Bad battery or something electrical??

[styxx]

Hi all!

I have a 99 328i.

Yesterday morning I was driving around with no problems. I got into the car later on in the afternoon and it would not start.

The door chimes started when I got in but after putting my key into the ignition, all the lights, radio, etc. were really dim and when I turned the key all the way the car wouldn't start but sounded like it was trying to start.

Since then all I can do is get into the car and turn it on, but the lights will be very dim and the headlights won't come on much less the radio now. Do I need a new battery (which I don't think has every been changed since it was new) or is it something else? Could it be the starter is bad?

I know that there is possibly another electrical problem because the a/c and heat won't come on and my mechanic friend said that if everything else ran fine but that, he thought that it might be "a bad relay".

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. I had to wait until today just to roll up the windows! Hope to hear from somone soon!

 

[clhatcher]

put a charger on the battery if it holds a charge look some where else if not replace the battery i have a battery tender i use on my boat it will tell you as soon as you hook it up if the battery is chargable

 

[Big Daddy]

You cannot test a dead battery, so charge it up and have it load tested at your local auto parts store, or tire shop (most will do this for free), If the battery fails the laod test replace it. If this is the original battery you are over due. Good luck.

 

[Kirby]

If the battery has never been changed since new in 1999, it is 99.99999% likely you need a new battery.

 

[styxx]

you aren't going to believe this...the battery is just fine. I took it too O'Reilly's and the battery read "good w/ 100% charge" and then they tested the Alternator and it is just fine. This was after I had unplugged the batter from the car. When I brought the battery back and plugged it back into the car, the car started just fine and then I drove it around. No problems. I started and stopped the car about 4 times and so far no problems. Starts fine and drives normally. Do you think I have some other electrical problem? Wiring perhaps, I don't know but now I don't know what to think!?! Thanks Kirby for writing back...

 

[Kirby]

That is kinda weird. But I have seen things like this happen if the terminals/connections to the battery are just slightly loose and /or oxidized. Some voltage can get thru and very little current. It's possible that the act of loosening and reinstalling the battery "fixed" a problem with the terminals.

But my gut feeling is that you'll have more issues in the near future....