Hello, I need to know if the key fob not in working order can cause a no start on a R53 2004 I had to do some work on the coop over time. Now I have it all back together and It will not start.. My question is can a key fob malfunction, tell the immobilizer not to allow the engine to turn over. The battery in key fob was dead when I tried to start car. All dash lights came on, hear the fuel pump and such do its thing, then when I turn it to the start position I get nothing. No sound of starter trying or any clicking. Car battery was tested and is in good shape. Just want to make sure key fob is not an issue before I try anything else. Thanks

 

Open the door and hold the key up to the ignition without inserting the key or closing the door. The car will chime if it recognizes the key.

 

on 2004 r53 first gen?

 

Yes.
I also have an 04 R53. It will chime like previously stated above.
If you've done some extensive work in the engine compartment or the car has sat for a long time or your in the rust belt - You may want to re-check all your main ground connections. There are quite a few.
You should also hear the fuel pump priming when you turn the key to the first or second position.
Kind of a PIA to get to but, you might also want to check connection to the starter (?).

 

Check the passenger side ground is CLEAN not just tight, already been thru this personally., scraped it clean on mount area, then reattached and fired right up after.

 

Amd yes the “dong” works on PFL amd FL both. Easy way to tell if key is accepted/ being read.

 

thanks for the help it was the ground cable on the passengers side. rebuilt the key fob as well... driving the tight corners again!!!!.

 

I'm having the same issue. New battery, I can hear the fuel pump come on and nothing! So frustrating, I'm somewhat handi-capable as a girl, but I have no help and no money to take it to a shop. Can someone explain where the ground is on the passenger side that you were referring to in the previous post? Also, does anyone else have the static issue coming from the speakers when the radio isn't even on? It has been doing this for the last six months or so, coming from the passenger side and now it's both sides and kinda loud. Very disturbing, what is causing that??

 

I would assume it’s the ground from the aluminum upper motor mount bracket to the chassis. It seems to be a common problem. It’s right on top and hard to miss if you look on that side.

 

The main ground cable is located underneath the hood on the Right side (passenger side) connected to the engine mount/block (upper one) and to the frame (lower one).
Remove the nuts and clean or sand them so both nut and mounting surfaces are down to shiny bare metal.
*Use care when removing the upper (13mm?) nut as this nut maybe tight or rusted and some have unfortunately broken off the mounting tab/bolt..

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This may or not work to resolve the buzzing coming through your speakers.
I have installed an aftermarket AUX audio port in my '04 R53. Although I've not experienced any buzzing noise emanating from my speakers while the radio is off; I may sometimes get a bit of buzzing or
mild distortion while my phone or mp3 device is connected while being charged at the same time.

One other wonky electrical gremlin that played havoc with some of my interior gauges and exterior lights as well as my alternator; was this thing - pictured below...


On some of the early ('03-'04) pre-facelift models there is a flat bus/ identified as the "Ground bus X175" located just below the hood latch cable secured by a 10mm nut.
Many of the instrument and lights are wired into this flat plate. If this plate or it's securing nut is loose, corroded/rusty or grime has impeded it's contact with the metal frame, it may effect voltage
and exhibit weird behavior with some electronics connected to it. Some models may only have one. Some (later) models may not have this bus/plate at all.
My '04 R3 built in late 2003 has 2wo = One on each side, right and left, mounted just below each of the hood latch cables as pictured above.


Try removing the nut, clean and make sure it's tight and makes good grounding contact when reinstalled.

It may not be a resolution to the buzzing in your speakers but this stupid thing missing it's nut on mine solved my intermittent, mystery voltage issues.

Best of luck.
Hope we could help..

 

@Here2Go , if you haven’t and care about fixing it, try a ground loop isolator.

 

Yes - Thanks for reminding me.
I've looked at getting/adapting one of those a few months ago.
Like everything else MINI; I've often been financially sidetracked with mods & maintenance...
I will have to add it back in to my list

 

Thank you so much!!