Pretty sure it's just a shoddy battery or alternator but I wanted your opinions on this. It's not a constant clicking, or even equally spaced. It'll click once or twice, stop, and then do it again. All electrical stuff inside works smoothly, not like a low battery might power them. This was after jumping it to charge - I don't get to drive much - so I'm thinking/hoping it's just a dying battery (The starter solenoid sounds to be where the clicking originates). Thoughts?
For reference:
1997 BMW 328is, five speed manual, 176k on the odometer. Runs smoothly and such when it does run.
Have you tried jumping it with another car, just to see? The battery might not be dead but can't put out the amps to turn the engine over. Check to fluid level in the battery, make sure that is filled up with distilled water(if applicable). Check your battery cables, make sure they are tight and are free from debris and corrosion. If they appear fine, get the battery tested at Autozone or some other shop.
It could be something else but you might as well start with the easiest to diagnose and fix issues.
Bad starter.
If you haven't tried changing the battery out yet, then you should have already done so if you suspected it was at fault. At the very least, do as SilentOpp said and try to jump it. If you get nothing more than a single click even after getting some charge to it via jumping or getting another battery, it's the starter.
Make sure your leads are making good contact with the battery terminals as well, and not covered in corrosion.
[QUOTE=bradley;37744784]Bad starter.
If you haven't tried changing the battery out yet, then you should have already done so if you suspected it was at fault. At the very least, do as SilentOpp said and try to jump it. If you get nothing more than a single click even after getting some charge to it via jumping or getting another battery, it's the starter.[/QUOTE]
yep multi clicks the battery first remove and clean terminals, reinstall. still clicks, replace battery.
single solid click starter contacts.
if u really think it is the alt. jump the battery start the car, disconnect the neg terminal on the battery if car dies it is the alt. if it keeps running, alt should be good.
Thanks for the response guys. The battery is only putting out 11.2 volts even after twenty minutes of being hooked to a running car. Thankfully (I guess?) it's a series of clicks which leads me to think it's the solenoid not getting the power it needs. I'll try getting a new battery in to replace it. Out of curiousity, what brands should I stay away from? Currently it has a Duralast in it.
Go to a junkyard, pull a decent battery that fits. Cost effective, it's what I do.
Pretty much any brand is fine. They usually come warrantied.
Is is cold from where you are? Single VANOS or duel VANOS engine? Afiak Early E46 (M52TU) aka M52 motor w/ Technical Update has code weather start up issues due to VANOS seal failure. I believe late model E36 may have M52 motor? Correct me if I'm mistaken.
Yep, it has an M52 motor, but the problem has been since relieved (New battery, old one was toasted). Put it in, started right up no problems.
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