[rogerxp]

Right, I found my E46 dead this morning, no sign of life whatsoever (turned the key nothing). Tried to jump start it, electrics were now showing some signs of activity, but still couldn't start it. There was a mechanical knocking (probably not the right word to describe it), like the starter was trying, but wouldn't start.

I spoke to a local BMW Specialist who said it sounded like the battery was 'properly' flat so needed a decent charge and a jump wouldn't do it (might still need a jump after a charge).

Obviously getting the car going doesn't explain why the battery has drained or whether it'll do it again but at least I'm mobile. Car has been fine, no signs of anything untoward, parked it on Friday and was dead by this morning.

So, I need to get myself a battery charger, preferably today, so am forced down the Halfords route (could go next day delivery maybe for a really strong & cheap alternative).

Nipped into Halfords and the only one that would suit a 3.0 litre car is their fully automatic charger at £38.99 (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165629) - wasn't really wanting to spend that much seeing as I may have to buy a new battery anyway. They have cheaper models but only suitable for up to '1300cc' and '1600cc' cars - would the '1600' do but just take longer or am I just being a skin-flint???

The other one they have is Absaar 20amp charger (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165629) but at £54.99 I've virtually bought a new battery!!!

Any input or alternative suggestions. I've for the automatic charger (£38.99) reserved for store collection later so any quickies would be appreciated.

Roger

[rogerxp]

Can't say fairer than this...
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/product...rger_test.html

[E92Fan]

For the money, the Halfords charger is pretty good. To be honest, you're not going to get a decent charger for any less money - most of the really good ones suitable for our cars are around £60 and above.

I have a Fronius charger which can also supply a constant 14.4V supply at 35amps so that it's suitable for keeping cars completely powered up whilst programming. Costs about 25 times more than that Halfords charger!!!!!!!

[rogerxp]

...I'll stick with Halfords (thanks for the input)

[m1bjr]

If its suddenly 'discharged' itself, it suggests an open cell to me.
That battery is most likely terminally dead

[rogerxp]

Ill know by tomorrow. Its happily charging now so time will tell.