My 2002 BMW 540i Won 039 t Start

1. Turn the key to the On position but do not start the car. Turn on the headlights or interior lights. If they are not operating, the battery may be the culprit. Open the hood of the 540i and check the connections to the battery. Wiggle them to make sure that they are making good contact with the battery. Look for any corrosion or debris that may be making it hard to get a good connection. If there is no corrosion and the connection is tight, then the battery may need recharging or replacement.
2. Listen for unusual sounds when you try to start the car. No sounds indicates a problem with the ignition. If you hear a clicking sound, the starter is faulty. If the car starts for a moment then shuts off, you may hear a knocking noise. This can be from a faulty fuel injector or the individual components of the system, such as the fuel filter, fuel pump or hoses.
3. Check the fluid levels in your BMW. Little or no fluid can cause your engine to seize up and not be able to start. It can also cause more severe engine damage if it goes on for too long. Checking your fluids can also alert you to any leaks within the engine. Some drivers have reported leaks in the cooling system that can cause overheating problems. There have also been reports of power steering hoses failing and leaking. By checking your coolant and power steering fluid, you can diagnose if they are the problem.
4. Add gas to your tank. Although the BMW 540i has a gas gauge that indicates the fuel level, in some cases the gauge may be faulty. After adding fuel, attempt to start the car again.
5. Note any smells that may be coming from the engine. When your engine was still running, you may have noticed odors, such as a burning or oil smell. This would indicate that the engine is leaking, and fluid is burning off in the engine. Some owners on Repair Pal have reported complaints with the 540i that the valve cover, intake manifold and PCV plate leak oil after 60,000 miles.