330i won't start

[Gary330i]

I just purchased a used 2002 with 33,000 miles on it. Was washing and cleaning it and went to start it, but the relays just chatter and the headlights flash off and on...like the anti-theft system was activated. I took out the battery, charged it and took it to AutoZone...they tested it and said it was good to go. If the battery is charged, it starts...but later on it does the same thing.

Any idea's before I drag it to the dealer??

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Yes, two ideas or suggestions rather.... First call the seller and ask them what's wrong with the car and for the service records. Then I would (probably do this anyway) buy a new battery and see what happens. I'd avoid the dealer unless you're certain it's not the battery.

 

[andreyiv]

Youre saying that after you charge the battery the car is fine but after running for some time it doesn't want to start anymore, as far as I understand (please correct me if I misunderstood).

That seems like the battery is not charging for whatever reason. It could be that the battery is dead and needs replacing or the car is not charging the battery. The latter could be because of a few things, one of them being the alternator. To see if the problem is with the car (and not the battery), you can drive around for a while (without going too far away from your house) and see if the car dies in a few hours.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Gary330i]

The seller is a coworker (UGH!) who says there was nothing wrong...should I take the battery out and have it tested someplace else? A new battery @ Autozone is $120...sure hate to waste it...but the battery is 4 yrs old.

 

[Gary330i]

I have driven it around and the car is fine...I don't think it is the alternator...headlights and everything stays up when driving.

 

[Jay Frem]

I have driven it around and the car is fine...I don't think it is the alternator...headlights and everything stays up when driving.

Had a very similar problem it ended up being the alternator....after i jump started the car drove a for a while before dying out....

For some reason i m pretty much sure it is the alternator....after putting a used one the bimmer was good to go and the battery was intact...

Let us know

Jay

 

[williamwoon]

Hi Gary

it's gonna be the alternator not charging your battery. or if it is , it is charging too much and therefore the battery went dead after that...

make sense

william