|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2
|
M-3 Start Problem
I have a 1995 M-3. This car has always started easily until recently. I turn the key and I hear the bendix slide into the flywheel (clink) but the starter dosen't turn. If I hold the key in the start position (and the starter doesn't rotate) the emergency flashers turn on with the flasher button in the off position. Also the airbag light illuminates but goes out (after several minutes) after I do get the car started. All I have to do is hook up the charger, turn on the trickle charge and the car starts every time. If I continue to turn the ignition several times, sometimes the car starts without the charger. I have already replaced the battery (BMW battery from the dealer). Is this a bad starter problem or what?
|
||
12-12-2005, 06:34 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: I live in CT
Posts: 14
|
Where do you hook up that charger? in the engine compartment or backin the trank? if the car starts when you connect a charger in the front whithout problem, try to hook it up to the battery and see if it's worse or not. That sounds more like a battery cable problem or connection on either positive or negative cables.Those simptoms that you described are telling me that you loose power somewhere on connections. Will be glad to hear from you.
__________________
y.a |
||
|
12-25-2005, 12:15 AM
|
|
|
Moderator
|
Sounds like a bad battery or a bad connection.
Clean the battery terminals and make sure the connection is tight. Sometimes the terminals can stretch and cause the connection to be loose even it they are fully tightened. Batteries Plus sells Douglas batteries which is a OEM battery for about 33% less.
__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex) Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4 |
||
|
12-27-2005, 07:14 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2
|
BMW M-3 Start Problem
You guys are great to take the time to respond to my problem and I sure thank you. I have hooked the charger at both the battery (trunk) and under the hood with the same results. I had a boat battery in the garage which was 45 amps higher (540 vs 585 amps) than the BMW battery. I decided to try it to see if the same problem reoccurred. I put the boat battery in the car and drove it 1800 miles over a six day period with lot's of cold weather starts. Not one single problem starting. I am going to take the battery back to BMW and have them test it. I guess it could be the higher amp battery is just overcoming some resistance somewhere. Thanks again.
Eugene, what part of Georgia are you moving to? |
||
|
12-28-2005, 03:05 PM
|
|
|
Moderator
|
It "could" also be that you were more careful to make better connections with the new battery. However, I think the battery is probably the problem and taking the battery back is the best idea.
__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex) Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4 |
||
|
12-29-2005, 07:06 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: I live in CT
Posts: 14
|
let us know your progress results. I'm mooving to Atlanta area.
__________________
y.a |
||
|
12-30-2005, 11:45 AM
|
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 2
|
Definately sounds like a battery or an actual starter fault.
Steve
__________________
http://www.modifiedm3.co.uk Supercharged, PSS9 Suspension, AP Racing Brakes,Dual Custom Zorst, 19's,lowered,Angel eyes,HID,Crystal fogs,Lumma CLR bodykit. UUC Short Shift, etc etc |
||
|
01-29-2006, 02:37 AM
|
|
1997 BMW M3 3.2L I6
