I have an 05 530i (same engine) and had to diagnose a similar no-start issue earlier this year. There is a way to reach starter solonoid terminal without having to remove anything - I am not near my car, but if I remember correctly, you have to stand on the driver's side, reach over the fender and reach deep down into the top of the transmission housing which is close to where the starter is attached to. You can then get a volt meter/multi-tester and place one lead the starter solonoid terminal and ground the other tester lead and have someone turn the key to the start position and see voltage is being sent to the solonoid. When I was diagnosing my no-start, I did see voltage at the starter when the key was turned and was therefore a bad starter.

 

It was the starter. It has been replaced and now my car is back up and running. I learned much about my car with everyone's help, thank you.

 

, threads like these are very informative. Not only did you learn in the process, if someone runs into a similar issue they can trouble shoot like you did and rule out what it could be.

 

good deal, glad to know it all worked out. cheap solution for u