Hi Guys

I'm newbie here with a small problem so I hope. I have 520i SE drove it today fine but went to start it this evening and key turns but it does not start, my dashboard lights come on but wont switch off on the key. I tried turning steering wheel and it's not locked but there is small clicking noise. Help please!!!!!!!!

how does the headlight or interior lighting reacts (stays bright, dim heavily, or dim slightly) when you turn  the key to start engine position?

if the light stay bright but doesn't crank, most probably the current is not getting to the starting motor.

no cranking but lights dim heavily, you must recharge or replace a discharged battery.

no cranking and lights dim slightly- the drive pinion may not be engaging with the ring gear. if the starting-motor armature spins, then the overrunning clutch is slipping. also, there may be high resistance or an open circuit in the starting motor.

goodluck


_________________
W I N D Z
" Once is enough, Twice is too much, Thrice is a disaster. "

www.M-BenzForum.com

Well only way I could switch the dashboard lights is when I removed ignition switch and swithed it of directly on the ingnition switch. However i was hopping also to start ignition on the ignition switch but still no luck, lights don't dim or flicker they seem to be behaving normal.
I wonder if anybody else had similar problem and what can be the solution.
Also could ignition barrel be at fault?

could be an open circuit for the starting system or the grounding


_________________
W I N D Z
" Once is enough, Twice is too much, Thrice is a disaster. "

www.M-BenzForum.com

Thanks Windz but, how can I sort that problem out if it is what you say? I 'm not in posession of manual and altough I have had my BMW for couple of years and it's served me well I'm still not very good with mechanical side. Also removed ignition barrel this evening and another part which seems to be broken fell out of ignition lock. Once again thanks and appologise for my persistance but I'm lost without my car.