318i Won't Start - BMW Forum

reedk4 · 05-09-2005, 08:07 AM

hi,

I know nothing about cars, so I was wondering if someone could help me. I have a 1997 318i and I have been gone out of the country for about 4 months. I recently got back and tried to start it up and nothing would happen, not even clicking noises. My alarm wouldn't even work or keyless entry. So I tried jumping it and it still wouldn't start up for about 20 minutes of trying. I go back later and finally get it running, then drove it around to try and charge it up for about 30 minutes. It ran fine and cd player and lights and everything worked and so I turned it off when I got home. Then tried starting up again last night and all I got was clicking noises and doesn't get at all close to starting. Tried this morning and still nothing, but at least the alarm and keyless entry works. So I'm guessing a charging problem, but don't know how to deal with it. Please someone let me know I'm on the right path and what I should do about it. Thanks!

reedk4

vmelikRUS · 05-09-2005, 09:33 AM

I think its your starter.

reedk4 · 05-09-2005, 10:22 AM

Is this something major? How much to fix?

abemcclellan · 05-09-2005, 10:31 AM

its most likely your alternator or your voltage regulator.

reedk4 · 05-09-2005, 10:57 AM

would it still be able to start with either of those two parts not working properly? would I be able to hear any specefic noise?

Avlany · 05-09-2005, 11:12 AM

I would take out and recharge your battery for a few hours. The jump strat doesnt have the same effect.

Gator · 05-09-2005, 02:16 PM

It's almost certainly your battery. If you have been gone 4 months, it's likely that your battery was dead for two months or so. When this happens the battery is so dead (and probably internally shorted)that it most likely will not take a charge no matter what you do to it. Go get yourself a new battery, the old one is not saveable.