My Dad (BMW Tech) has seen this many times (eom) (archive)

I had that problem on a 735i I had. It wound up being the OBC. It had a short in it. Had to repalce for 250.00 installed. J. SCott
I have a 1982 528e. Runs great, very reliable, until.... I stopped at the store. Came back out, key in ignition, engage starter... cranks strong, but no sign of life, nada! Walked home, came back with another car later. Cranked strong again, nothing.. would not start.
Had it towed home. It was going to sit for a week or two, so I disconnected the battery. Had it towed to my local mechanic. He called me and said "What's wrong with this car? It started right up." "What??" "Yeah, I HOOKED UP THE BATTERY* and it fired right up. Runs great." (*CLUE HERE) He never did see the problem.
It has done this about four times since, in the last 6 months. When it happens, I get out, open the hood, unhook the battery, hook it right back up, get in and start the car, drive away.
Back to the mechanic. Not a clue, since he has never seen the problem when it occurs. Another mechanic (BMW) has no idea. Dealer shop.. nothing. The first two mechanics both come highly recommended on BMW, as does the dealer.
Any ideas? I can't make it happen on demand and the car won't start again unless the battery is disconnected for just a moment. Something is sticking due to electrical current and releasing when I disconnect the battery.
Lars
77 630 CSi
80 528i
81 528i
82 528e
82 733i
4 previously

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