Cranking but won't start

[deandln]

Hello everyone.

I have had my Z4 for about 3 years and had 0 issues. Today, I was replacing the aux cable and suddenly the whole radio went off.

Next thing, I try to start the car and it doesn't start at all .
-- video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9SWCnRuMc58EBu7F9

Any ideas on this?

Thank you!

 

[enuff_zed]

That clunking is telling you that the starter gets enough power to try to engage but not enough to turn it over.
I think you'll find it's nothing more sinister than a low battery.
But if it's dropped that quickly then it may be time for a new one.

 

[deandln]

Thank you for your reply. I replaced the battery last year and just before touching the aux I had no issues at all. I don't think it's because of that.

 

[enuff_zed]

Thank you for your reply. I replaced the battery last year and just before touching the aux I had no issues at all. I don't think it's because of that.

OK, but until you stick jump leads across it or at least check it's voltage, you won't know. Need to rule it out before you dive in deeper.
I suggested that because it's exactly the symptoms of a low charge battery that's all.

 

[Paul_RK]

Very simple - acc battery. Use the battery charger or replace

 

[deandln]

Checked the battery with a multimeter.

Reads 0 with ignition off, ~7 with ignition on :S.

 

[enuff_zed]

Checked the battery with a multimeter.

Reads 0 with ignition off, ~7 with ignition on :S.

What are those figures? Not voltage?

Have you tried to jump start the car?

 

[Paul_RK]

[ref]deandln[/ref], just trust me - try another battery or jump starter. It's standard BMWs problem , when the acc is not fully charged.

 

[pvr]

If you worked on the audio, and had the igniition on (or the lights), that is enough to drain the battery.

Did you replace the battery by any chance with a Bosch unit as they are notoriously bad with this.

 

[enuff_zed]

Step 1 always has to be try a jump start surely! :roll:

 

[pvr]

No, that is step 0 :lol:

 

[spazmochad]

Radio is one of the first things to switch off when the battery runs out of charge. Power steering is last. Found that out after work whilst travelling down the M3

 

[enuff_zed]

OP, are you starting to see a trend of thought here. :wink: