immobiliser problem please help!!!

Joined
May 2, 2025
Points
1
I’ve recently just bought a z3 1.9 98’ with the m44 engine. got it home and drove it spot on. however the other day i drove it to work and when i finished the car wouldn’t start up, no crank nothing. i rang the aa and they said the starter motor is good but there’s no feed getting to it, he suggested it would be the immobiliser switch but im very confused and don’t know how to fix this issue due to me being new to the car community.
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
When you switch the ignition on are you getting the dash lights lit up?
When you switch ignition on the car reads a code in the key to verify its the correct key this code must match what is held in the cars computer and the EWS module that controls locking and security codes. If the code matches what's held in it, it allows the starter to be released so that when you turn the key to the start position it powers the starter motor. As an added security feature the car gives the transponder in the key what they call a rolling code which must match the next time the key is used. It is not unknown for the synchronization between the key and the EWS /DME car computer to fail which requires it to be resynced. This can be done with BMW software and higher end obd2 scanners to resync the modules.
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Worth updating your user details to show your location, someone near you may be able to offer some assistance.
 

Lee

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
M Power
#ZedShed
Joined
Mar 26, 2014
Points
193
Location
Basingstoke
Model of Z
Z4 Coupe 3.0si
As these systems get older they will start to cause problems. The easiest and cheapest fix is to send off your ECU and have the EWS system, (immobiliser) disabled.

FYI, if the Immobiliser is not activating you wont hear the fuel pump prime and no 12v supply to the injectors. This will also show as a code in the DME when scanned.
 
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