There's nothing worse,...........

[jonnyivy]

......  than having to pull out of my drive in my old Tranny van,..giving my beloved X5 a dissapointing sigh as I pass by, knowing that I'd rather be heading out onto the road behind its wheel.
It just wont start !
Driving me crazy !
Makes me feel that I'm way back 30 years , owning an old banger that sometimes won't start !

Worst worry is that its a new battery only 3 months ago ( Exide )
Everyday driving , it starts,..but only just , with slow engine cranking.
Miss a couple of days and your lucky if it will turn over at all.
Today, not even a 'click' when turned to start.
Plenty frost around these parts last 3 mornings so its obviously harder to start.
Now I have the boot lid open and the charger trickling away all day today,...maybe even leave it overnight to build the charge right back up there.
I can't think of anything which might be draining the battery, (int. lights etc),
I've put jump leads over from the van the other day and it fired up straight away so I'd rule out a lazy starter.
I'm taking it for a service at Lloyds Carlisle BMW next week for a service,. will their computer pin-point any drain sources ??

Jonny

[gchristofi]

Any chance you have the FSR (final stage resistor, hedgehog) issue? Do a search on here to see if might apply in your case.

[Sanj]

Good call, is the alternator also supplying juice - seems so if you can still start the car a few days later.

Take out the fuses, one-by-one for the SatNav too. Process of elimination I'm afraid. May save you a few quid if you can DIY before the $tealer visit...

[jonnyivy]

Okay,..I'll admit it !!!,............. I read about this 'hedgehog' on another thread,.......but I don't have a clue what it is !!!!

Someone kindly explain for me please ?

The X5 has an aftermarket touchscreen satnav, but it seems to be all 'sleeping' when I lock-up.

I did drive  about 100 miles on Sunday with the family ( after jump lead starting it ) and it started no problem a few times later that night to nip to the shops etc.  .. Next day very sluggish but just fired up before battery died.
Yup,..its kinda dissapionting right enough,...especially when the neighbor comes out and manages to crank over his old £100 cavalier and it fires first time !!

[Sanj]

[quote="jonnyivy"]
Okay,..I'll admit it !!!,............. I read about this 'hedgehog' on another thread,.......but I don't have a clue what it is !!!!

Someone kindly explain for me please ?

The X5 has an aftermarket touchscreen satnav, but it seems to be all 'sleeping' when I lock-up.

I did drive  about 100 miles on Sunday with the family ( after jump lead starting it ) and it started no problem a few times later that night to nip to the shops etc.  .. Next day very sluggish but just fired up before battery died.
Yup,..its kinda dissapionting right enough,...especially when the neighbor comes out and manages to crank over his old £100 cavalier and it fires first time !!
[/quote]

A search would reveal all, but try here for starters...

Try searching for FSR and Final Stage Resistor too.

[AW8]

As well as considering FSR maybe rule out phone issues if hardwired.................if  2003 car you may have bluetooth so no such issue.

[jonnyivy]

Found the posts on the 'hedgehog',...now I'm understanding better. Looked at the video on youtube on its location and removal.
Mines an early 2003 and has bluetooth to my mobile.
I'm sure I've heard a tiny whirring noise a few minutes after shutting down the engine but normally just walk straight into the house without checking.
I'll see how it behaves this weekend after the 24hr charging.
Thanks for your help,....every days a school day !

[Sanj]

[quote="jonnyivy"]
Thanks for your help,....every days a school day !
[/quote]

We'll have you in Uni by next week!