Hi all,
I've got a 1990 740 GLE with 186,000 miles on it. Starting a few years
ago, my car would not start about once every 3 months. When I turned the key it would tick...tick...tick but not turn over with a chug chug. Usually if I left it alone for a while it would start up. It is now happening once a week and it has the same symptoms and I've discovered will start immediately with a jump. It will still also start if simply left alone for a while.

With my meager knowledge of engines I'm assuming it's not the alternator but possibley a starter issue. I've owned the car since 100,000 miles and I have not replaced the starter or to my knowledge was it replaced before that time. My understanding is that it may need a replacement or there may just be a loose wire.
A shop I've got an appointment at has indicated it could also be a battery issue (it's only 1.5 years old) or an ignition issue.

I guess the two pieces of crucial evidence are that it's happening more frequently and that it's starts immediately with a jump. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks so much.


Cheers,
Vance