Have you ever wondered about the processes that get your BMW’s engine kicking? The ignition system is made up of different components that ignite the combustion chamber to aid the engine’s functions. The starter relay is a component part of the ignition process that helps to get your BMW moving.
However, like every component, this starter relay can begin to develop issues, putting your car at risk of failure. In this guide, we will address the common causes of starter relay issues, how to identify them, and the best measures to resolve them.
Understanding Your BMW’s Starter Relay Functions
The starter relay is an electrical component in your car that is part of the ignition process. When you start your car, you activate the ignition switch which only controls a low-voltage circuit. However, the starter motor (which turns the engine’s crankshaft for combustion) needs a higher voltage to work and this is where the starter relay comes in.
The high voltage for the starter motor is more than the ignition switch can handle so the starter relay serves as a buffer. The starter relay enables a low-power signal (the ignition switch) to trigger a high-power signal (the starter motor) without harm to any component.
However, due to reasons such as corrosion, aging, wear, and battery issues, the starter relay could fail to perform its functions, causing various engine problems. Some of the signs you will see in your BMW with a starter relay issue are;
Clicking Sounds
If your car makes clicking sounds when you try to start it and the engine does not come on, then it could be that the starter relay is faulty. The sounds are caused by the starter relay trying to get in contact with the ignition switch. However, if it fails, the starter motor (as well as the engine) does not get enough power to start.
Vehicle Starts Intermittently
If you start experiencing issues when trying to start your car; for example, if your car starts sometimes and fails at other times, it is likely that an ignition process is failing. A faulty starter relay could be the culprit in this situation. However, it could also be due to various reasons and you need a professional to help you rule out other possibilities.
Overheating
If you notice that the ignition system begins to overheat, the likely cause is a damaged starter relay. If the starter relay fails, then the power load could get too much for the ignition switch to handle, leading to electrical issues such as overheating.
How to Resolve Starter Relay Problems in Your BMW
If your BMW has starter relay issues; here are some tips to help you resolve the problems.
1. Identify the Cause of the Problem
The first thing to do in fixing starter relay issues in your car is to recognize why the issue is there in the first place. Finding out the cause of the problem can be a guide in finding an effective solution as different problems require different approaches. Hence, figure out what the issue is first by inspecting the car and paying attention to the signs.
2. Inspect the Battery
The next thing to do in resolving starter relay issues in your BMW is to check the battery. Sometimes, battery problems could mask as ignition system issues as they have similar symptoms. Hence, before you go ahead to try to dismantle the ignition system, confirm that the signs you are seeing are not due to battery faults or poor connections.
3. Repair or Replace
Based on the symptoms observed and the degree of damage, you have two options to get your car working again. You can decide to either repair faulty parts or replace the starter motor altogether. Whatever decision you make, ensure that it is well-informed with advice from your mechanic.
Where to Go in Birmingham to Fix BMW Starter Relay Issues
If your BMW makes clicking sounds 
when you turn the ignition yet fails to start, it could be due to a starter relay failure and you need to resolve the issue in time to get your car working again.
Momentum Motorworks is your top auto specialist center, and we have provided excellent services to car owners in Birmingham for over 24 years. We specialize in servicing, maintaining, and repairing German vehicles. If you are in any of these locations—Alabaster, Homewood, Helena, Hoover, Mountain Brook, or Vestavia—and your BMW is giving you some challenges, bring it to us, so we can get it back on the road quickly in top condition.