my BMW makes a buzzing sound but won't start.?

Question

When I first started my 87 bmw this morning, the engin tried to turn but slowly died. I started it again but now it just makes a buzzing sound and won't start at all. The lights, etc., still come on and are not dimming. Could it be the battery?? I don't think its the starter because I'm not getting that tick, tick, tick sound that's usually associated with a bad starter. Spark plugs look ok. What else could be going on??

Thanks in advance for your help. :o)

Thank you so much for your answers, they were a big help. I just had the battery checked. its ok, so are the spark plugs. Now, I'm going to have the starter & alternator checked. I'm leaning towards the starter. :o(

Thank you again. :o)

Answer 1

Battery weak (Replace if more then 4 years old or won't take/hold a charge) check alternator for proper output, Starter or Starter Solenoid may be bad.

Answer 2

Sounds as though alarm/immobiliser could have been activated. If the vehicle has been status for a time, the onboard computing device, clock and so on can run the battery down. once you recharged the battery did you disconnect a battery terminal or charge it for the period of the separate effective and detrimental factors suited for some bmw's? in case you disconnected a terminal the immobiliser could come across the destroy in circuit as an attempt to thieve the vehicle and immobilise it. If the battery became lifeless on the time and your alarm/immobiliser isn't of the variety with a separate battery furnish, the alarm would not sound (no cutting-edge!) yet there could have been sufficient juice to trip the immobiliser. If it quite is a huge-unfold BMW alarm/immobiliser i think of they are in a position to be reset. Ask your friendly BMW service section or telephone a vehicle alarm professional for advice. that's the flashing headlights that recommend an alarmed state because of the fact thats what takes place (plus the horn or separate alarm chime) if it is going off. wish this helps!

Answer 3

You could try jump starting it from another car (be careful) or get a battery charger and hook it to your car. You need a new battery if it is more than three or four years old. If you could get it started, take it to a local auto parts store. Most will run a charging system check for you at no charge. I hope it's just a battery. Good Luck.

Answer 4

Very weak and dying battery. If you know it is a newer battery then check the cable connections to make sure they are very clean and the contact is sound.

Even if it is a newer battery it may be dying a premature death. Some last way past their warranty and some don't.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

It is the battery.