How to Troubleshoot a BMW 2000 540I That Won#039;t Start

How to Diagnose a Non-Starting BMW 540
1. Turn the key. Look for the dashboard lights to either come on or flicker and for the engine to chug, which indicates that it is turning over but not igniting.
2. Turn the BMW off and hit the hood release button. Prop the hood up with the hood prop stick on the side of the engine bay. Look at the battery in the upper left of the engine bay and check for foam on the top or side. This foam indicates that the battery is leaking acid and should be replaced. Battery acid can burn your skin, so use extreme caution or hire a mechanic to do the work. If there is no foam, then a stout thump of your shoe on the electrical posts may reconnect the electrical clamps if they have become undone.
3. Turn the 540 on again, looking for the dashboard light to react and for the engine to chug or come on. If there is chugging but still not combustion then the battery may be dead. Remove the battery by undoing the 'O' ring clamps on the posts with a flathead and then undoing the retaining hardware by hand Slide the battery out and then slide a new battery in. Reattach the electrical clamps and the retaining hardware, being careful not to over tighten.
4. Turn the 540 on again and check for the lights and the chugging. If the lights did come on but the engine still will not start running then the engine is flooded.To clear a flooded engine you will need to dry off the fuel-covered spark plugs with the Clear Flood mode. Push the accelerator all the way down and repeatedly turn the ignition on. Do this for three or four minutes and then release the accelerator and take the keys out.
5. Try to turn the 540 on again and if the car still will not start then a mechanic is needed to fix the car as the Bosch electronics may have gone bad or the V-8 may have a mechanical issue.