My 323 will NOT start!?! WTF, guys need your help again! - BMW Forum

BMerViXeN · 03-07-2006, 02:43 PM

Hey everyone. SO last week I had a questions (problems with installing my angel eyes, that's done and old news now). Today I encountered another problem.

I had this car for 3 weeks now, it was fine the first 2. On Saturday I left lights on (yes I know dumb) and had to jump start it, no biggie, happens. a few days later I go to my car and it won't start again, hmmm ... so I thought maybe that jump start and lights on weakened my battery, jump started it from my other car and off I go. and today it woldn't start at all. SO it can't be the battery then.

It turns over and over and then it makes like a clicking noise. Instrument lights come on, so there is power but am guessing it's wether a bad strarter? or alternator? I had to ask a guy friend to push me down the street to jump start the car, and it was fine, I pulled back in my driveway and it wouldn't start again.

Does it sound somewhat familiar to some of you? Is there anyway I can DIY check it myself here or shoudl I take it to a mechanic (most girls wold do that I think). I just don't get it. Any advice would be so appreciated.

Thanks!!

tomctx · 03-07-2006, 03:29 PM

You could have a VERY weak battery. Maybe a dead cell. If you have a multimeter, check the battery whilenot running. It should read around 13 volts. If it is 11 or less a cell is dead. Replace the battery. If you want, most auto parts places will test the battery and alternator. I know Advance will, sure others will also. Somtimes a battery will look okay on the meter, but will fail when a load is applied. To test the alternator, check the battery with the car running. You should see about 13 to 14 volts. If it is less, alternator is not keeping the battery charged A 12 volt battery has actually 13.2 volts.

Cruzin 323is · 03-07-2006, 03:31 PM

ok could be a couple differnt things... what comes to mind, is...

its a faulty battery( old ones have a tendency to do that) and not hold the charge
it could be the alternator not charging the battery properly....

not not the starter, because it wouldn't start at all, and a jump would have nothing to do with that

Cruzin 323is · 03-07-2006, 03:32 PM

my suggestion, would be to bring it to get checked out...

BMerViXeN · 03-07-2006, 03:35 PM

cool guys thanks bunch!! okay I just noticed one more thing, HOW could I have missed that. SO teh car is a 98 right, the battery looks liek it's the one it came with, ha sthe BMW factory seals and all on it. Everyone points to a battery, I'm guessing that even the best batteries in the world have their life span, so maybe it is just (for once) a simple problem, like a battery.

Cruzin 323is · 03-07-2006, 03:55 PM

if its the original battery, then its most likely the battery.,,, go out and buy a nice battery, and see if that works..

Furious · 03-07-2006, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomctx

You could have a VERY weak battery. Maybe a dead cell. If you have a multimeter, check the battery whilenot running. It should read around 13 volts. If it is 11 or less a cell is dead. Replace the battery. If you want, most auto parts places will test the battery and alternator. I know Advance will, sure others will also. Somtimes a battery will look okay on the meter, but will fail when a load is applied. To test the alternator, check the battery with the car running. You should see about 13 to 14 volts. If it is less, alternator is not keeping the battery charged A 12 volt battery has actually 13.2 volts.

tom is on the right track here.

WarNox · 03-07-2006, 05:08 PM

or ur negative lead is loose :d it happens too lol

BMerViXeN · 03-07-2006, 05:38 PM

You all prooved to be right on track again. It was a battery, so my 3 is back on and running strong!! Thanks!