Hi, and HELP

[McSwerve]

Hi All

Recently bought a 98 Z3 1.9 predominantly for using in targa rallies. They are a grassroots motorsport, along the lines of a navigational road rally but on old RAF bases. Epic fun.
To date I've been using a BMW 316i Compact, but really needed a bit more power. Lots of people use MX5's but I'm not keen on them, so I thought I'll try the equally powerful but much heavier Z3 (you're only allowed a four pot so no 2.8's).

Anyway, my problem is the battery went flat. I jumped it but I can hear what sounds like a solonoid clicking in or around the passenger door. I believe this is the cause of the battery drain. I pulled the central locking fuses but that didn't seem to stop it clicking.
Any ideas / solutions gratefully received.

 

[Brian H]

Hi All

Recently bought a 98 Z3 1.9 predominantly for using in targa rallies. They are a grassroots motorsport, along the lines of a navigational road rally but on old RAF bases. Epic fun.
To date I've been using a BMW 316i Compact, but really needed a bit more power. Lots of people use MX5's but I'm not keen on them, so I thought I'll try the equally powerful but much heavier Z3 (you're only allowed a four pot so no 2.8's).

Anyway, my problem is the battery went flat. I jumped it but I can hear what sounds like a solonoid clicking in or around the passenger door. I believe this is the cause of the battery drain. I pulled the central locking fuses but that didn't seem to stop it clicking.
Any ideas / solutions gratefully received.

Hi and welcome, only thing I can think of in or around the door is either the dot lock solenoid or the motor in the mirror attached to the door itself.

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome!

 

[Low Rider]

to Zroadster.org from Worcestershire

 

[Mrs Mint]

from Staffordshire - enjoy 

 

[oldcarman]

Hi fro Canada!! Have you tried recharging the battery or jump starting? If the car has been sitting it's common for the battery to go flat as you say! It may just have enough power to cause the solenoid to engage but not enough to spin the starter. Perhaps @t-tony or @Lee can help?? JIM

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome from Truro

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome from me too

 

[Nodzed]

Hi and welcome, check the electric window is auto stopping if not it could be the motor cog trying to push the geared drive for the window and jumping off?

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[McSwerve]

Thanks for the welcomes guys.
I still have my battery drain!

Driving the e36 rally car this morning I could hear a similar noise from a similar location, when I was using the intermitant wipers.
So I thought the wiper control module could be at fault. But having just jumped started it again I've pulled the wiper fuses (noise remains), pulled the door mirror fuses (noise remains) so I'm running out of ideas.
Can't understand how something electrical can be working even with the ignition off.
I hate / love older cars. Aaarrrrrgggghhhhh

 

[McSwerve]

Success!!
With my head in the passenger foot well it sounded like it was coming from the transmission tunnel. Poking about my hand touched the seat motor. It was really hot!
The seat switch must have jammed on full reverse.

Back to being a happy Z'er (if that's ther correct term)!!

 

[Brian H]

Great news, now tell us more about your targa rallies

 

[MartinN]

Welcome, those rallies sound a blast, theres lots of old airfields in East Anglia, are any on around there?

 

[McSwerve]

Targa's mainly held in east Anglia. If you look on the Chelmsford motor club website it'll give you an idea.

When I get my act together I'll learn how to post some pics.

 

[Mint]

Hi @McSwerve, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. Pleased to hear you've sorted your problem out.

 

[Zeti]

Welcome aboard!
Interesting idea, targa rallies.
Awaiting pics and details.
Good luck with the M44!
Dan