auctionjunky

2007 BMW 525i won't start when you push the button, unless you do it about 50 times.. sometimes it has to be jumped. The battery has a little more than 12.6 volts before starting and a little over 14 volts with all accessories on, including AC.

At first, if you step on the brakes, just a couple of the instrument cluster lights will come on, but the radio won't turn on, or the ac, or even the idrive. As you keep pushing the start button, usually, more and more instrument cluster lights will come on, the idrive will come on, 3 or 4 pushes later, the ac will come on... 5 or 6 pushes later, the headlights will come on... eventually, the vehicle will start, and ususally, everything will be fine, although, sometimes, there will be a check engine light (rare) or a transmission error code. If i clear the codes, they won't come on, even on a 200 mile trip; The codes come on occasionally, when the vehicle has a tough time starting. The alternator and battery seem to be fine, because the vehicle always eventually turns over under its own power and remains on with all accessories working. I tried disconnecting the intelligent voltage supple cable in the trunk, i checked for moisture at the bottom of the spare tire department, and I checked the red power cable with the safety recall... I cleaned the battery terminals...

I've done a lot of research and called the BMW dealership, they say it doesn't have an IVM / ISM (integrated voltage/supply module) ...If it doesn't have one, what would cause this issue? Starter relay or starter? I asked the stealership about the color or location of the starter relay, they told me they don't have that info for this car... unbelievable ...lol ... NO WAY i'm taking this to the stealership ... forget it!

Any feedback would be much appreciated... thanks

auctionjunky

is there anybody out there.. out there.. out there.. out there?

KyleB

I wish I could help you with your problem, sounds like you have a complex electrical system fault that may be hard to diagnose over the internet. The only thing I can confirm is that your 525i does NOT have an IVM, your dealer was correct when they told you that.

good luck, I'm stumped.

seanjordan20

It does seem like you have an electrical issue. Have you tested the alternator and battery. I had a starter issue for two months before it finally gave out on me. Multiple things would happen while it was going out. I did not know what was going on with my car but I narrowed it down to the ignition switch and starter. I bought a switch and a starter rebuild kit. Once the starter finally went out I knew what it was so I rebuilt the starter and returned the switch. These cars can have the same issue but multiple solutions to fix the one issue. You have to do process of elimination and use a voltage meter to make sure you're eliminating correctly. I'm sorry I could not help you any more. I hope it helped a little.

DanielFD

sounds like a short somewhere. to be honest wont be easy to figure this out. I dont know much about relay locations in E60s yet but it does sound like a sticking relay(s) or fuse box..

auctionjunky

thank you, everyone. the battery has slightly over 12.5 volts in the off position.. with the vehicle on, 14.08 volts with all accessories on ... all i want to know is where the starter relay (or equivalent) is located... or might a bad starter solenoid or ground cause these same symptoms? if so, where is the ground?

really appreciate the input

jtbgonesailing

Here's a handy link to help get you up to speed on e60s. So I just bought an e60...

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/att...0&d=1467669308

Good luck!