Cold Starting E46 6

[taznuv]

Hi all, I've noticed during the colder period last week my 02 325 is a little reluctant to start in the morning. It sounds like it cranks over fast enough, and the battery seems fine, but as you let go of the key cos it sounds like its caught it dies. It then goes on the 2nd or 3rd attempt. Overwise it (touch wood) runs faultlessly as it has done for the 2 years I've had it. Do they all do this and I'm just being picky or is something up?

cheers

[sniff diesel]

Can you get a voltage reading from the battery with the engine off?

[taznuv]

Hello, yes took a reading last night, 12.1 volts, a bit low I believe. Also tried putting the lights on, and it took quite a while to recover. Maybe it's new battery time?

[sniff diesel]

taznuv said:

Hello, yes took a reading last night, 12.1 volts, a bit low I believe. Also tried putting the lights on, and it took quite a while to recover. Maybe it's new battery time?

I'd think so, anything under 12.5v although enough to start it eventually may struggle. It will only get worse with cold weather.