e53 3.0 won't start. Left stranded.

[E53fan16]

So the e53 left me stranded at work today with my 2-year-old.

The x5 started fine this morning, I preceded to drive to work, dropped my kid off at daycare. Fast forward to 5 pm, I get in the x5 turn the ignition, I just get clicks and no crank. The alarm starts going off while cycling the key to try to start and then the radio oddly ask for the security code.

figuring it was maybe my battery, I asked one of my co-workers to give me a jump. We followed the jump procedure outlined in the manual. However, this was to no avail the x5 still would not crank at all after 30 minutes of trying. My co-worker mentioned that maybe we need high-grade jumper cables to jump the e53.

I had to end up leaving it in my work parking lot because I had to get my kid from daycare. Ended up having to take a cab home.

Just to add I replaced my ignition 2 months ago. I'm assuming my battery is bad, but anything could be going on. Any thoughts?

[andrewwynn]

Sounds like an immobilizer problem. You replaced your ignition *switch* you mean? A missing connection from the receiving antenna ring on the key cylinder will cause such a problem. Try other key. I read the key can get out of sync with the rolling security code. I'm not sure if that applies to E53.


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[AlanGunn]

Sounds like a bad battery if it just clicks.
If it was the immobiliser i don't think you would get a click.

[richardb]

At the very least you have a dead battery. There is usually a date code on it, how old is your battery? It's also common for the alternator to fail, which then takes out the battery until it's out of juice.

Start by charging the battery, get it tested at an AutoZone or similar car shop for free.

[upallnight]

I saw an H7 battery at Walmart yesterday for $149.00. Surprise that they were carrying that battery since other than myself how many BMW owners shops at Walmart?

[kmm111]

Originally Posted by AlanGunn

Sounds like a bad battery if it just clicks.
If it was the immobiliser i don't think you would get a click.

[richardb]

Originally Posted by upallnight

I saw an H7 battery at Walmart yesterday for $149.00. Surprise that they were carrying that battery since other than myself how many BMW owners shops at Walmart?

That's a great price. I buy oil at Walmart, the Castrol Edge is cheap there.

[E53fan16]

Just got to work and tried my spare key and the same result. The alarm kept going off and no click, no crank. I will call roadside assistance around 12 pm.

What a way to kick off the week...

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by richardb

That's a great price. I buy oil at Walmart, the Castrol Edge is cheap there.

The surprising thing about that battery was that it had a sticker on it that stated "Made in Germany". And I thought Walmart only bought from China or Mexico.

[amancuso]

To me, it sounds like something with the ignition switch isn't connected properly. Or is EWS related.