Hi,

Ok, a few months ago the cigarette lighter stopped working, and I finally replaced the fuse today. Right after that, the car started acting funny. I tried to start it, and it wouldn't even turn over. All the lights on the dash were on, so all looked good but it wouldn't crank. So I wait a few minutes, still won't crank/start. So I wait a few minutes more and it starts. I leave the car sit for a few hours, and it won't start again. So I wait, try again, wait, try again and it starts. Sometimes it takes turning the key twice, sometimes 10 times.

Yes, I took the fuse back out and the problem is still there. I looked at the fuse and although it's 20 amps, the little metal piece inside looks thinner than on the one that was originally in there. Do I need a certain brand of fuse for the bmw?

I'm not sure of the starting problem is related to me changing the fuse, but it seeme like a funny coincidence that right after I changed it, the car wouldn't start.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,
Tom

I would suggest taking a look at your battery voltage and terminal connection. If good,
it might be a bad ignition switch (the electrical part).

Yes, check the battery. Being an '04, it may just be time for a new one.