Car won't start

Duke · 2 May 2008 at 12:05

Hi guys,

My bimmer wouldn't start this morning

The ignition comes on OK (radio, fans, dash etc) but when you go to start the engine, you hear a clicking - a bit like when you start a gas cooker - but the engine doesn't turn or try to.

My father thinks the starter could be stuck. I had to get a lift to work and not had a chance to look at it properly yet. It had a new battery (was original before) about a year ago so I know that is OK.

Any ideas? Its a BMW 323i Manual '99. Is this a common problem?

Cheers

233 · 2 May 2008 at 12:06

starter, flat battery

Duke · 2 May 2008 at 12:06

Just edited to say had new battery a year ago :/

Biohazard · 2 May 2008 at 12:07

Yup, jump start it.

My micra done it the other morning, pushed it down the street hopped in and ragged away

Easier said than done with a ton compaired to a bimmer

Clarkey · 2 May 2008 at 12:08

sounds like the battery to me, you tried jumping it?

Biohazard · 2 May 2008 at 12:08

Duke said:
Just edited to say had new battery a year ago :/

That doesn't make it a super duper special battery that won't drain if you leave things on.

Either that or take hammer/broom to starter motor and whack it to make sure the solenoid ain't stuck, if you can find it that is.

Clarkey · 2 May 2008 at 12:09

Biohazard said:
Yup, jump start it.

My micra done it the other morning, pushed it down the street hopped in and ragged away

Easier said than done with a ton compaired to a bimmer

this is bump starting, not jump.

Biohazard · 2 May 2008 at 12:10

sorry, thats what I meant!

I couldn't use the leads as the engine from my other car is in the house atm

Duke · 2 May 2008 at 12:23

Not tried bumping/jumping yet. I've managed to organise someone to take a quick look so hopefully know a bit more later.

I can't get back home until about 6 unfortunately.

Biohazard · 2 May 2008 at 12:24

Duke said:
I've managed to organise someone to take a quick look so hopefully know a bit more later.

It won't take a brain surgeon!

Duke · 2 May 2008 at 12:36

Well the idea being if it is the starter motor and they can get the engine started, I can get it to a garage then, saving me £40-50 for a flat bed

Defcon5 · 2 May 2008 at 12:49

Immobilisor problem maybe?

jamoor · 2 May 2008 at 12:57

call the RAC

Bill101 · 2 May 2008 at 13:32

In the old days of rubbish Fords and BL the starter motor would readily get stuck. We used to put it in gear and rock the car then you would hear a loud clunk as the motor freed itself.

Duke · 2 May 2008 at 15:00

Yep was the battery

For some reasons there is 2 amps being drained all the time, so RAC guy is just finding out where. I can charge it up over night once he can found out why.