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2003 Z4 Electrical Issues
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- Newbie
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2003 Z4 Electrical Issues
Help! I have a 2003 Z4 3.0 that has 89,000 kilometres on it. I have had no problems with the vehicle except one that is causing me nothing but grief. I am looking for suggestions or others who have had similar problems. My issue is if I do not drive the vehicle for a couple of days, the car will not start. I have had the battery replaced, everything checked to determine where a draw may be, but nothing has been found and the problem has not been rectified. On occasion, if I put the key in the ignition and wait a minute, it will start but it sounds like the battery is almost dead. Driving it regularly, there are no problems. The alternator, solenoid and starter are all fine apparently. Has anyone had a similar issue and if so, what was the problem. I have taken it to a BMW dealer and an electrical mechanic and they cannot determine what the problem may be. Thanking anyone in advance.
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2003 Z4 Electrical Issues
I have the same issue but thankfully it is a slower drain. With the nice weather, I’m driving it more regularly, which seems to top the battery up sufficiently and avoid non-starting.
However, any more than a week and mine is dead.
Replaced battery, checked alternator etc etc
Haven’t solved it yet but I do plan on investigating further at some stage.
However, any more than a week and mine is dead.
Replaced battery, checked alternator etc etc
Haven’t solved it yet but I do plan on investigating further at some stage.
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- Newbie
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2003 Z4 Electrical Issues
Thank you.....let me know if the issue is resolved and I will do the same......
- ph001
- Lifer
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- Location: N. Yorkshire.
2003 Z4 Electrical Issues
If you really do have a new fully charged battery being drained in 2 days thats about a 2A current draw... a bit low for the water pump but a bit high for things like an interior light (the drop down centre console is a favourite), cd player, aftermarket module etc. Buy this current clamp meter off amazon for a start and confirm how much current is being drained... TACKLIFE Multimeter, CM01A Clamp Meter Auto-ranging NCV Digital Tester, 4000 Counts AC/DC Volt and Amp Electric Meters, Ohmmeter, Continuity Detector, Capacitance, Frequency, Diode Measurement Tools https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N014CTB/ ... qBb4FK7WEW
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2003 Z4 Electrical Issues
Check the light inside the compartment between the seats. Mine was staying on and killing the battery. Disconnected it and problem went away.
2003 Sterling Grey 2.5i - RHD car living in a LHD country.
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2003 Z4 Electrical Issues
My 2003 Z4 had 89,892 miles when the problem occurred. Everything worked fine until a few days ago when I could not start it. When I turn the key the panel lights up but all I hear is a buzzing sound from under the hood. If I try to turn the key off and on a few times the panel goes dark. If I use a bypass to the solenoid it sparks and stops the buzzing as long as the clip is touching the solenoid but still no turning over? I checked the battery and it shows good. Anyone have any ideas?
The way I checked the battery was by hooking up my trickle charger and after about 5 minutes of indicating it was taking a charge it switched to showing it was fully charged. THE EVOLUTION CONTINUES:
. Just a couple of hours ago I got no lights anywhere when I turned the key. Just now I get an even stranger reaction; a clicking sound comes out of the center console (sounds like it anyway) and the P on the shifter is flashing in rhythm with the clicks? HELP
The way I checked the battery was by hooking up my trickle charger and after about 5 minutes of indicating it was taking a charge it switched to showing it was fully charged. THE EVOLUTION CONTINUES:
. Just a couple of hours ago I got no lights anywhere when I turned the key. Just now I get an even stranger reaction; a clicking sound comes out of the center console (sounds like it anyway) and the P on the shifter is flashing in rhythm with the clicks? HELP
Last edited by Rlove2201 on Fri Aug 10, 2018 1:19 am, edited 1 time in total.
- ph001
- Lifer
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- Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2016 5:53 pm
- Location: N. Yorkshire.
2003 Z4 Electrical Issues
How did you check the battery exactly? Sounds like a new one required to me.
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2003 Z4 Electrical Issues
I was able to resolve the issue through a second mechanic, not from the BMW dealership. The guy I went to specializes in European vehicles and electrical problems. He went through every possible electrical area of the vehicle and at the end of the day determined it was a faulty battery. Apparently one cell was faulty. I went back to BMW and advised them what the second mechanic found and they said he was wrong, but ultimately replaced the battery. Since then I have had no problems. BMW said they had to cause the battery to fail so it would be covered under warranty. I am a little suspicious of the dealership to say the least. Nevertheless, my problem was resolved and I found a fantastic mechanic. Thanks for everyone's suggestions and help.
- ph001
- Lifer
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- Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2016 5:53 pm
- Location: N. Yorkshire.