Help me identify my car problem

[Doggiedog]

I tried to start my car yesterday but it wouldn't start. When I turn the ignition, the car sounds like a machine gun going off, a very fast mechancial rattling sound then lights and electrical system all blink at the same rate as the rattling, and the engine doesn't turn over at all. I tried to get a jump but it didn't work so I don't think it is the battery.

The car is a 95 BMW 325i with about 77K miles. I haven't had a problem with this car at all.

Someone suggested it was the starter. Before I call the mechanics in to tow it away, I'm hoping someone might have an idea of what might be wrong.

Thanks.

 

[samgau]

Alternator... thats what I think... you'll know for sure when you get it towed to the mechanic... do you have the maintenence/repair manual for the car.. I've had them for all the cars I owned... makes troubleshooting stuff a bit easier and sometimes makes fixing stuff within reach of weekend mechanics like myself...

Good luck with your car..

 

[notfred]

busted starter motor or solenoid.

 

[fastz28]

<< busted starter motor or solenoid. >>



Yep, it's so easy to do you don't have to tow it. Just take some tools, take it off, get another one and put it on.

That is if you have the space and tools required. Or don't mind getting dirty. The mechanics will rape you for at least $200, oh wait, it BMW, make that $500.

 

[goodoptics]

Is your BMW automatic?

yep, i agreed it's a bad starter. Sounds like it's not catching the flywheel or something.

Good luck.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

starter is bad.

flywheel is probably ok.

 

[Thegonagle]

It's roof is on the ground and the wheels are in the air!

Oh wait! That's the problem with Don's car here (scroll down).

Your problem is a simple case of European Electricism (God, I?m cynical this morning). First thing I can think of is that it sounds like the starter solenoid, which on most cars, indicates replacement with a new or rebuilt starter. It could also be your ignition switch, or a separate relay activated by the ignition switch. It could also be that you have a weak battery. Have you tried jumping it yet?

 

[Doggiedog]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

One of my buddies has an M3 of the same year and he says its the battery. His car did the same thing, sounded like a machine gun going off with the lights flickering. He said he tried to jump it but it didn't work either. He had it towed and later was told it was just a dead battery.

I'll try buying a new battery, if it doesn't work, then I'll have to do something more drastic. The car probably needs an overhaul anyway since I haven't put any work into it for 77K miles.

 

[StageLeft]

I have had that exact problem. In my case a jumpstart did help (those carry-batteries that you can carry around just for jumping cars is what we used) and it was indeed the battery that was on it's last legs (about 8 years old).