Big Problem with my 1996 BMW 318i

[BMW528i_Bilal]

I bought a new car last spring, and put my BMW 318i away for the summer. I started the car up on a weekly basis except 2.5 weeks before taking it out. When i went inside the car, the battery was out. I got it charged up, and now the car is starting and everyting but everything ceased up on the car. I mean everthing except the engine and intrument panel. Now i don't know what to do. I wanted to put away my new car for the winter and drive the 318i but don't what happend to it. Even i can't realise the hand breaks. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!! :dunno: :cry: :mad: :tsk: :bawling: :(

[scottn2retro]

Unfortunately, it's good to actually take the car on short little trips every so often and not just start it up.

When you say everything is seized up, could you explain a little more (give us a list of everything that is not working)?

[BMW528i_Bilal]

- THE WHEELS DIDN'T MOVE
- THE POWER DOOR LOCKS
- THE HAND BREAK
- THE RADIO (previously i had an alternator job done on the car, and it asked me for the code when i turned on the radio) NOW DOESN'T TURN ON
- THE DIGITAL CLIMATE CONTROL DOES WORK.
- LIGHTS WORK (interior, exterior)

basically all the operational parts to move the car (wheels, brake, etc), don't work, and my doors aren't unlocking.

I tried hard to get it moving, but the rear right cornor would tilt up slightly, and the car didn't move. :dunno: :(

[Nim_rod007]

Bilal,

I am no expert but could it be that the computer locked up and activated the security feature once the battery got discharged.

[BMW528i_Bilal]

How do i deactivate it?

[Nim_rod007]

How do i deactivate it?


I dunno...my radio died once and I had to call the dealer for the code as I had thrown away the piece of paper with codes and stuff.

[julz]

How do i deactivate it?I accidently left my lights on for about 12 hours on my 92 318ic. When I came out to leave from work, I pressed my alarm and it sounded sick. Instead of realizing what had happened (The battery was dead). I kept trying to press the alarm remote and sat in the drivers seat and tried to start the car and on and on. I called my mechanic in a huge panic. He said (this is from my memory-it may not be technically correct)...that the car basically has a type of kill switch and until I could recharge the battery to full strenght and then press my alarm remote on and off, I wasn't going anywhere. The "seizing" you are describing is exactly what mine was doing. I thought mine was due to my aftermarket alarm though. My mechanic seemed to think it had to do with the BMW antitheft system ie; kill switch.
I've found a wonderful couple of places to answer questions like this. Once is BMWusa. I've had odd questions and have been surprised that they always answer me even though my car isn't "new". Another that I recommend is bavarianauto.com. If you look on their site you'll find ask "Otto". He's really good at answering your hard questions.
Good luck, you'll be fine.

[barcode9]

[BMW528i_Bilal]

:) I Sent the car to the BMW dealership where it got a new battery, new rear brakes, and a full inspection 2 service which costed me $1700. I blame it on myself, for me not taking care of my car in the first. The car is back and runs and drives excellent. I have learned from my mistakes. Now i start my 2000 BMW 528i, every other day, and drive it every week. which i put away for the winter. :)

[scottn2retro]

Glad it's going again.

From what I understand, for helping preserve a car, it's better for the car to make more frequent/regular short trips than to take it for a long trip every now and then.