My bimmer died last night....help please!

[Matias]

Hi guys. Last night I had a very strange problem with my 94 540i. After I drove it for about 1hr as I do most days, I parked it for 5 minutes, then started it again and less than 2 block down the street I heard a pop sound and the car went dead. All lights gone, not even the hazzard lights are working. I saw some smoke coming from the engine, popped the hood and the smell was definitively something electrical (cables, motor). I towed the car and before I take it to a mechanic I was wondering if this happened to somebody else that can share some ideas. Thanks!

Matt

[632 Regal]

sounds like maybe the starter cable shorted out, you should be able to figure out where the problem is without too much work.

[laguner]

If you smelled burning, then there should be a fried wire to see. Look for burnt insulation and yes, the battery cables would be a great place to start, since there is no power at all. If the positive is shorted to ground, then there will be no resistance between the positive and negative battery cables when removed from the battery. Start with that.

[emw525E34]

It maybe something as simple as the fusable link. These are "master" fuses for the main electrics located just next to the battery.

[Matias]

Thanks guys!...I'll check that over the weekend and post my findings.

[Matias]

Update. I bought a new battery (it was over 3 years old anyway) and when I tried to connect it, sparks flew all over the place....shortcircuit. I towed the car to a shop and the mechanic said that the starter is in short. So I'm buying a new one and hopefuly it will fix the problem. Thanks again for your help!