My car hates me!

[Court M3]

Car is an 83 323i

Fun to drive when working but now it seems as if it just doesn't want to move. Car will not start.

Initially though ignition switch was bad. changed it still no start
then someone suggested alternator since car would start once jumpstarted and die after cables were off. Replaced with refurbished one.
Tried to start the car and only sound was clicking noise of starter.
Just got back home today and nothing. Of course battery is dead. Sucks being overseas. Can't find an Optima to save my life. :(

Anyone got any other suggestions? I am worn out

Of course all of this just when I am wondering whether or not to take orders to the states and therefore go through with federalization process :?

[UNHCLL]

Re: My car hates me!

then someone suggested alternator since car would start once jumpstarted and die after cables were off. Replaced with refurbished one.
Tried to start the car and only sound was clicking noise of starter.

this sounds like a typical dead battery syndrome.
especially if you've just returned and found it to be dead again.

Buy a new bat... (cheap one for testing) and see if that solves it.
Since you are away for periods of time, maybe you want to consider buying one of those quick disconnect terminals Griots sells for batterys to prevent it from going dead while you are away.

Best of luck!

[Court M3]

hmmm that was a new battery :? Cheap one though. Tried jumpstarting it but once the connections were removed, car just died.

[UNHCLL]

hmmm that was a new battery :? Cheap one though. Tried jumpstarting it but once the connections were removed, car just died.

Then the battery is dead. Can you return it/exchange it?
You must have some drain on the system.
How long does it typically sit? 1-3 days, 2 weeks?

On my car my trunk light never shuts off, this I didnt know when i first bought it... so it was draining my batt.

maybe try something like this, and see if that keeps this from happening?

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_1000&L2=L2_1007&L3=L3_4000&SKU=77725

[Court M3]

Thanks I will take the battery back this weekend if I can find the receipt. Need to replace the hazard switch which was keeping radio OBC on and draining battery.