Fintro11

had this happen to me the wire that goes between the solenoid and the starter it had been ripped

Yarf

No spark information.
http://www.clarks-garage.com/pdf-manual/ign-04.pdf

Dogberri

Alright well still no spark. I tested the DME relay according to clark and it's "good", i get omhs resistance on the reference sensor but not the speed sensor, and when i try to check the volts on the DME plug, i dont get volts on either the speed or the reference. i get no tach bounce when cranking it over. could the ignition switch be the issue? it still sometimes doesn't turn over but then it will if i try turning the key again. im really beginning to hate electrical systems. does anyone have a link or a way to test if the DME itself is good? testing output from it? thanks to all so far for the advice

Dogberri

my hanes has the major grounds for an 85.5 and later, are they any different for the early na's? if so where are they all so i can check those too

jharding

No tach bounce when cranking the engine is usually a sign that one of the ref sensors is bad. Have someone crank over the engine while you move the ref sensor wires around a little bit. If the car starts or at least sounds different when cranking then you found the most likely culprit.

Dogberri

that'll be my next target after i get my new ignition switch in. i've heard the bmw equivalent of the senosors are considerably less $$$, any body have bad experience with any certain brands or know of really good deals?