XSeries-forum

Advice, help please, I have a very nice E53 4.4 (Year 2005, low mileage 37.000 ) I have a starting problem, when I try and start the car all the dash light lights up as nom.. OK, turn the key to start the car all light go out and nothing, (I have had a new battery fitted, and the amp/volts show 12.4 to 12.4,) switch off and try again same thing, then try again and again same thing? On the fifth/seventh time car starts.
I do not always turn the alarm on, as the vehicle as its parked in my drive.. could this be a issue, been told to look at the earth strap.. but not sure where its located.. 

Thank you very much
Cheers
Andy

Assume your motor (don't know them) would have a starter relay, perhaps that's on its way out, or wiring to that and to starter motor, including earth, is a bit ropey. Unless you believe it to be immobiliser related? Do you get nay clicks, or attempt at starting, or does it just do nothing?

Agree with the above - check the battery too as it has been changed recently.  It might be loose!

It is also possible it is the starter itself.  There is a known issue with Magenetti Marelli starters having faulty windings and drawing more current than the battery can deliver.  The only option is to replace it.  No idea if it is a DIY job on the V8 as I have only worked on the IL6 units.

My 2 pence worth is that you have a loose battery connection or the connection under the bonnet is loose or starter connection. I know you said you've had a new battery fitted, check the connections. Classic sign of bad connections is when you try to start ie put a load on the battery the lights go out.

Ignition barrel is also a contender.

In reply to some of the other questions you asked, the earth strap from the engine is secured to the block just above the compressor, drivers side, mine also has one from passenger side of g/b but that looks like it was added by someone ie not factory. I definitely don't see NOT putting the alarm on as being any sort of an issue.