BMW Won’t Start With Push Button? Here’s How to Fix It

You press the push start button in your BMW—and nothing happens. No crank, no engine roar, just silence or maybe a few lights flashing on the dash. If your BMW won’t start with the push button, don’t panic.

In this guide, you’ll learn the most common reasons why your BMW refuses to start and exactly what to do about it—step by step.

Why Your BMW Won’t Start With the Push Button

If your BMW won’t start using the push button, the most common causes are a dead key fob battery, a faulty brake switch, a discharged car battery, or an issue with the starter or ignition system.

This type of issue usually falls into one of these categories:

• Key fob not detected – Dead key battery or weak signal
• Brake pedal not engaged – Faulty brake switch or not pressing hard enough
• Dead BMW battery – Drained or failed car battery
• Starter motor or relay failure
• Faulty ignition system
• Shifter not in Park – The car won’t start unless in Park or Neutral

Let’s go through each of these causes and how to fix them.

1. Check If the Key Fob Battery Is Dead

If the key fob battery is low or dead, your BMW may not detect it and refuse to start the engine.

What to do:

1. Try holding the key fob directly against the steering column or Start/Stop button.
2. If the car starts, your key battery is dead—replace the battery with a new CR2032.

This trick works on most BMWs with Comfort Access and push-button start features.

2. Make Sure You’re Pressing the Brake Pedal

The engine will not start unless you press the brake pedal firmly while pressing the Start button.

If the brake switch is faulty or loose, the car may not recognize that the pedal is engaged.

Try this:

• Firmly press the brake and try starting again.
• Check for brake light illumination—if your brake lights don’t turn on, the switch may be bad.

In that case, a brake pedal sensor replacement may be necessary.

3. Is Your BMW Battery Dead?

If your interior lights are dim or completely off, your BMW’s battery may be dead or too weak to start the car.

Here’s how to test and fix it:

1. Check if any lights or electrical features work when the door opens.
2. If not, try jump-starting the car using jumper cables or a jump starter.
3. If it starts, the issue is your battery—consider testing or replacing it soon.

A weak battery is a very common cause, especially in cold weather or after leaving lights on overnight.

4. Make Sure the Car Is in Park or Neutral

Your BMW won’t start unless the gear selector is in Park (P) or Neutral (N). If the shifter is slightly off or there’s a transmission sensor fault, it may block the ignition.

What to check:

• Firmly move the shifter to Park, then try starting again.
• If in doubt, try shifting to Neutral and attempt the start.

If this solves the issue, you may have a faulty gear selector module or transmission sensor.

5. Listen for Clicks—Could Be a Starter Problem

If you hear a single click but the engine doesn’t crank, the starter motor or starter relay could be the issue.

Common signs of a starter problem:

• One click = failed starter relay or starter motor
• Multiple fast clicks = weak battery or corroded battery terminals

You’ll need a mechanic to test and replace the starter if that’s the root cause.

6. Faulty Ignition Switch or Electronic Module

If your BMW’s ignition system fails to send the “start” signal, the push button won’t do anything.

This is less common but can happen due to:

• Failed CAS (Car Access System) module
• Faulty Start/Stop button
• Damaged wiring or fuse

Diagnostics are needed for this kind of issue—BMW-specific tools like INPA or ISTA can scan for faults in the ignition system.

Still Can’t Start? Try This Emergency Start Tip

If your key fob battery is dead but you still need to drive, many BMWs allow an emergency start using the key fob.

Try the following:

1. Hold the key fob against the steering column (some models have a marked spot).
2. Step on the brake and press the Start/Stop button.
3. The engine should start even if the key battery is dead.

This trick works in most BMWs from 2007 and newer with keyless ignition.

How to Prevent Future Push Button Start Failures

Here are some quick tips to avoid getting stuck with a non-starting BMW:

• Replace your key fob battery every 12–18 months.
• Keep your car battery charged—especially in winter.
• Use your car regularly to avoid battery drain.
• Check and replace worn brake or shifter sensors.

Staying on top of these basics will help prevent frustrating no-start situations in the future.

Want More DIY BMW Fixes?

Knowing how to troubleshoot your BMW can save you time, money, and headaches. From battery tips to dashboard warnings, we’ve got you covered.

Click here to explore more BMW DIY how-to guides and become your own car expert.

Conclusion

If your BMW won’t start with the push button, don’t panic—it’s often a simple fix like a dead key fob battery, weak car battery, or a small sensor issue. Start by checking the easy stuff: the brake pedal, key detection, and battery power. Work through the list, and you’ll likely find the problem fast.

Want to be better prepared for common BMW problems? Check out more step-by-step BMW guides here and take control of your car’s reliability.