525i starting issue

[rjordanjr]

Have 2002 BMW 525i. I went to start car this morning and would not start. Only a few dash lights came on. I connected to my 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona running car through post near intake manafold on the BMW using jumpers. Interior lights came on and all dash lights. When I turned the key, all I could hear is the starter solinoid clicking quite loudly while lights dimmed. I then disconnected the battery cables in the bmw trunk and connected the cables using jumpers to the battery of the Charger. Still all I got was clicks. I thought maybe something needed to be reset with anti-theft so I tried to set alarm off while connected to running car. On the BMW, I roled down window, locked door, got out of car and tried to open the door through the open window with the unlock button and the door handle. To my surprise this wouldn't even unlock the car. I didn't know about this feature on the BMW.

I plan on taking the battery to autozone to have it checked.

So does any one have any suggestions on what to do? Is the starter ok since it is clicking? How would I check the starter? Where is the starter on the 525i? Is the starter easy to check/replace?

[marti5]

Sounds to me as if your battery has come to the end of its life, connecting cables to cables doesnt really work as you lose so much power through the cables, new battery time I think....

[Ramdol]

Originally Posted by rjordanjr

Have 2002 BMW 525i. I went to start car this morning and would not start. Only a few dash lights came on. I connected to my 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona running car through post near intake manafold on the BMW using jumpers. Interior lights came on and all dash lights. When I turned the key, all I could hear is the starter solinoid clicking quite loudly while lights dimmed. I then disconnected the battery cables in the bmw trunk and connected the cables using jumpers to the battery of the Charger. Still all I got was clicks. I thought maybe something needed to be reset with anti-theft so I tried to set alarm off while connected to running car. On the BMW, I roled down window, locked door, got out of car and tried to open the door through the open window with the unlock button and the door handle. To my surprise this wouldn't even unlock the car. I didn't know about this feature on the BMW.

I plan on taking the battery to autozone to have it checked.

So does any one have any suggestions on what to do? Is the starter ok since it is clicking? How would I check the starter? Where is the starter on the 525i? Is the starter easy to check/replace?

With a '02 530i, experienced similar problem. Dealer who does all my work, discovered corroded cable from alternator. Replaced cable (gag, imported), alternator, and battery (old was 3 yrs.). Drain down continues. Bought batter charger(SpeedCharger Model SC-1200A) which shows battey charge status %. With initial problen, % was in the 20's and took many hours to reach 100%. Now, registers 70-75 and reaches 100% within one hour. QUESTION: with 1-2 day garage storage w/no use, how much loss is normal? 10%, 20%, or in my case 25-30%?

[bam240sx]

just for everyone's info on common/basic start up probs

1. no lights or dim = batter is dead

2. clicking noise = bad ground somewhere on the car (such as that corroded wire)

3. lights on, no clicking and nothing happens when you turn the key = the starter

4. #3 but you here a humming or spinning noice = starter not engaging


hope that helps everyone out a bit