M3 Power loss - help needed

[happidec]

First of all I don't drive my M3 e36 convertible everyday. It's a weekend car

Left my car for 4 weeks over Christmas without starting it- gutted as I love driving it but was away over Christmas that's why.

Came back, opened the garage thought 'wow there she is'- wouldn't start. Thought 'oh I left the alarm on, it's been a while...' etc

Disconnected + charged battery. Drove it then left car 10 days,

wouldn't start again

Disconnected + charged battery again. Left car 5 days, wouldn't start. This has been going on until it won't start even 36 hours after I've driven it.

On Firday Phil Crouch identified the probably as the lights in the boot staying on even when shut. Phil changed the faulty boot lock that thieves had damaged last summer trying to get into it. Fixed no more problems

Tried to start baby this morning and it was flat again... Well I went bananas!

If it's not the boot lights what could it be? Is the battery now nearly flat even after charge meaning i need a new one?, the tracker cable has been disconnected so it's not that. Current battery is 6 years old but was working like new before Christmas

What the fack could it be?? Anyone?.. I'm stressing

Edited by happidec on Monday 2nd March 14:46

[E30M3SE]

Has the battery been tested?

Battery's do tend to die suddenly so no shocks there, 6 years on a battery of an 'occasional' car, without a trickle charger, is a good shout.

[unzippy]

E30M3SE said:

Has the battery been tested?

Battery's do tend to die suddenly so no shocks there, 6 years on a battery of an 'occasional' car, without a trickle charger, is a good shout.

Especially if it has been flattened completely a couple of times, doesn't do them any good what so ever.

[danzltiu]

I,m surprised the battery has lasted that long never managed to get more than about 4 1/2 out of a battery. Replaced both in the cars we own at present,both about that age.
regards
Kevin

[Vixpy1]

Sounds like a Fubar battery to me i'm afraid.

[MitchT]

As has been said - Get the battery tested. Mine lasted eight years and then stopped holding a charge. Time for a new one! I've heard that anything over five years is a bonus for battery life.

[Shake&Bake]

Are you getting 14v's when ticking over? If not then probably alternator problem. Worth checking.