E53 X5 4.4 Not Starting Just Clicking When Key Turned

[Meka]

Hey guys

Came down to the garage there and went to start the X but it's just clicking nothing else headlights trying to come on also whilst turning the key, I've just checked the battery terminals all looks ok plus the battery looks quiet new and ideas what it may be if just needing a good charge ect

Thanks


Sent from Meka

[Meka]

Sent from Meka

[Meka]

Neighbour just checked it its sitting at 16 on the volt metre thing and started right from a jump do you think battery is on its way out or needs a good run to charge as I've only done very short trips in it


Sent from Meka

[X5Sport]

16V is way too high!  It should be 13.2 if fully charged which makes me doubt the accuracy of that meter.  Given it was failing to start the car it does not sound to be fully charged.  You cannot accurately check the battery within 4 hours if last use and the car must be asleep.

Have a look at the 'tell-tale' window to see what colour it is.  If yellow then the battery is at end of life and is no longer holding a charge.  It takes 12-hours to recharge a dead battery.

A number of people use the CTEK chargers, which are the made for BMW but cheaper, in the 5A or greaterr, 8-stage versions.

Bosch S5 or S5 batteries seem to be a favourite and reliable plus have up to a 5 year warranty.

Eurocarparts are a good source.

Richard

[Meka]

Thanks Richard looking at the wee window its black saying on the battery its efficient charge on it so I'm not sure I'm going to go take her for a good run for a while see how she holds up lol


Sent from Meka

[X5Sport]

A good charge should be all it needs then.

If it's still slow with a fully charged battery then it is possible you may have a bad starter.  I can't remember what yeR yours is.  There was a period (2003/4/5 if memory serves) where BMW used Magneti Marelli starters and these have a nasty habit of failing and drawing far more current than the battery can provide.  Replacement with a Bosch starter of the type BMW then started using will fix it.

[Meka]

[quote="X5Sport"]
A good charge should be all it needs then.

If it's still slow with a fully charged battery then it is possible you may have a bad starter.  I can't remember what yeR yours is.  There was a period (2003/4/5 if memory serves) where BMW used Magneti Marelli starters and these have a nasty habit of failing and drawing far more current than the battery can provide.  Replacement with a Bosch starter of the type BMW then started using will fix it.
[/quote]

Yes fingers crossed I'm going to go for a good run in it and go from there as it doesn't get used other than at the weekends and really not much even at that as I have a company can for use during the week ect so that won't help it at all


Sent from Meka

[Horizon]

BMW batteries have the manufacture date stamped on the terminals if I remember correctly. If it's over 5 /6 years old I'd be tempted to change it. As X5sport says, try to fully charge overnight first. BMW's are a PITA at flattening the batteries even if you have the doors open, or 10 mins with the ignition on will get you in grief without the engine running. As its your first Beemer keep this in Mind. I changed my battery to a Bosch S5 ( 019 ) £ 100
100ah.

[X5Sport]

[quote="Meka"]
I'm going to go for a good run in it and go from there as it doesn't get used other than at the weekends and really not much even at that as I have a company can for use during the week ect so that won't help it at all
[/quote]

In that case investing in a CTEK is a good idea as they are battery conditioner/chargers and can be left permanently connected via the under bonnet jump points.  You can even get a simple device from them that shows what state your battery charge is by three 'traffic light' LEDs.

Richard

[Meka]

Well I've just did just over 100 mile wee trip in it so will see if that's all it was maybe needing but failing that I may just have to buy a new battery


Sent from Meka

[X5Sport]

It may not be the battery, especially if the tell tale says it's just flat.  Even with a new battery, limited use WILL result in the battery dying.  Dealers have to recharge showroom cars at least monthly.  Running will have very definitely helped but may not be the complete solution.

Although you've done 100 miles you need to bear in mind that you electrics are also drawing power off the alternator so the battery will not get all of its output.  It takes 20 miles of running just to put the power used the starting back into the battery.

To give you an idea of the power the beasts need.  My diesel X6 draws 60A just doing nothing but sitting with the ignition on.  You have a petrol car which also needs ignition controllers so (depending upon options fitted) you may find as others have that lack of use means regular charging is required.

Richard

[Meka]

Just hate electrics in cars there never straight forward lol but we see how it goes hopefully ok but failing that do you think maybe the starter could be the cause if it keeps happening


Sent from Meka

[X5Sport]

See how it behaves once fully charged.  I believe in K.I.S.S.  Keep it simple, stupid..

Richard

[Meka]

Ye I will report back and see how it goes hopefully it sorts itself out but failing that then shall look in to even more


Sent from Meka

[X5Sport]

When/if you are looking at the battery next, see if you can find the production date code.  It used to be in the form of four digits.  Week/Year.  That will give you an idea of age as ref'd above.  FYI the same code system is used on car tyres too....

Richard