1993 BMW 318 battery problem

Tiny
JANANEWJERSEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 BMW 318
Electrical problem
1993 BMW 318 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual a lot miles

Hello,
I just get old BMW 318i from my friend, told it needs just some little repairs. I already spent 1700$ for change the tires, alternator, new battery, track and fix the wires (it was burning fuses sometimes), exhaust pipe and something what keeps the wheeles fixed by the car (i dont know what was it, but it costs me 950$). I have had problems with the battery, but thought it will be fine after fix the electrical problem and change battery, but it is not. The battery is 2 weeks old, and after leave my car for 3 days outside I could not start. I jumped the car and drove home about 10miles. I was fine in the morning driving to work-7miles, fine to drive to lunch 0, 5miles, but at the evening I had to jump the car again. I really do not know, where the problem could be now. Is there something else needs to be replaced? Or is the problem that I drive only 14 miles a day, 5 days a week? I was checking internet and found some advices like put the "trickle charger" going to cigarette lighter or fix the"final stage unit" or "dome lights sensor". I have no idea about cars, I need to know if there is a way how to fix it, and what needs to fixed.
Thank you very much answer

young blond girl with old black car
Monday, May 12th, 2008 AT 10:33 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
If there is a parasitic draw that is killing the battery then you will need to perform a key off draw test. Remove the negative battery terminal and obtain an ammeter and set for DC amps. Install it in series (between the negative battery terminal and the negative battery cable) and measure the current. It should not exceed 50 milliamps. If it does, start by removing loads until you find what it is. Possibly an aftermarket alarm or audio device? Repost if more assistance is required.
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Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 AT 8:04 AM

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