I just tried to start the car this morning after leaving alone for about 2 weeks and the car did not start. All i heard was a couple of clicks and nothing. so i go to the trunk to check the voltage and it reads 8.7 volts.
i jump the car and after the car has been running for about 5 min. it goes back the to 13.9 volts it usually is.
I have an 01 sport and it looks the battery is original. do these batteries not last long or do i have a bigger problem that's not the battery? any ideas?

thanx in advance.

-j

It may be that you have a voltage leak somewhere. Have you added any elctronics that may be wired to always-on? I'd give it a full charge and check voltage each morning next time she's unused for a long period.

i added some subs about 6 months ago but this has never happened to me before. the amps use the remote from the dsp amp so i don't think that's it. i've charged it yesterday so we'll see if it still drains.
5 years? i think that's about right. it's an 01 produced in 2000 so it's on the fifth year now. i think it's time to get a new battery. i've searched the internet and the other boards and it seems to be common in the e38. i hop ehte new battery fixes it. thanx for the response.

It's most likely your battery.

Bad battery, voltage leak, or bad alternator...?

Are the plates in the battery dry?

Not sure if that's a serviceable battery (that you can add fluid to) or sealed, but I've had good luck resurrecting batteries.

<b>

If it is the alternator, here's one on eBay for $65 with 5 hours left! </b>

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33573&item=2472435788&rd=1

Replaced mine today. It's a 2000 with 62k miles.

i have the original at 75xxx miles

just replaced it with the douglas battery. we'll see tomorrow i guess.
-j