BIG Problems
 

Hi Guys
Did an oil change, micro filter change and coolant top up the other day. Used castrol edge turbo diesel 030w.

The car has run perfect all week. I drove it last night and had to get up early this morning to go to the airport with work.
The car did not turn over. Everything seems normal, lights, dash doesnt say anything, headlights on ect, i didnt leave anything on. When i turn the key i hear a loud TICK TICK TICK but not even turning over or strting up. Does anyone have any ideas. I havent tried jumping it as of yet as am waiting for leads. I am really stuck.
I also noticed out of nowhere that when i am turning left or right at virtually no speed i can hear something from the steering it sounds like. Not exactly a knocking but a bit of a grinding sound. Does anyone have any ideas on this too.
As it stands the X is sitting in the carpark unable to move.
Please help.
Thanks in advance
Greg

Sounds battery going bad

yep, battery dieing. the click click click is basically the starter not getting enough juice to ever turn over. Do all the lights dim when you try to start the engine?

And battery x 3.

Not sure if it's the same "tick tick tick" sound.... but something similar happened to me the other day.... which turned out to be the fuel pump had failed.

Here is my 2 cent diagnosis. You mentioned a grinding noise in the steering at low speed. If this is primarily when the car is cold it is potentially an indication that you have a loose belt or a belt slipping - could be a tensioner or need of a new belt. This in turn could also cause a dead battery as your alternator may not be fully juicing the battery.
I would check the belts for cracking and being loose, charge the battery and take it from there.
Good Luck

Well. Thanks for the help. I called out breakdown. They jumped the car and perfect car ran. No problems running. They also checked the alternator and when fired up it was getting full charge so they put it down to a poor battery which is why sometimes it takes a little time to start up. How would I check the belt which you mention. Is this an item that should be changed. The car is 2001 56k on clock. The grind also occurs when the car is warm and has been driven.
Thanks again

If the vehicle is charging OK (as shown by the alternator test) then just get a new battery in there before you get stranded again. Do you know when it was last changed, or if it is original?

The grinding sound doesn't appear to be related to a belt, from your description. More likely to be in your power steering. Get it checked out.

I believe it is the original battery and the car is a 2001 so i guess it has had its day, Do you have any ideas what the power steering fault could be, or has anyone else had the squeel when on full lock and manovering slowly,
cheers

Try this for your grinding/squeeking problem. Cheap and quick fix unless your parts are failing. I would take the steps there first.
Steering wheel squeak FIXED... Writeup w/pics - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum
Good Luck!