Location: Near Toronto, ON
Posts: 1,211
My VIN: Previous Owner of 5875
Club(s): (DOI)
Last night after a wedding reception I went to start my 1998 BMW 328 and it wouldn't start due to a dead battery. I had it boosted and it started right up and I drove it home. I thought that perhaps the door didn't latch resulting in a drained the battery. But this morning the same thing happened. I put the battery reader on it and it read about 12.1 which is okay. Could this be an issue with the battery itself, or is there another problem? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Previous Owner of 5875 - 1981/Grey/5-Speed/Grooved Hood
Location: Atlanta OTP GA
Posts: 7,084
My VIN: 2743
Club(s): (SEDOC) (DCH) (DCUK) (DOC-UK)
Just because it is reading 12V doesn't mean it has the power to do anything. Take to to autozone etc and get it load-tested.
How old is it?
Dermot
VIN 2743, B/A, Frame 2227, engine 2320
I don't always drive cars, but when I do, I prefer DeLoreans
http://www.will-to-live.org
No-one is to stone anyone, even, and I want to make this absolutely clear, even if they do say "carburetor"
Location: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 481
My VIN: 4692
Being in Canada, check for battery freeze, and any break/compromise of the battery connectors or wiring. Either of those can provide just enough power for courtesy lights, but not enough to turn it over.
Location: NorCal Ben Lomond
Posts: 208
My VIN: 1420
Club(s): (NCDMC) (DCUK)
Try cleaning the battery posts and terminals with a wire brush.
Location: Taylors SC
Posts: 5,326
My VIN: (former)05429
Club(s): (DMWC) (DCUK)
Turn on the lights and check the battery again. I'll bet it's a lot lower than 12.1 V
How old is the battery?
Dave S
DMC Midwest - retired but helping
Greenville SC
Location: Near Toronto, ON
Posts: 1,211
My VIN: Previous Owner of 5875
Club(s): (DOI)
The battery is at least 5 years old.Originally Posted by DMCMW Dave
Previous Owner of 5875 - 1981/Grey/5-Speed/Grooved Hood
Location: Duncanville, Alabama USA
Posts: 825
My VIN: 6599
At 5 years old, I'd replace it for Peace of Mind.
My '05 Grand Caravan's battery lasted 7 years but, It was Very weak when I did.
George
George.
1974 BMW RS90 motorcycle
1981 DeLorean. Cruise Control, Wings-A-Loft, Eibach springs, Spax shocks, Stage1 exhaust, Manual, Grey and Grooved, LED clock and fixed pulls.
1993 del Sol S (With a Few, Upgrades)
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited
Location: Camden, Arkansas
Posts: 347
My VIN: 04915
... a five year old battery has lived it's life. Time for a new one.
Jack Skeens
Location: Taylors SC
Posts: 5,326
My VIN: (former)05429
Club(s): (DMWC) (DCUK)
I've seen (personally) OEM German BMW batteries last 8 years. The replacements NEVER last that long.
A BMW alternator failure before 150K miles is rare. Don't get me started on their cooling systems though. . .
Dave S
DMC Midwest - retired but helping
Greenville SC
Location: Near Toronto, ON
Posts: 1,211
My VIN: Previous Owner of 5875
Club(s): (DOI)
How would I test whether the problem lies with the battery or with the alternator?
Previous Owner of 5875 - 1981/Grey/5-Speed/Grooved Hood
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