ENGINE SHUTS OFF - WON'T IDLE
 

4.4i 2000 - I've just changed my alternator and battery, yet the car won't start. There are no signals on dashboard - no lights showing. The crank starts but shuts out within 10 seconds. Any ideas?

What happens when you turn your key to position 1? Your saying there are no dash lights at all? But the engine turns over but won't start? I would re-check your alternator installation and verify that all wires are pluged in correctly. 2nd- Does the engine crank slowly? Check the voltage on your new battery. Let us know from there.

sounds like a potential fuel issue

I'll check with the mechanic again but to my knowledge the lights that should go on at start up at present - everything looks OK there - yes, I think it cranks slowly. When the alternator was replaced, the car was tested using a battery from another jeep - not sure of its voltage, as the X5 battery was being charged - the X5 has not been driven in a month.
I remember before replacing the alternator I tried jump starting the car with another battery and it didn't start at all, but when I used a battery from a jeep - not the same one above, it clicked but didn't engage. I'll ask the mechanic to connect it to the BMW battery and if it doesn't start I'll ask them to consider a fuel issue. Thanks guys.

Hi Delia, not sure if you have a BMW dealer and specialist at St-Lucia buit there is one in Martinique where I'm living. Could help for parts and even for a diagnose on their computer.
BTW, you could just check for now that you have some fuel pressure and that you have sparks to the spark plugs, so you can see if this is an engine problem or still the battery.