility of disturbing the dreaded EWS, or resetting adaptations to engine management programs. Just be careful not to touch the positive lead to any ground source.

    PS: DO NOT JUMP START THIS CAR! The spike could do more harm than good.

  3. george.m says:
    November 23, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    Above answers are correct.,
    Few things to do and check one by one.
    Please borrow another working battery and fit that to start.
    Now check battery and starter terminals whether loose,The starter solenite switch could be faulty or the wire dropped off.
    Are there cats around your house,if there are cats,they might have messed the wires a little.
    If still same problem,U please on the ignition on and it will reset.
    If alarm trggers,use remote to stop it.
    Now try start the car.if you have cranking noise and still couldn,t start.Please close all the doors,hood , trunk and fuel tank lid and now use remote to lock open.
    Did you carry out any new fittings or modifications close to the alarm system.check for loose contact.
    Dont panic.situation can be safed.

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