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