Won't start - no click - electricals working

Post Fri Feb 27, 2015 11:47 am

I hadn't driven my new 318i since Monday and yesterday morning it wouldn't start. The dash lights come on when the ignition is turned on but the engine doesn't crank and I can't hear any clicking or anything. Literally nothing happens when trying to start it. The lights work although maybe a little dim.

I bump started it in reverse dead easy and went on a short 5 minute drive before going back home, turning her off and trying again. Obviously the 5 minute drive isn't enough to charge a battery, but I tried anyway and this time it did show signs of making an effort. Of course it didn't start, but it tried cranking.

Classic case of a dead battery or does it sound more like a starter motor or solenoid issue? I would imagine it's just a weak battery that didn't like being sat in cold weather for a few days but I want to make sure before I spend £50 on a new battery.

Whilst we're at it - I'm actually struggling to find info on what battery to buy. I thought this would be easy but I can't seem to find any conclusive information on which battery I need?

Post Fri Feb 27, 2015 2:24 pm

Dead battery, but maybe just drained for reasons unknown. Charge it up and take it from there.
If you're renewing the battery, I'd buy the largest one that will physically fit, which is an 096, the same as for a 325i.

Post Fri Feb 27, 2015 3:04 pm

Cool, thanks! Do I need to worry about the CCA or anything? A EuroCarParts link would be great if that isn't being too cheeky?

Post Fri Feb 27, 2015 3:58 pm

As mentioned it's probably the battery. The only other thing I've had which is similar is a sticky starter motor, I used to have to tap mine with a hammer to get it to free off before I swapped it for a good unit...

Post Fri Feb 27, 2015 6:30 pm

http://www.eurocarparts.com/car-battery

Edit: Them above doesn't work, of course, since the link doesn't include the vehicle details I entered!!!!
Try this selection:

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_3 ... 26e&000020

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_3 ... 61f&000020

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_3 ... 0d8&000020

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_3 ... a49&000020

Post Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:45 am

New battery solved it. Thanks!

Post Mon Mar 02, 2015 10:03 am

ACJJ619 wrote:New battery solved it. Thanks!

Bit early to say that, until you know for certain whether the old battery just died, or was killed.

Post Mon Mar 02, 2015 2:42 pm

Bit late now, but also check the earth strap. If that's broken the starter won't do anything. I just did a 318iS engine swap - an earth strap issue prevented that from starting as well.