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.
2003 Z4 Electrical Issues
- Thread starter Rick891
- Start date
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.
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/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZO7qBb4FK7WEW
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
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.
