1998 323 wont start...electrical

[roberts5]

After sitting for 45 minutes my sister's 1998 323is would not start. After I checked it several hours later the battery showed 10V on my multimeter. Figuring it was just a drained battery, I tried to jump it with my other car. When trying to start the car I just get a loud CLICK then nothing. Also it acted a little funny after that. I disconnected the jumper cables, then reconnected and tried again. Same thing. I also noticed that when the key is in ignition position (I still get some power) relays K13 and K21 (i think those are the numbers, I got them off a website) were buzzing and clicking back and forth. ALSO, I'm getting a check engine light, but I dont know how to get the code.

I know cars well, but not BMWs. If anyone has any suggestions I'd be very grateful. Thank you.

[e36_m3_Turbo]

could be the starter, but im not 100% sure.

[roberts5]

how would i test the starter?

any other ideas?

[CiscoKid]

did you put the + on your battery/+ terminal and ground the -

[bitcore]

Originally posted by CiscoKid@Jun 16 2004, 07:25 PM
did you put the + on your battery/+ terminal and ground the -

if he didn't there would be a fire, maybe an explosion, or at least some molten jumper cables after 45 minutes of that.....

Check the fluid level of the battery.

[Gator]

The first thing to do is get a new battery. Batteries can act very strangely and I've even had one that died at a gas station and couldn't be jumped. If it only reads 10 volts you will need a new one anyway.If you still have problems with a new battery, then you can start troubleshooting.

[FireBlue323IS]

An even number like 10V, 8V, 6V etc... indicates a bad cell in the battery. Because they are divided into 6 cells normally. I woud take it to a battery shop and have it load tested not charged. Usually they do it for free. Cells sometimes die because they were run dry(no water). Or a short across cells.

[El Presidente]

Thats one thing I love about my capacitor. I can check my voltage level anytime. (usually at 12.4).