BMW Repair: 2002 BMW 325i Wont Start, starter solenoid, 2002 bmw 325i

Question
My 2002 325i has only 21,000. Last time I drove it was Sunday before trying to start it tonight. As others have written when I tried to start it there was a clicking noise and them where the time would generally be displayed "--------" appeared. You have written this generally means the battery needs a charge. If this is the problem (I only have 21,000 miles), do I need to go to the dealer to get a new battery once I get a jump? How much time will the jump get me? Thanks Kevin

Answer
Kevin, I love people who do their homework before asking questions. Yes the starter solenoid clicks because you don't have enough volts to get that starter engauged and the amps to keep it spinning. Get the car jump started or charge the battery for a while. Remove the jumper or the charger after a minute or so once you get 'er running. Does the car continue to run or does it stall and die. How many Volts are in the battery before charging, after charging, and while running. If you can't get your hands on a good voltmeter then I have another way you can check the system voltage. Get the motor running. Press and hold the left instrument cluster button until it shows 'test 1'
release and keep pressing the button until you get test 19. The display will show 'lock on' then a second later 'lock off'. Press the button when 'lock off' is shown. It will then bring you back to test 1. Push the button until you get to test 9.  Test #9 function will show system voltage. If it is above 12.6 then the system is charging from the alternator. You want to see 13.0- 14.5. If the alternator is charging then you can drive to the dealer. Just don't shut it off untill you are ready to jump start it again. Check the year stamp in the negative battery post if it is a BMW white battery. If you have a '01' or '02' then it is an original battery and should probably be replaced out of maintenance and suspect. If you get a new one scribe an '06' in the negative terminal. I don't know how automotively inclinded you are so I don't know if you should replace the battery your self or not? You could have someone help you install it who knows what they are doing if you wish. You do want to find the cause of the dead battery though.
-Evan