Is this a problem?
 

I've noticed that from when I first got my Z, that the engine turned over with little effort, but recently it seems its struggling to crank as smoothly. This morning, hit the button, two or three cranks and it started, after work this afternoon, It took approx. 7 or 8 to turn over, and its happened before. Im wondering if the temperature can effect the cars ability to start properly, I know in cold weather, that can happen, but it was 103 today, car was parked in the sun for 9hrs. Any ideas?

I'd say thats a problem. My car has always taken a very consistent 3 cranks to start up, no more, no less. And that with the heat here in Houston, which while not up to 103 has been in the upper 90's often this summer.

Check your oil level.

Umm mine starts on the first one EVERYTIME... i would say thats a problem - show your friendly dealer :)

even after few years, a normal car should still start with 1 kick if everything's fine.. should have it checked!

yeah, just changed the oil to RP last week, could this be a starter/tranny issue?

I haven't experienced this yet!

well damn, hope im just getting worked up over nothing.

Could be the starter.

What about bad gas?

bad gas can do this? really?

please explain.

Not really sure, but I imagine if gas is bad quality it may be hard to ignite, and take many cranks. That, or if it had a high moisture content it might also make it harder to ignite. But, I'm not an expert so don't quote me.

Contaminated or, off brand, cheap stuff!
What brand do you use and octane level?

Check the oil level---"small chance" the oil filter or drain plug are not anchored.

But it sounds like the starter is the problem!

Legitimate and logical reasons-those can be quoted!

Very interesting. I'd take it to the dealer if I were you. I don't think hot temp has anything to do with it since it's been 100+ F last couple weeks and my car starts effortlessly with a single touch.

its almost a mile high here, so the best we have is 91, shytty i know. I dont buy from a particular gas station, usually where its cheapest, avg is 2.90 here, so if I see it for 2.75, im all over it. Being that the car only has 2k miles on it, I have a hard time believing the starter is crapping out already, but anything can happen. I hope its just shytty petrol, ill monitor it and after the next fill up (ill use shell v power), if it still does it, shes goin in.

^ Shell is good gasoline to use! 91 is fine!
Don't mix them, different brands have different additives, and different volatile levels. How does the car run after you get it started?

like a champ! It starts up on one push, just varies on occasion how long it takes to kick over, sometimes right away, sometimes after a sec or so, weird actually.

Maybe fuel pump is defective, or there is a leak in the fuel line somewhere? I know the bmw 335i has a history of problems with the fuel pumps, and when they begin to fail one of the first signs is the engine hard to start.

^Probably not the gas then. But stick to "one good name brand gasoline".
I mixed two different (Shell & Chevron) gasolines about 6 mths. ago, my engine was not happy.

hmm, never thought about that. No leaks to speak of, but a clogged fuel pump seems feasible.

thanks gentlemen, im gonna fill up tomorrow with shell, throw in some octane boost for good measure and monitor it for a few days, if problems persist, shes goin in.

Do you give it gas when you first crank? On some cars the computer can "learn" to expect that. I'd disconnect the battery and/or reset back to default factory settings (check manual) and see if that makes a difference. If not, at least it didn't cost you anything.

no, i never give it gas, just down on the clutch, and a push of the button! I may reset the ecu tomorrow just for shyts, thanks for the input.

Normal
 

Nothing is wrong with the car. Every car does this type of thing when temps change and its been sitting.

Couple possibilities:

- Engine spark timing is off because the computer is messed up.
- Low fuel pressure at startup, leaking injector, fuel pressure regulator, etc.
- For some reason the fuel isn't vaporizing properly
- Too thick of an oil weight: doubtful but I don't know what viscosity you used in your oil change.
- Maybe the starter is receiving too much voltage and keeps cranking even after start. By the 4th - 7th crank, do you hear a whining noise? If so, the car is already started but the starter isn't releasing.

Best to take it in to the dealer since its under warranty anyways. You'll have to replicate the starting situation though or else, they'll just probably just tell you that they can't fix it until they experience it firsthand.

Check the simplest thing first - the battery. It's very possible that you've got a defective battery that's not taking a full charge.

not the temps,it's 114' today no problem starting.check battery?