BMW Repair: Starter or Electrical problem, starter solenoid, bmw 528i

Question
For about a month now I have had a problem starting my car by just sticking the key into the ingnition.  Absolutley nothing happens.  All of the lights come on but not even a sound is made.  But what I found is that If I hold in the key for a period of time The car will randomly start.  It has been very frustrating especially because its so hot here in LA.  I have taken it to BMW and all they did was put in a new ignition switch and charge me a fortune.  It didn't get the job done.  Another symptom is to hold the key down for several minutes and then come back to the car maybe an hour or two later, then it ussually starts right up.  Is this something that seems familliar in any way.  By the way, My car is a 1997 BMW 528I.  I hope you can give me some help.

Answer
Rick,
 Unfortunately this is not a problem that I have heard of.  If the dealership did not fix the problem (I'm not suprised) I would take it back to them, and demand that I be refunded or have the problem fixed correctly.  A threat from a Lawyer can often bring about good results.

 Well my first assumption was the ignition switch as well, but it could be a problem with the starter solenoid it's self.  Next time it does this, have someone hold the key in the start mode, and tap on the starter motor with a hammer or something similar.  Maybe it will jar the starter enough to get it going.

 Unfortunately these electrical problems are a pain, and often hard to sort out.

 Hope this helps,
 Josh