ok, so there is a uber-cheap 320i on CL locally. Owner said he got it as a resto project but hasn't tried to get the engine to run due to a certain problem. I'm gonna copy our email chain here - anyone have any idea what he's talking about? Sounds like a flasher relay to me, lol....
He said and showed me this silver part (looked like a cylinder about 2 inches long) that was connected to a couple of wires under the dashboard and said i needed to replace that and put a battery in it. Then it would start right up, but i do not know the validity of his suggestion. So i am selling it before i got a chance to look at it for 450. I need it gone asap though, im taking up all the room on my driveway. What are you thinking?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:17:27 -0600
From: irish44j@verizon.net
To: rtcustomz
Subject: Re: RE: BMW 320
ok, well I'll look around and see if I can find out what could cause the problem (bad ignition?), and let you know if I can come see it. If I can't make it this weekend, still would like to see some pics of it after the snow ends..
Feb 3, 2010 03:13:15 PM, rtcustomz.com wrote:
I got it not running, in restoration mode. But the previous owner syas it would start right up with the w,e he said.. Idk if it was the relay. But it was something in the cabin of the car under the dash.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:10:50 -0600
From: irish44j@verizon.net
Subject: Re: RE: BMW 320
I'm in Northern Va. I would probably come see it, and if it fits my purposes pay you for it and get the title, and come pick it up over the weekend or after the snow. It will mostly depend on if I can get the engine to fire up, honestly. Did you drive this car previously/recently...or was it a restoration non-runner?
Feb 3, 2010 03:06:38 PM, rtcustomzcom wrote:
that sounds fine, but no promises. I would reccomend to bring a dolly if you wanted to purchase it and bring it home though. Let me know closer to that date and i will send you my address. Where are you located?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:04:11 -0600
From: irish44j@verizon.net
To:
Subject: Re: RE: BMW 320
cool, well weather dependent would it be possible to come check it out on friday maybe (and try to jump start it, if you don't mind)?
:
-----
Yes i have the tittle, it is a 5 spd i think, no other issues with it, yes i have the tittle and i dont knowm i havent tried to start it like that..
Np,
Ron
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:53:29 -0600
From: irish44j@verizon.net
To:
Subject: BMW 320
Hey there, just came across your ad on CL and was hoping you can provide a few more details, if possible. I'm definitely interested in the car.
1. since its just a bad starter relay, can the starter be jumped to start the engine - I'd obviously like to hear it run.
2. 4-speed manual or 3-speed auto?
3. any other issues with the car (transmission, diff, rust, etc?)
4. title in hand?
Cylinder, about two inches long with a bunch of wires? He's not talking about the steering lock/switch, is he?
yeah, I thought about that too - but how would that keep the engine from starting? Is it a combination steering lock/ignition switch?
I'm thinking I take the Red Top currently in the GT6 with me for fresh cranking juice, and then try to hotwire the car if it's a bad ignition...hmm..
It's a combination lock/switch if it's still the original. It might be that it's gone bad or there is no key? Hotwiring is probably the way to go if it's something like that.
Pity that he couldn't send you a photograph. I can't think of anything else that it could be. Relays in that circuit don't make much sense as the solenoid on the starter is taking care of that (unless the solenoid is triggered by a relay).
In reply to BoxheadTim:
yeah,....his CL post says the starter solenoid is bad, but I would think that would be under the hood, so who knows. It's listed at $450 and sounds like he wants it gone bad...but I don't want a car that will need a new engine, so gotta know if it will turn over/start at very least. I'm sure the fuel in it is crap too...
Maybe I just offer him 250, take it, and worst case just re-sell it later if the engine is no good.
what would be involved in a hotwire of that car - wire colors to touch together?
that woudlnt' keep the engine from starting though....
schematic
Is it an automatic or manual? Looks like seatbelt just makes a buzzer go off. There was a seatbelt/starter interlock on '74 BMW's I think.
I think this is what you want to look at: http://www.e21bmw.net/tech/320wiring/index.php
They've got an engine wiring diagram for a '77. Looks like it does have a starter relay (presumably the solenoid) and that would certainly be about 2" long or longer.
In reply to BoxheadTim:
thanks. well, if this snow ever ends around here I may go look at it...a bit of a hike from where I am. I also posted the CL ad in the 2010 classifieds here, in case someone out there REALLY wants to go check it out. At the super-low price could be a LeMons car...sadly I do not have time to correctly prep a vehicle for that this summer.
link
Solenoid should be attached to the starter.
Definitely try fastening the driver's seatbelt on any mid 70's car that won't start. Damn interlocks...
I thought this was going to be about the 320i I passed on hiway 1 while looking for the GRM offices about 2 weeks ago....I think it was outside of St. Augustine. Man, for $250 does it really matter all that much if it's not a runner? I mean, isn't rust supposed to be a bigger issue with early 3s?
My 83 320i was an attempted theft victim. The column switch was completely disabled. BMW broke the column bolts off at the factory to prevent theft. It also made it a nasty job to replace the ignition switch.
So, for $7, I bought a generic aftermarket ignition switch and wired it up instead. According to my ancient 320i web site (offline for years but still saved on my hard drive), the wiring was:
Hot (12v) = red
Accessory = purple
Run = green
Start = black
This was on my 83. I can't say with certainty if a 77 is the same, but comparing my info with the wiring diagrams already posted should make it work. You can probably figure out how to connect wires and hotwire it from there, too. 
