323CI Battery

[asiangear]

Recently, I couldn't start my car. It would just flash my headlights and auxilary lights 3 times and I can hear the ignition system make 3 clicks and stop. I am guessing this is an indicator that there is not enough power to ignite the engine. So I charged the battery using the BMW advanced cirgarette ligther charger and charged it till it was full. After the charge, the car started fine and I drove it to a friend's house and chilled. After 5 hrs or so, my car nearly didn't start again. It sounded like it was having trouble starting. Is this a sign that I should replace the battery, or is there somethign else wrong? I have had my car for approximately 2.5 years now. I thought car batteries lasted at least 4 years or more. Thanks for any help ^_^

[mankiks323i]

you are right batteries should last at least 4 or more years. You may want to have your battery checked to see how its draw is i think autopart stores will check it for free. I would first check the battery out also make sure connections are tight no corrosion on posts. Then go from there....

[youngn3]

I didn't know you can charge the battery from the cigarette lighter, that's cool. Where can I buy this, dealer? Thanks.

My '04 330ci won't start after sitting in the garage for 2 weeks, that's pretty short, isn't it? Is this because of all the electronics craps running even when the car is sitting in the garage?

[bakasama]

i wish i had a 330.. heh im stuck with my 325ci its still good but it just isnt as much thrill as the 330 T_T

[silverbimmer2004]

I have a 325ci 2004 as well.....I recently got a notice form BMW stating that the climate control module installed in the vehicle was programed incorrectly which may cause the battery to become discharged when vehicle is parked for a few days.....resulting in not being able to start your engine....so they are are going to recode the vehicle when i bring it into a dealership......This may be the cause of you not being able to start your engine.

[asiangear]

hey Silver, I don't think I had that type of problem, where if I leave the car alone for a few days, it won't start. I had my car parked in college a week at a time, since I dormed 2 years ago, but I never had problems when it came time for me to go home during th weekend. I guess maybe the battery has finally met its end... Going to call dealership to see what is up. thanx for your replies ^_^v

[asiangear]

Originally posted by youngn3@Feb 25 2004, 06:26 PM
I didn't know you can charge the battery from the cigarette lighter, that's cool. Where can I buy this, dealer? Thanks.

My '04 330ci won't start after sitting in the garage for 2 weeks, that's pretty short, isn't it? Is this because of all the electronics craps running even when the car is sitting in the garage?

hey young, yeah, the BMW OEM battery charger was specifically made to charge the battery in our BMWs. I guess the newest model that is out now (the one I bought at my dealership) supports charging through the cigarette ligther. Essentially, the cigarette lighter is a direct port to the battery, so it makes sense that the car battery should be able to charge normally. This makes for a more convenient charging, since you don' thave to pop the hood and leave it open all nite while you charge. ^^