2005 BMW 530i Won's Start!!!!

My 2005 530i wont start! Had the car for about 3 yrs no problems. Had couple issues where the car wouldn't start after retrying would start but about 3 weeks ago is completely died on me. No dash lights and IDrive doesn't work. The radio, interior lights and alarm works. When I turn the key there is nothing no crank no noise at all. Its like completely dead. When I press the brake pedal my taillights don't light up. There was a case where I turned on my parking lights and turned them off but the left side was still on the right side was off till I put the key back in and turned them on and turned back off both side went off. Any ideas plz help!

Things I've done so far

1. Checked all the fuses - All seem fine

2. The battery is not from BMW but I had it for about 1 1/2 yr with no problems and took it to Oriley's auto and they said it was good.

Grab a meter and check the battery yourself. It is easy. Have someone start the car when your checking voltage. Just to be sure. You never know. If the voltage is low to begin with it before your start then it's done. Next if Ye voltage is good 12v or so, does it drop when trying to start??? Next try to charge the battery yourself or simply jumper/boost it.

Eliminate the battery yourself.
Especially If it's aftermarket.


Otherwise it needs some experience troubleshooting.

I'm going to blame the battery on this one.

If the electronics associated with the key fob such as door locks don't respond and none of the electronics tied to various positions of the ignition switch turn on, then your electrical problem is systemic.

Have you inspected the trunk for water (especially below the spare tire)?

If everything is dry and it doesn't smell like burnt electronics, I would take it to a BMW dealership. Best case is you just need a new battery and have it registered with the car's computer. Do a search on the forums about battery registration if you want more info on that - it basically tells the car there's a new battery installed so that it changes its charging technique.

I will check the battery voltage and the spare tire area and keep you updated. Thnx for the tips!!

I checked the trunk its dry. Got a battery meter shows 11.4v and when the key was turned dropped down to 11.3v. Most likely a battery problem??

Originally Posted by borovvito

I checked the trunk its dry. Got a battery meter shows 11.4v and when the key was turned dropped down to 11.3v. Most likely a battery problem??

That battery needs to recharged/replaced. Properly charged car battery should be between 12.2V to 12.6V. Try charging the battery overnight and check the voltage across the terminals in the morning. It's possible one [or more] of the cell in the battery is dead. Proper way to test the battery is to LOAD TEST - simulating the starter load. Auto parts stores usually do this load test for free.

My battery was recharged and said was good on 10/22 and today I took it to Napa again and it's at 11.4 the car has been standing for the whole time. The battery doesn't have a dead cell. What else can cuz my car to be completely dead?

Load test buddy. The only way !!
Something is draining the battery.

My opinion is do it thru the dealer. You will pay more, but its for a reason. They know all the common issues and will have a better shot at it then an Indy.

Don't waist your time and money anywhere else.

Pease!!!

Napa did a load test and said it was fine. Wanted to see if any body else had this kind of issue before I take it to a dealer.

Originally Posted by borovvito

My battery was recharged and said was good on 10/22 and today I took it to Napa again and it's at 11.4 the car has been standing for the whole time. The battery doesn't have a dead cell. What else can cuz my car to be completely dead?

The battery may be new, but the car is likely not charging it properly. Only way to do this is to have it registered through the dealer. Although, I suspect they will tell you that your aftermarket battery cannot be registered and they'll have you buy an OEM one. I had mine replaced a few years ago for mid-low $400s at a dealer.

I'm just gonna tow the car to dealers and have them check it out. Hopefully they can figure it out.

Originally Posted by dwlink

The battery may be new, but the car is likely not charging it properly. Only way to do this is to have it registered through the dealer. Although, I suspect they will tell you that your aftermarket battery cannot be registered and they'll have you buy an OEM one. I had mine replaced a few years ago for mid-low $400s at a dealer.

No need to buy the dealer's Johnson Control/Exide battery. Autozone carries the H8-AGM high energy battery and it is exactly the same battery. You will need to take to BMW dealer to have the new battery registered in your DME. That way it knows how much to tell alternator to charge the battery.

Good Luck.

I think you have no choice but to tow it to a dealer, just have mine replace the battery $260 and starter $360 and you have to add the labor which is almost $ 500, sorry,with a problem like this (won't start) they have to diagnose it with their gadget, unless you know somebody in your area that specialize on BMW might be cheaper. good luck