Help Please! e30 problems.

[e30lover12]

Si I just picked up an 87 325is and the car ran good untill today. I was driving around and went to the store. When I came back about 30 min later it wouldn't start. I jumped it and it started right up. 1/4 mile down the street it started it idle rough and died. Then I jumped it again and the same thing happened. But on the third time jumping it it seems that the battery wouldn't take a charge. But the battery is only about a week old. Any Suggestions?

[efficient]

Make sure battery is connected properly and wires for battery are clean

[ghalee30]

wouldnt doubt if its the alternator..

[BobombETA]

Si I just picked up an 87 325is and the car ran good untill today. I was driving around and went to the store. When I came back about 30 min later it wouldn't start. I jumped it and it started right up. 1/4 mile down the street it started it idle rough and died. Then I jumped it again and the same thing happened. But on the third time jumping it it seems that the battery wouldn't take a charge. But the battery is only about a week old. Any Suggestions?

A week old battery...

Makes me think that one of the terminals wasn't tightened all the way when you installed it. If you can move the terminal by hand then it's too loose.

[wodcutr]

The car actually runs off the battery so if the battery gets below 12.5 volts it will not like it and below 12v it won't run at all. The alternator is what charges the battery so you need a new one and also charge the battery to full charge before too long or else you will ruin it as well if you haven't done so already!

[smitche]

could also be a loose ground.

[e30lover12]

wouldnt doubt if its the alternator..

I think your right. I tightened up the battery cables and jumped the car it wasn't running at full power and it died again after a minute or two.

[Chriskbmx]

do u have a volt meter? if so just check to see how much voltage the alternator is putting out, pretty simple to tell if its bad or not.

[e30lover12]

do u have a volt meter? if so just check to see how much voltage the alternator is putting out, pretty simple to tell if its bad or not.

I wish I may have to invest in one soon.

[TobyB]

They can be had for 5 bux at places like Horror Freight.
Unless they're on sale. Then they're cheaper.
t

[LowR3V'in]

Yes.
Very easy to diagnose.


Run the car and check voltage at the battery. I think $7-$10 at harbor freight.
Should be mid-high 13's.
At least they'll tell if it's a charging problem.

Turn it off and check voltage. Then check it again later.
voltage should not drop. Example, it's at 12.5 and now it's at 11.5. Dead battery.

Another thing I had a problem with was connecting and disconnecting the cables frequently
is that posts will get sorta glazed, and will not make contact anymore.

Get a terminal post cleaner from harbor freight or where ever, they are very cheap too.
Terminals must be TIGHT.