What to Do When a BMW 5 Series Won't Start?
2 Answers
When a BMW 5 Series won't start, it is usually due to the steering wheel lock not being reset. In this case, try turning the steering wheel to see if it is locked. If the steering wheel doesn't lock, it may be damaged and require replacement of the steering wheel lock, or the car may not have been parked in the P (Park) position. Additionally, if the car won't start with the key, consider the following possibilities: 1. Check if the battery has reached the end of its lifespan or if it has been drained due to leaving the lights on for an extended period. 2. Inspect whether there is fuel in the tank or if the fuel contains impurities. 3. Ensure that antifreeze has been added during cold weather. 4. For cars with a push-button start, the smart key may sometimes have a low battery.
Last month, my old 5 Series had the same issue, which made me stomp my feet in frustration. BMWs can be quite finicky—failure to start usually boils down to a few common culprits: The most frequent is an aging battery, especially in models with auto start-stop systems where batteries often need replacement every 2-3 years. Another possibility is a stuck starter motor; sometimes tapping the motor cover a couple of times can provide a temporary fix. If the fuel pump fails, you might hear a buzzing sound under the rear seats but the engine won’t start. Then there’s the simple mistake of a dead key fob—just try the spare key to check. The most troublesome scenario is a crashed engine control unit (ECU), which requires disconnecting the battery’s negative terminal for 5 minutes to reset. If jump-starting doesn’t work, call BMW Roadside Assistance immediately—they’ll bring a diagnostic tool to pinpoint the exact gremlin.
