bkoski
01-03-2009, 02:48 PM
1994 530i 5speed
123,xxx miles
This vehicle has been driven approximately 1,000 miles in the last two years, hence, it sits A LOT. I recently had the radiator and cooling hoses replaced, though I don't suspect this to be a factor.
A few days ago I drove the car to work, a drive of around 2 miles. Car started up with a bit of hesitation as it was below 30 degrees F. After work I got into the car and attempted to start it with no success. As soon as I turned the key to "ignition" the engine turned over once and then not at all, seemed like a dead battery to me. With the key in the "on" position there were no lights on the dash, once again I just assumed the battery was dead. My parents happened to be in town on vacation so I had them come by and try to jump-start my Bimmer. The car we used was a 2000 Acura TL. With the cables attached properly I attempted to crank the engine, it would barely turn over and felt like we were drawing power from an EXTREMELY weak battery. The car never started.
We eventually gave up trying to jump the car as I felt we were getting nowhere and didn't want to further damage it somehow. I brought the battery home and put it on my charger overnight. The battery itself is no more than a year old.
With the battery fully charged I went back this morning to give it one more attempt. This is where I became confused. I have no mechanical/electrical knowledge but there is something strange going on with my car.
Connected battery and tried door locks. Worked as normal.
Turned key to "on" position (position 2 I believe). Dash lights up as normal and you can hear pumps/motors whatever under the hood spooling up.
But as soon as I try start position everything dies. Key back to on position and there are no lights on dash. Try electric door locks and nothing.
The strange part, is if I simply disconnect then reconnect the battery, it's like starting the whole process over, all electrical accessories work properly until I try and start the engine, then everything goes dead unless I disconnect and reconnect the batt.
Is this some sort of relay issue or do I need a new starter? New alternator? Maybe a fuse somewhere I hope? My intentions are to get the car running reliably so I can sell it. I'm a sucker for the E34 M5 and I can afford one now as soon as I get rid of my 530i.
Thanks in advance. -Brett
123,xxx miles
This vehicle has been driven approximately 1,000 miles in the last two years, hence, it sits A LOT. I recently had the radiator and cooling hoses replaced, though I don't suspect this to be a factor.
A few days ago I drove the car to work, a drive of around 2 miles. Car started up with a bit of hesitation as it was below 30 degrees F. After work I got into the car and attempted to start it with no success. As soon as I turned the key to "ignition" the engine turned over once and then not at all, seemed like a dead battery to me. With the key in the "on" position there were no lights on the dash, once again I just assumed the battery was dead. My parents happened to be in town on vacation so I had them come by and try to jump-start my Bimmer. The car we used was a 2000 Acura TL. With the cables attached properly I attempted to crank the engine, it would barely turn over and felt like we were drawing power from an EXTREMELY weak battery. The car never started.
We eventually gave up trying to jump the car as I felt we were getting nowhere and didn't want to further damage it somehow. I brought the battery home and put it on my charger overnight. The battery itself is no more than a year old.
With the battery fully charged I went back this morning to give it one more attempt. This is where I became confused. I have no mechanical/electrical knowledge but there is something strange going on with my car.
Connected battery and tried door locks. Worked as normal.
Turned key to "on" position (position 2 I believe). Dash lights up as normal and you can hear pumps/motors whatever under the hood spooling up.
But as soon as I try start position everything dies. Key back to on position and there are no lights on dash. Try electric door locks and nothing.
The strange part, is if I simply disconnect then reconnect the battery, it's like starting the whole process over, all electrical accessories work properly until I try and start the engine, then everything goes dead unless I disconnect and reconnect the batt.
Is this some sort of relay issue or do I need a new starter? New alternator? Maybe a fuse somewhere I hope? My intentions are to get the car running reliably so I can sell it. I'm a sucker for the E34 M5 and I can afford one now as soon as I get rid of my 530i.
Thanks in advance. -Brett