BMW Repair: 2001 X5 4.4 Will not start, starter solenoid, voltage starter


Question
Installed the new battery and put the charger on it for six hours. Just read the voltage at 10.5 volts. Not good so I just put the charger back on it to spend the night and will check it again in the morning. The meter jumped when I plugged it in. Could there be a short somewhere that is draining the battery? Thanks for you help so far.
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-----Question-----
We have a 2001 X5 4.4 which will not start. When you turn the key, there was no inside light. No sounds when I turned the key, Dead as a door nail. So I hocked it up to the jumper starter we have in the garage and they lights came on inside the car. When I turn the key, I hear a clicking sound but nothing else. Will not start. So I guessed it was a dead battery. I went down and bought a new battery. No change other than the lights come on when I open the door. So I put the charger on it for about six hours. Unplugged the charge, and tried again to start, nothing but the clicking sound. Is it the starter? It is my thought. What else could it be? Thanks for your help.

Craig
-----Answer-----
Craig, did you install the new battery? I missed that. What is the battery voltage? Starter is possible put happens very rarely. The clicking is caused by the starter solenoid moving but not having enough voltage for the starter motor to start turning. That is why I ask what the battery voltage is.
-Evan

Answer
Craig, an excessive current draw problem is definately a possiblity. You need to have less than 40 milliamp draw when the vehicle is asleep. Realistically more like 17-25mA draw is normal. You need to be able to measure amperage up to 10Amps to do this test. Make sure the connections on the battery are clean and tight. Aftermarket accessories (amps, i-pods, cell phones) are the biggest problem with current draws.
-Evan