BMW Repair: difficulty in starting on 2000 - BMW 318-ci, bmw 318 ci, wheel speed

Question
Hi Evan,
Im about 5 minutes from introducing my sledge hammer to my cars engine with the problem I face.
I own a 318 ci 2000 model (E46) which since my purchase has never given me cause for concern, until now. When the ignition is switch on without starting the engine the speedometer begins to move up and down in a violent manner. The ASC light is illuminated and a loud clicking noise which seems to come the front of the engine bay near the airfilter (choke)I can also hear the fuel pump turning (pumping fuel i assume) When I try to start the engine it just turns over and over and gives the suggestion that it is flooded. If by some miracle is does start it will only idle for a minute or two and then cut out. this is normally repeated 10 to 15 times whereby either I get it started or the battery goes flat. Incidently this problem only started when the inspection indication system said the vehicle is due a full service. Rather suspicious me-thinks. Any assistance would be gratefully received.  Regards  Richard


Answer
Richard, it is hard for me to give advise on a model we don't have in the U.S. because I don't know what systems your car has. See if the ASC throttle is choked shut. That may be your clicking noise. Undo the connector or cable that controls the choke if stuck shut and then try to start the engine. Your car sounds like the ASC is malfunctioning. The speedo signal is probably comming from the ASC module via the wheel speed sensor. Problem may also lie in the instrument cluster delivering a faulty speedo signal back to the ASC causing it to try to shut the throttle blade. Hard to say Rich.
-Evan