l put in a rebuilt alternator, new Bosch +4 spark plugs, new BMW fuel filter, new fuel pump relay, new driveshaft, new front brake pads, and new front brake sensor.

After checking the front and rear brakes and sensors several times l am still getting the Brake Lining error message on the console. l tried to manually reset it by turning it to the position before starting for 60 seconds and it still hasn’t erased.

Most importantly, It takes about 2-3 turns to get the car started each time.

After doing lots of reading l am told that it is not the fuel pump because the fuel pumps on these cars die and it won’t be intermittent? Is this correct?
Other than the starting issue and brake lining issue it seems to drive fine. Do you think the alternator could be affecting the starting?
The previous owner said this car was just sitting for about 7 months or so.Do you think l might just need to drive it around and work out the kinks?
How else can l diagnose these issues?

there is a reset code u have to enter to program ur computer in the car. a Bmw dealership would have the device to reset it.

- for the brakes error message you have to reset at any BMW dealer.
- Starting issue l suggest to start with the fuel pump, try when starting the car to open the switch for 10 seconds before starting if it starts from the first time l think it is the fuel pump.
other than that l think it will be an electrical issue, have you checked the battery?

Hard starting issue have seen a fault like this on a e36 it was the fuel pump replaced it & it never had a bad start again. But have also seen a hard start on a E39 because it was sludged up because of idle stitting time (like yours)and the incorrect grade oil was used.

Check the connections of the brake sensors l/f & r/r to the car loom, have seen a apprentice not connect one correctly & the warning lamp wouldnt go off.

But if u can get someone to read the faults from the memory it may pin point ur problem straight away.