total electrical power loss

[bob morgan]

Hi having got back from small run in my 2002 z3 2.2 I turned the ignition off, as I did i heard some thing on the radio and tried to turn it on again but had no power.
removed ignition key and retried starting the car, not a flicker of power any where. Checked battery and leads all ok, opened the fusable link and had continuity so that is ok. Has anyone experience of this ? bob

 

[IanA]

It happened to my 2.0 and was due to a corrosion on the lighter battery lead under the driver's seat.
First of all- I would have suggested you remake the connections to the battery. That's a common problem. Sounds like you're OK there.
Then check what voltage you are getting at the busbar under the glovebox. That tests the 200A supply. Then with that one disconnected- what voltage are you getting at the jump point under the bonnet. That tests the 300A supply to the starter.

 

[bob morgan]

Thanks for your feed back I replaced the battery fused link and as I connected the battery, I noticed a spark where none was available before. I tried the ignition and all worked. No idea what was happening, just hope it does not develop into intermitant l fault.
Thanks..Bob

 

[colb]

Could be the ignition switch failing, a likely suspect if its intermittent due to wear and tear of the contacts inside given its use over time.

RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

BMW parts Z3 E36 Z3 2.2i Steering lock/ignition switch

www.realoem.com

 

[Knightrider]

I also had a similar problem with my ignition switch in the past. Might be worth replacing?