330Guy
11-03-2003, 04:06 PM
My car (2002 330xi) has 20,000 miles on it. 3 days ago the battery indicator light came on (randomly) without a change in my driving habits (daily use). I've measured the voltage while at idle, and it is at 13V or so, when it should be at 14V. After revving the car for a while, it did appear to charge the battery (went up to 13.3V or so, which I thought meant the alternator was probably OK), but within an hour of turning off the car, it would not start (again). I'm not sure what the problem is (maybe someone can give me an idea?) but so far, between Roadside Assistance and several dealerships--no one is of any help.
I called the service department of 2 dealers and inquired about a wire, near the battery, that was not connected to anything (in the trunk). There are only 3 sets of wires running from the trunk near the battery, but not one person has been able to identify what wire I might be talking about...this seemed a bit unbelievable (considering I was talking to a BMW service representative), and especially so because there are only 3 sets of wires--how tough can it be?
at any rate, the closest BMW dealer is 70miles away. roadside assistance could come, pick it up, and take it there, but i need the car every day, and even though the service might be covered under warranty, I would need to have the car towed back here since I can't go and pick it up, effectly negating the cost-savings of having it done under warranty in the first place...
This is entire issue has really been upsetting me for the past several days, and no one is really willing to help. Anyone see a solution?
Thanks,
Matt.
I called the service department of 2 dealers and inquired about a wire, near the battery, that was not connected to anything (in the trunk). There are only 3 sets of wires running from the trunk near the battery, but not one person has been able to identify what wire I might be talking about...this seemed a bit unbelievable (considering I was talking to a BMW service representative), and especially so because there are only 3 sets of wires--how tough can it be?
at any rate, the closest BMW dealer is 70miles away. roadside assistance could come, pick it up, and take it there, but i need the car every day, and even though the service might be covered under warranty, I would need to have the car towed back here since I can't go and pick it up, effectly negating the cost-savings of having it done under warranty in the first place...
This is entire issue has really been upsetting me for the past several days, and no one is really willing to help. Anyone see a solution?
Thanks,
Matt.