BMW Repair: E46 Wont Start, automotive electrician, external power source

Question
Hi thanks for the response, yes teh battery voltage has been checked and external power source used and still nothing, it is an E46,

Yes no dash when two clicks foward or anything just some of the interior lights. I think the key is new it was ordered before we got the car, however there was a problem with the Headlight switch and it damaged that part of the wioring, it has been fixed and headlight switch replaced, we tried a new Body COntrol Unit but that didnt make a difference, The Automotive Electrician has checked all fuses and relays to my knowledge, BMW came witha  portable laptop and said they cant run diagnostics unless there is ignition, so to get power they bypassed the ignition, and the system powers up and they connected the laptop and no fault codes or anythign came up. Anyhow  any help would be appreciated.

Regards,

Ash
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Followup To

Question -
Hi, The car is an 1998 E46 323i, The problem is that when I turn the key I get nothing, dash doesnt light up or anything, nothing works except the interior lights,I had bmw connect there laptop but it had no ignition so they couldn't test the first time, so I got an auto elec to bypass ignition to power the car and everything works, but still wont start, bmw then tested it and there were no faults,so obviously something to with ignition is causing an issue, but no one can track down what. Any suggestions into where to look would be appreciated.

Answer -
Ashley, They started making E46's in '98 but as 99 models so it is an E46 right? Is the battery any good? You can't even get dash lights when the key is two clicks forward (Key on, Engine off)? What is the battery Voltage? What is an 'auto elec'? You have tried jump starting it or using an external power source at the underhood jumper posts?What have you replaced? Have you tried a different key? Are you at the BMW dealer service department? If you have to bypass the ignition switch to get power, have you tried replacing the ignition switch (electrical portion)?
-Evan

Answer
Ashley, did they replace the ignition switch? It sounds like that is the first issue. What did the laptop look like? Did it have a touch screen? Was it a BMW dealer Technician? A generic scan tool will only show Engine & Trans. control modules and that is not what you are up against just yet. I would advise taking the car to the dealer and explaining everything that was replaced or repaired. You need to see what modules respond and which ones do not. What has power and what doesn't. Be sure to get a copy of the Diagnostic Report and fault print outs. This sounds like a bigger task than the average mechanic. Was the car like this when you bought it?
-Evan