2003 BMW 318 Won't Start Clicking

1931 BMW 318
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MIKE O'KEEFE
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  • 1 POST
BMW 318 2003 32,000 miles. Car won't start. As you turn the key there is a clicking sound and the lights flash in sync'. After you stop turning the key there is a whirring sound from behind the dash for about 1 minute. What is wrong?
Mar 19, 2006 at 1:32 AM
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BAMADAVE
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  • 8 POSTS
Is the engine turning over? Possibly a bad battery if not. Charge a let me know.
Mar 29, 2006 at 10:30 PM
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BENNO1
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  • 1 POST
[quote:9878626b5d="Mike O'Keefe"]BMW 318 2003 32,000 miles. Car won't start. As you turn the key there is a clicking sound and the lights flash in sync'. After you stop turning the key there is a whirring sound from behind the dash for about 1 minute. What is wrong?[/quote:9878626b5d]

i also have the same car and same problem, did you find out what the problem was, can you help me
May 12, 2008 at 7:53 PM
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DOCHAGERTY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,606 POSTS
This seems like a bad battery to me. What is the age of the battery? What is the voltage at the battery? If the battery is 4 years old or more or if the voltage is less than 12.5v replace the battery.
May 13, 2008 at 12:55 AM
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NASPER
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Today the exact same thing happened to me. If it's not the battery, could it be anything else. Would I be right in saying that this could be a problem with the starter motor?
Dec 2, 2009 at 1:05 AM
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Suggested Repair

Check whether the engine cranks, then test the battery. If it is four years old or older, or voltage is below 12.5 volts, replace the battery. Charge it and retest before considering other causes.

Conversation Summary

A 2003 BMW 318 with 32,000 miles will not start. Turning the key causes a clicking sound and lights that flash in sync, followed by about a minute of whirring behind the dash. One reply asked if the engine turns over and suggested a weak battery. An expert recommended checking battery age and voltage and replacing it if it is four years old or older or reads under 12.5 volts. Other owners reported the same symptoms and wondered about the starter, but that was not confirmed.

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