E30 318is starting problems (battery?)

[escargot]

Chaps,

I have a 91 E30 318is that seems to be having a bit of a problem at the moment. Essentially, if the car is sat for any more than 24 hours, the battery drains to such an extent that I need to jump start it again.

I had the car into an E30 specialist early January where he did a full service, put a new battery in, changed the PAS & Fan belts and installed a new stereo for me. All was fine until a month ago when this problem reared its head.

Now I personally think something is draining the battery while the ignition is off but i've got no idea how to find out what it is.

Any ideas?

[ol' dirty]

Best thing to do if your unsure, would be to get an auto eletrician to take a look

It would sound like you have a drain while the ignition is off...I take it you had the problem before you had the stereo fitted...

Edited by ol' dirty on Thursday 3rd April 17:43

[Satsuma]

could be a drain or could be the battery, try disconnecting the battery when you park up and then re-connecting it in the morning, if the problem is still there then its the battery. if its gone, then you have a drain. if you have a drain then remove the fuse for the stereo for a day or two then see if it clears up. if not you will have to start a process of elimijnation with all the other electrics on the car, i've come across this before with things like boot lights and rear demisters, which aren't always obviously on.

[350zwelgje]

Duff alternators can do that.

Rob

[ol' dirty]

It could be the alternator- if it was draining whilst driving or the engine was running....

But, the fact that it is dead after being stood for longer than 24hrs would suggest that there is either a drain whilst the ignition is off or, as suggested- the battery is not holding its charge.

[escargot]

Fairly sure i've isolated it down to the alarm system, I locked the car manually yesterday (so the alarm system didn't kick in), came to it today & it was fine.

Definitely a job for an auto-electrician though.