HELP!!! Car won't start!!

[bimmerboy12]

I've had my 88 325i cab for 4 years, never had an issue at all with it. Last nite I went out to it and turned the key and NOTHING. When in the ON position, none of the gauges work, the blower, and most of the idiot lights don't work. However, the headlights, windows, mirrors, radio etc. still work when put in the ON position. When turning the key to start, I can barely hear a slight clicking for about a second, but thats it. Obviously is involves something more severe than just the starter with the blower and gauges not working either.
If you can help me I will be forever indebted!!!!

-Brian

[bimmerboy12]

OK I just talked to Bavarian Tech guys and they said my battery is probably drained and that would cause some things not to work like that, so my alternator might be fucked up too. I asked them are you sure? it would cause my radio and lights to work fine and not the blower and starter? They said yep its wierd German Electrical Engineering. We'll find out tonight...

your input?

[gstuning]

Battery for sure,

After you replace that you can see if the alternator is making any voltage by checking the charge light in the dash cluster,
Also put a voltage meter on the new battery to measure the charging voltage,

[bimmerboy12]

does no one else have input on this????

[kowalski]

well you answered it its your battery, either its shot or your alt. or a short. charge your battery start your car you should be putting out arround 13V with the car on and after running for a while should be at 12.5V and then with the car off you can hook up a multi meter inbetween one of the bat. connections and if you have a draw out of the system you have a short. there is a small amount that is going to draw from it no matter one, but not too much.