2002 BMW 325i starting trouble

My trusty black beauty, 2002 325i died over the weekend.

It started without a problem on Saturday morning, but refused to start later in the evening. I was able to jump start it and drove it around for half hour. It was starting OK after getting back.

Come Monday morning, and the car was dead again. I was unable to jump start it this time. I initially suspected that this was a battery problem. But now it looks like a potential starter/solenoid problem. The battery seems fine, because the lights come on when I turn the key, but all I hear is a click, which is followed by a humming sound for 20 sec and then it stops.

1) Any recommendations for reliable _BMW mechanics_ in the Portland (Oregon, USA) area (apart from the Kuni/Rassmussen “stealerships”)? (My Japanese car mechanic refuses to touch this car)

2) Any do-it-yourself ideas, before I get it towed to the dealer?

3) Is it worth trying a new battery from autozone (94-DL) before taking the car to the dealer?

Thanks!
-A

Yeah, I'd try replacing the battery first... sounds like the most likely culprit.

how many miles is on it?

Originally Posted by adsathe

Come Monday morning, and the car was dead again. I was unable to jump start it this time. I initially suspected that this was a battery problem. But now it looks like a potential starter/solenoid problem. The battery seems fine, because the lights come on when I turn the key, but all I hear is a click, which is followed by a humming sound for 20 sec and then it stops.

Lights require a few amps. Getting the starter to turn requires a LOT of amps. +1 on replace battery first. Autozone 49DL, $70!

I had the same problem with 02 325i and it was my alternator. Got my alternator changed and everything was great!

You can buy the 49DL battery from autozone, swap it and if it is definitely not the battery, you can return it for a full refund.
Zero cost to you...

Originally Posted by mbridges15

I had the same problem with 02 325i and it was my alternator. Got my alternator changed and everything was great!

same here, but check the battery first

The problem is I am unable to jump start the car now. That is what got me to suspect the starter/solenoid (not the fact that the lights come on:-)).

But it definitely seems like a good idea to try a new battery first, just to rule it out before debugging further. Someone in my office indicated that a blown fuse could be the culprit. I am going to try that too.

Where are you guys getting 94-DL for $70? :-)
In Oregon, autozone is quoting me $129.99 for 94-DL!

Thanks!
-A

Originally Posted by adsathe

The problem is I am unable to jump start the car now. That is what got me to suspect the starter/solenoid (not the fact that the lights come on:-)).

But it definitely seems like a good idea to try a new battery first, just to rule it out before debugging further. Someone in my office indicated that a blown fuse could be the culprit. I am going to try that too.

Where are you guys getting 94-DL for $70? :-)
In Oregon, autozone is quoting me $129.99 for 94-DL!

Thanks!
-A

We're not getting the 94DL for $70. We're getting the 49DL, which will fit, for $70. See the wiki for more information.

49DL. Not 94DL

Are you still having trouble?

My experience when the starter makes this noise is that there is a bad spot on the armiture of the starter that causes high resistance and the battery is not able to overcome this. If you can get to the starter you can gently tap it with a hammer or something on the side and see if will start. Remember there is a lot of electricity down there so be careful! If it starts then you know it's the starter.

I had this happen before as well with my '02 325i. Evidently, I am not sure with other makes or models, but with ours there are two brands of alternators. A French one (can not remember the name) and Bosch. The French ones fail all the time. That is what I had, I had the dealership (under warranty) replace it with Bosch. Also few month later my battery went dead. Under warranty I had it replaced too and no issues since. I think I had about 40k miles on it... Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by adsathe

unable to jump start... The battery seems fine, because the lights come on when I turn the key, but all I hear is a click, which is followed by a humming sound for 20 sec and then it stops.

This is exactly what happens with my mine (2003 325i, manual). Sometimes it works to jumpstart it, but sometimes it still clicks while trying to jump it. So what has worked, so far, is to put the car in 2nd and rock it forward a little bit, or just turn the key multiple times until it turns over. Usually just clicks for about 5 or 6 tries and then just suddenly turns over with full juice.

So, adsathe, what ended up working for you? After reading all these threads, I'm fairly convinced that my solenoid contacts need to be replaced. But I just need as many second opinions as possible before I get in there. It seems like it's hard to access. Has anybody found an easier way than this? : http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=499230

That looks like a crappy process. There's got to be a more simple way to access it, otherwise, I might just pay to have it done.

You have probably fixed your problem by now, but, I found that if you purchase a mini-flexhead ratcheting wrench set, the 100mm works for the torx bolts and makes removing the starter a dream. The only thing you need to remove is the vacuum canister below the starter motor, which takes a second.

For anyone hooking up with this thread, word is the Autozone 49DL is being discontinued.
Don't get caught off guard.
Can get the 49 series in other places. Someone said Pep Boys, and I've seen it in Sams Club.

Had a similar problem as described above and ended up being the starter. $700 from an Indy to replace. Just a lesson learned you have to go through all the checks when determining what to replace. It is too expensive to start exchanging parts without having good testing equipment.