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Here's a little test for starter condition... (archive)
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Posted by MartyR on January 19, 2001 at 12:22:37:

In Reply to: Is it really the battery??? posted by Brian320i on January 19, 2001 at 12:17:23:


Got a 1980 320i with 164,000 miles. Over the last 3 months there have been 3 occasions when the car won't start ... absolutely nothing, no noise when I turn the key. On 2 of the occasions, trying later, the car started right up with no hesitation. Last night, though, when it wouldn't start, I opted to have the battery jumped and it started right away.

I don't want to go buy a battery if it could actually be some other electrical gremlin. Any one with any experience in this area? Thanks much in advance. Brian320i

Had the same prob on my old '83. Well, similar, anyway. But I heard the starter clicking away. What I would do is, if the car wouldn't start, turn the lights on. The juice gave the starter a surge (I *think*), and voila, started right away. Also rapping on the starter solenoid with a mallet or the end of a nice, heavy breaker bar will tell you if you've got a bad starter.

Have you replaced the battery?

HTH

Marty
'73 2002


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