Barn Find - what next

[jmot]

Just acquainted with a 1996 Z3 Roadster. Lady parked it 15 years ago when her bad hip made it impossible for her to depress the clutch. ( 5 speed, 4 cylinder). Mice have been living in it. Car is sound inside and out except for the mouse evidence. I applied battery power to it and all the dash lights came on. Turned key and nothing. What next? I am not sure where to start. Car is for sale.

john

[Ahwahnee]

Was the 'battery power' from a known to be good battery or one of unknown condition?

Eight AAA batteries will produce 12V but you wouldn't expect them to crank an engine. The lights coming on is a good sign but cranking requires a strong battery.

[Hoyt Clagwell]

This may seem like a silly question but it needs to be established, did you depress the clutch peddle while trying to start it?

[z3forlife]

I don’t think I’d try to start it without draining the old fuel and checking oil/coolant levels at minimum. There’s a lot of old plastic in the cooling system that will need attention before long if not immediately. What damage did the rodents do ?

[Hoyt Clagwell]

I don’t think I’d try to start it without draining the old fuel and checking oil/coolant levels at minimum. There’s a lot of old plastic in the cooling system that will need attention before long if not immediately. What damage did the rodents do ?

A very good point. Fresh oil, fresh gas.

[jmot]

Thanks for the comments. I did press the clutch pedal. What I am hoping is that there is a way to check the Engine control module - if that can be a reason the car will not crank. Also, where is the clutch switch, or where are the wires to it so that I can be sure it is working. Once i get it cranking I will change oil and gas etc.

[z3forlife]

Switch is by the pedal on a mount. Search for the diagnostic thread on the forum & you can DL bmw diagnostic software. I’d try rocking it while in gear to make sure the starter isn’t bound up. It could be a EWS issue if it somehow lost the key program. It’s all a guess until you have software & cables. Worse case the mice chewed the harness.

[hondaspeedf1]

Just acquainted with a 1996 Z3 Roadster. Lady parked it 15 years ago when her bad hip made it impossible for her to depress the clutch. ( 5 speed, 4 cylinder). Mice have been living in it. Car is sound inside and out except for the mouse evidence. I applied battery power to it and all the dash lights came on. Turned key and nothing. What next? I am not sure where to start. Car is for sale.

john

How many miles??