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BMW 325i died in traffic, wouldn't start again
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poppy2
New User
Oct 11, 2010, 9:11 AM
Post #1 of 5
(2530 views)
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BMW 325i died in traffic, wouldn't start again
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Hi,
I am trying to figure out what is going on w/ my car. 2003 BMW 325i. It just died in traffic yesterday with zero warning. I just had the alternator replaced 3 weeks ago. When I tried to restart, there was NO response at all. Didn't turn over, no clicks nothing - just dead. I had it towed to a repair shop, now today I am told it is starting (and re-starting) fine.
What could possibly cause this problem? My two ideas are, bad replacement alternator (it was used)... or dirty fuel filter (but that wouldn't explain NO response when trying to start - I figure if it was a dirty fuel filter, then at least it would attempt to turn over?)
Or something else altogher - a bad fuse? Bad wiring?
I am happy that's it working now, but makes me nervous for the future.
HELP!
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chickenhouse
Enthusiast
Oct 11, 2010, 9:56 AM
Post #2 of 5
(2517 views)
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Re: BMW 325i died in traffic, wouldn't start again
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Well, you could take the alt. off and have it tested just to make sure it's ok, some parts houses check these for free. Could also check battery cables to make sure they are clean and also the ground connections. A place to start.
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poppy2
New User
Oct 11, 2010, 10:01 AM
Post #3 of 5
(2516 views)
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Re: BMW 325i died in traffic, wouldn't start again
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Hi chickenhouse,
Thanks for the response. Will do as you suggest.
I have a question... does the battery need to be working WHILE the car is already running? Just trying to understand why a car would die out of the blue for no apparent reason. Like, if the battery is bad or if the cable connection is corroded, could that actually cause a car to stop dead in it's tracks??? (even if it was running fine JUST before that?)
Thanks
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chickenhouse
Enthusiast
Oct 11, 2010, 10:07 AM
Post #4 of 5
(2514 views)
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Re: BMW 325i died in traffic, wouldn't start again
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Some of the older cars, a battery cable could be taken off while the engine was running, but I don't think I'd try that on a beemer. They have different ideas concerning wiring.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 11, 2010, 10:27 AM
Post #5 of 5
(2510 views)
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Re: BMW 325i died in traffic, wouldn't start again
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The car needs voltage to run. It can get that from either the alternator or the battery but if the alternator fails while your driving it, the battery will eventually follow and the car will die.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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