blck530i

So I have a 05 530i and I am rolling right up on 148k miles. For the past year, when I come to start the car, it will randomly give me long cranks but it always ends up starting. These cranks can range from 5 seconds - 10 seconds and they happen in both winter and summer time as well as when starting it cold or starting it hot. These long cranks are seeming to happen much more frequently now. I took the car to the dealer last weekend to diagnosis the problem and they couldn't figure it out or replicate the problem. They did say though that I need a valve cover gasket and alternator belt which I plan on changing in the next couple of days. I changed the spark plugs last year hoping it would fix the problem but it didn't. So I am running out of options and have no idea what it could be. I did a lot of research on forums and found people saying its the fuel pump or the injectors but I couldn't find anyone who followed up with the issue and gave a definite answer. Also one of my mechanic friends said to change the crank sensor. So I am just lost as to what I should do. Any advice would be well appreciated and thanks in advanced!

jdmek998

I had a similar issue. Mine turned out to be a dying battery. Have you had your battery checked?
Crank sensor would cause long cranking as well.

blck530i

I have not checked my battery. I shall check it tomorrow and see. I mean that would be an easy fix that I am okay with haha

handyben

So I suppose you have an M54 engine and not an N52. On the N52 the symptom that you described could be caused by a failing eccentric shaft sensor which is part of the Valvetronic system, however the M54 engine does not have Valvetronic. Just want to make sure you do have M54 engine, otherwise you may want to check this part.

lcc014

I have similar startup issue too, very random and once a while. My car is M54 engine and battery was already replaced, still problem exists. No idea what is happening. Spark plugs were replaced too back in 60k miles. Car just turns to 100k.

KyleB

'05 530i most definitely has M54, so no valvetronic to worry about

zmagnet

Same issue here with 04' 525i.

dovla15

fuel pump check valve

lcc014

Is this just a suggestion or had been diagnosed to be the fuel pump check valve issue ?

Brooklyn88

I have the same issue on my 2004 530i. Every once and awhile it happens, once every 2 weeks or so. I had a new battery put in 6 months ago so I doubt its the battery.