Car not starting/electrical problems?

[3pedals2victory]

So I got into my car this morning and started her up just fine. Picked up my phone to check my email online, and my stereo shut off. I looked up and it appeared to be turned off, so I tried turning it on. I pushed the button a couple of times, and my car died. I tried start it again, and all I would get is lights on the dash and a clicking sound. Radio seems to work fine, as do my lights. Any one experienced anything like this?

 

[cj10jeeper]

Sounds like a failing battery.

The clicking sounds like there being insufficeint power to engage the starter and then turn the engine.

 

[3pedals2victory]

My thoughts are either the battery or the alternator. Its just odd that it started up right away with no issues, and then only moments later, it died and would not start again.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Alternators don't fail that often compared to batteries. Of course if it's not working then eventually the battery will drain.

I'd stick a voltmeter on the battery and see what you have. Then run the engine and see if it leaps up

 

[3pedals2victory]

If the engine ran, I would. It doesnt start, remember?

 

[cj10jeeper]

If the engine ran, I would. It doesnt start, remember?

I'm obviously assuming you charge the battery, jump start it or switch batteries as a first step.

 

[Ewazix]

Process of elimination, test the battery with a meter or see if the headlights are strong? do they dim if you put on the indicators if so you have a flat battery (the clicking is classic low battery). If not,
Check/clean the battery terminals and earth,
check the fuses,
gently finger 'tap' any relays you can find, try one at a time (old school elimination trick, probably not in the BMW technical guide )
Examine the starter motor power cable terminals on the starter itself
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9655&start=15
Immobiliserers can kick in but may clear if you try another key
If it's an Automatic try moving the shifter around as you try to start to see if the safety interlock switch is playing up.

If it's none of these I'd give up and get it plugged in to a diagnostic, good luck and let us know how you get on

 

[3pedals2victory]

If the engine ran, I would. It doesnt start, remember?

I'm obviously assuming you charge the battery, jump start it or switch batteries as a first step.

Yes, that will be my first step. I am hoping thats all it is, but electrical stuff has been acting weird lately so I am hoping I do not have a bigger issue to deal with.

 

[3pedals2victory]

Well I went with my gut and opted for a new battery, and problem solved! It still has me wondering why it started up just fine and then died, but as long as thats all it was, I am a happy man.