Electronics dead...need a new battery?

[italpasta]

Hello! Well I've been recovering from a car accident for the past 2 weeks and this morning I ask my wife to start my 540 and take it out to do her Christmas shopping. Anyways the car doesn't crank, no interior/exterior lights work, console and obc lights don't either...basically you put the key in and nothing happens...no sign of life.

Since pretty much half my body is in pain and in casts I would like to get your opinion on what is wrong before it gets towed to the dealer. If it's the battery I can get my brother to do it for me....any opinions on which battery to get?

NOTE: Although I have been unable to drive the car for 2 weeks, it has been taken out approx 5 times in that time period by my wife, so it has not been sitting. Also, it is in the garage, and at room temp.

Anyways any opinions?

Much appreciated and Happy Holidays :cool

[autophile]

Do you have a battery charger? BMWs do a lot of strange things when batteries are low (not dead). Someone could have left a light on, or not completely closed a door, running the battery low.

By charging it, you may save yourself the cost of a new battery, but I'd still check the alternator to make sure it is charging while the car is running.

[italpasta]

Hey Thanks for the reply.

I don't have a charger, and I know nothing was left on because I have been looking at it every night before I go to bed haha.

I believe my neighbour has a charger I will ask him.

Thanks again.

[autophile]

If you do end up replacing the battery, make sure you get a ventilated one - I'm pretty sure yours is either under the back seat or in the trunk. Both locations require proper ventilation of the battery for the safety of the occupants and the car's systems.

Good luck, keep us posted.

[italpasta]

Yea I've been searching here and it seems I do need a ventilated one....unfortunately the only place to buy car batteries around here (Canadian Tire) sells garbage, so it may have to go to the dealer.

I'll also have someone try boosting it so that it can be driven to the dealer, instead of a tow truck.

Any ideas on how to boost this baby? I know how to boost a car with the battery in the engine compartment, but this seems different....I should really find my manual.

[autophile]

You could probably find a good deal online, but shipping costs may make it less of a deal. Just a thought since you have 3 cars (one could sit while waiting for a battery, right?)

[italpasta]

Yea of course a lack of cars isn't an issue, plus my arms and legs are in casts so I can't drive one :( ...I just don't like seeing my car in pain ;)


Anyways I'll call my neighbour and see if he can charge or boost it.

Thanks again.

[italpasta]

UPDATE:

Ok my brother replaced the battery and all is well. I had bought my wife's Christmas gift a couple weeks back and left it in the trunk of the car. Turns out she peeked and left the trunk open (and thus the light inside of it on) for a good couple days. :stickoutt So I'm pretty sure this drained the battery.

Anyways thanks for the advice and Happy Holidays.

[autophile]

Mystery solved.

Glad it was something simple. I know that an alternator for an e39 540 is $400 just for the part. no one needs that bill at Christmas!

Merry Christmas!, Happy New Year, and all that ...