BMW 230i Car is hard to start Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(7)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(7)

Car is hard to start Inspection Service

How much does a Car is hard to start Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a BMW 230i Car is hard to start Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2020 BMW 230iL4-2.0L TurboService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2019 BMW 230iL4-2.0L TurboService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2021 BMW 230iL4-2.0L TurboService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2018 BMW 230iL4-2.0L TurboService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2017 BMW 230iL4-2.0L TurboService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
Show example BMW 230i Car is hard to start Inspection prices

A car that is hard to start can be a major inconvenience. While this is usually not a life threatening malfunction, it can make getting around much more difficult. There are a number of issues that will make a car hard to start. Everything from the electrical system to the fuel system to the actual starter itself can be the problem.

Finding the root cause of a hard starting engine can take some investigation. Ignoring a hard starting issue can further damage the vehicle, which will often result in a more expensive repair.

How this system works:

In order to get an engine running, it must be turned at speed so that it starts to suck fuel and air into the cylinders, and then compress and ignite this fuel/air mixture.

The starter motor is an electric motor that turns the engine to get it started. The starter motor has a small pinion gear wheel that engages with a larger gear ring at the rim of the engine flywheel.

The starter motor draws the electric current it needs to run from the battery. The starter needs a heavy current and to avoid sparking a solenoid is used. The ignition switch operates the starter motor. When the ignition is turned on, current is fed to the solenoid and into the starter motor. Once the car engine starts and the key is released, the starter motor turns off.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Bad Starter: Over time starter motors can wear out and start to malfunction. If this is the problem the starter will have to be replaced. If the car turns over, the problem is not the starter. If nothing happens when the key is turned the problem could be the starter, or if the car turns over very slowly and the dash lights dim while it is cranking, the starter could be the culprit.

  • Bad Relay Wiring: The wiring between the battery and starter can become loose or broken which will prevent the starter motor from functioning. The wiring will need to be replaced or repaired.

  • Low or Dead Battery: The starter motor needs voltage from the battery to operate. If the battery is low or failing it may not produce enough current for the starter motor to function. Charging or replacing the batter should resolve this problem.

It is also possible that the battery terminals have become corroded or loose. Cleaning and tightening the terminals and cables is recommended.

  • Failing Solenoid: A failing solenoid is a common issue with the starter system and if the solenoid is going bad, the car will be difficult to start. The starter will need to be inspected to determine if the problem is the starter motor itself or the solenoid. A failing solenoid will need to be replaced.

  • Failing Ignition Switch: Over time an ignition switch can start to fail and one of the most common symptoms is that the car is hard to start. If the ignition switch is hot to the touch this indicates an issue with the ignition switch wiring. A failing ignition switch will eventually stop working completely and will need to be replaced.

  • Defective Fuel Pump: If the engine is not getting enough fuel, it will be hard, if not impossible to start. The fuel pump is responsible for pulling gas from the tank to the injectors and if it is not delivering enough fuel the car will be difficult to start and eventually will not start at all.

  • Fouled Plugs: Spark plugs create the spark which allows the vehicle to burn fuel. Fouled plugs are one of the most common reasons for a hard starting engine. As electrodes wear down, the voltage required to jump the gap to ignite the fuel increases. This can lead to prolonged cranking before the engine will start.

  • Clogged Fuel Filter: A fuel filter that is clogged can make a vehicle very difficult to start. The fuel filter screens out contaminants and can become clogged over time. This will prevent the injectors from getting enough fuel, making the car hard to start.

  • Contaminated Fuel: Fuel that has too much alcohol or water in it will result in a car that is difficult and often impossible to start. Even if it does start, contaminated fuel can do serious damage to the engine. If contaminated fuel is suspected, have the vehicle inspected immediately.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the hard to start issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The starter, battery, connecting wiring and other important components will be inspected by the mechanic. This may include the vehicle's fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, ignition and more. It may be necessary for the mechanic to crank up the car to verify the problem and issue an accurate diagnosis.

How important is this service?

If a car is hard to start, it's indicative of a major condition preventing normal operation and if left unattended it may lead to the car not starting at all. The vehicle should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(7)

Rating Summary
7
0
0
0
0
7
0
0
0
0

Eric

10 years of experience
2 reviews
Eric
10 years of experience
BMW 530i L6-3.0L - Car is hard to start - Surprise, Arizona
Stayed until he figured out the problem.

Peter

43 years of experience
1321 reviews
Peter
43 years of experience
BMW 745i V8-4.4L - Car is hard to start - Peoria, Arizona
GREAT MECHANIC, WE WILL ALWAYS ASK FOR PETER A+A+A+

Joseph

20 years of experience
60 reviews
Joseph
20 years of experience
BMW 330xi L6-3.0L - Car is hard to start - Austin, Texas
He was here early, and did an amazing job!! Will def. be using him again!

Andrew

11 years of experience
349 reviews
Andrew
11 years of experience
BMW 328i L6-3.0L - Car is hard to start Inspection - Glen Burnie, Maryland
Very prompt and knowledgeable.

Excellent Rating

(7)

Rating Summary
7
0
0
0
0
7
0
0
0
0
Number of BMW Car is hard to start Inspection services completed
77+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

The Guide to Legal Car Modifications in South Dakota
ARENA Creative / Shutterstock.com If you live in South Dakota or plan to do so in the near future, you need to be aware of the laws that cover vehicle modifications. Understanding and complying with the following...
How to Replace a Tail Light on SUVs, Vans, and Hatchbacks
Tail lights are vital for safety on the road. Over time, a tail light may burn out and require you to replace a bulb or the whole assembly.
How to Replace an Ignition Lock Cylinder
The ignition lock cylinder is usually at fault if there is an issue with the ignition system. A common sign of failure is a car that won't start.

What does the smart key system Warning Light mean?

The smart key system Warning Light is located on the instrument panel, and is accompanied by an interior buzzer, and sometimes an exterior one. If the light is accompanied by three exterior buzzes, then a door has been opened and...

Coolant leaks inside of car

From the description provided about your Saturn, it appears that the source of your coolant leak is due to a failed heater core. The heater core is similar to a mini radiator and it sits right inside your Saturn’s dashboard....

Please what gear oil is best for my Hyundai sonata 2005.

As you may know, there are a multitude of engine oils on the market all claiming to be the "best" and prolonging the life of your car's engine. One of the main questions you will be asked when changing your...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com