HELP! CAR WON'T START
02-12-2012, 07:43 PM
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So earlier tonight I drove home to Philadelphia from my parents house in NJ (20miles-ish). Unpacked some stuff, then drove to my University (1mile-ish away). Then an hour later, I went to start my car, NOPE nothing. No click! The key turns, the lights work, the key lock/unlock works, radio works. What are the potential problems? What should I do now? Any feedback/information would be greatly appreciated here because I have no idea what's going on. (I bought my car 3 years or so ago, now it has 90k miles on it if this info helps or anything.
02-12-2012, 07:48 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550I LOADED, all options except HUD and NV
He means does it sound like it's trying to start, as in: is the motor trying to turn over.
Cars are not complicated, they need only 3 things to run - air, fuel, spark - so find out which one the car isn;t getting and you're golden.
My money is still on the battery, because in our cars everything can still work while the battery does not have enough juice to start the car.
02-12-2012, 07:54 PM
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Thanks guys. Yeah I did some research a few hours ago, seems like its probably the battery or starter(?). I changed my spark plugs a few weeks ago and I know that I have gas. And in terms of battery, will I have to get it from the dealer because they have to register it or is that just all BS?
02-12-2012, 08:06 PM
#7
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Just get an H8 battery from wal-mart. Evermaxx 3 year guarantee for $99 made in CZ (czech republic). If you compare the batteries, one is black and OE is white. Nothing special about a BMW part number stamped on the battery.
You do not need to register it. It just makes the car re-learn how to charge. Just get your car started for now. decide later.
I ripped my IBS out of the car. Stupid. I know the newer IBS on 2008 is a bit different though.
You do not need to register it. It just makes the car re-learn how to charge. Just get your car started for now. decide later.
I ripped my IBS out of the car. Stupid. I know the newer IBS on 2008 is a bit different though.
02-13-2012, 12:20 PM
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Another thing I would recommend is to get the car jump started (even with the possible failing battery in it). If it is indeed the battery, then you should be able to get it started and then it should be able to keep running AFTER the jumper cables are disconnected. If it immediately dies when the jumper cables get disconnected, you might be faced with more problems. Otherwise, it's probably just an old battery.
As far as how to jumpstart the vehicle (based on the question on what cranking is), just search youtube on how to do it.
As far as how to jumpstart the vehicle (based on the question on what cranking is), just search youtube on how to do it.
02-13-2012, 12:22 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550I LOADED, all options except HUD and NV
^^^ what he said is correct. I would just add that if the battery in your car is the original one then it's probably time for a change anyway. I would be surprised it lasted this long anyway.
02-13-2012, 06:07 PM
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Thanks guys. haha I know how to jumpstart a car and I was just unfamiliar with the term cranking. But I figured what he meant. Thank you all though. You guys have been much help. So just to clarify, I can go get a battery with the same OEM spec and just replace it? NO need to register or any reprogramming/resetting?