97 740iL "major" starting problems

[edalia]

I purchased a 97 740iL (116,000 miles to date) and in the last 4 months I have had the car jump started 6 times. It has a NEW battery (3 months) and in the dealership 5 times and they say they can find NOTHING! They checked alternator, battery and cables, starter, reprogrammed, kept a monitor on it overnight and as soon as you jump start it, it will last for about 3 - 5 days, then when I least expect it.... it's dead. When that happens the radio and everything works, but I hear a "click" sound and the car won't start. I'm ready to dump it after having it less than a year.

The dealership guy "slipped" twice and told me that I had this problem a "long" time and then realized I was a new owner and told me that the old owner is "protected" under the Privacy Act and he cannot give me any details prior to my purchasing it........

Any thoughts? Ideas? Anyone else have the starting problem????

HELP

Liz

[NeilH]

Yes - take it back and demand a full refund. A dealer is required by law to sell you a vehicle fit for the purpose for which it was built (i.e. starting and driving !) and is also required to tell you of any faults with it.

If he knew about the problem and didn't tell you, he's broken the law. Mention lawyers and watch how quickly they swap it for you....

[Aramis001]

Before dumping the car make sure your starter's brushes are not old. I had similar problem with Mercedes alternator. the brushes were engaiging but were worn enough that the spring was not pushing it far enough, so i had on and off performance. Concept is the same for the starter. If the brushes don't contact because of dirt or wear, you will have on and off connection. Have you tried to tap on the starter and try to start the car? if this works then you most likely have brush related problem.