BMW E46 battery question...

[jonathanc]

Right, I have some problem with my E46 so I hope someone could offer some advice...

 

I went to grab something from the E46's glovebox but I forgot to close it back. Didn't think about it until 3 hours later I started hearing the alarm going.

 

So I went downstairs and noticed immediately that the lights are not flashing, only the alarm going off. I tried to switch it off with the key fob but nothing happened and with further examination it turns out my battery must've gone flat.

 

Easy, just manually open the door with the key to access the bonnet. Alas, the door won't even open! Somehow the boot is unlocked though so I managed to open one side of the rear seat and somehow squeezed inside. (This is the e46 coupe with H/K subwoofer in the boot) It was after all the trouble that I realised the battery for the E46 is in the boot...

 

So after a little while more I got my jump starter kit from Halfords and try to jump start it. I can hear the alternater cranking but no ignition. Also there's a loud BANG from the speakers (I think) everytime I tried to start so I gave up on jump starting as part of me fears that the car will explode!

 

So I took out the battery charging kit, again from Halfords and I noticed the charge is only at 6.7V. I've left it charging for half and hour now but it's still around 7.9V.

 

So, finally the question. Will leaving the glovebox open drain the battery on the E46 in 3 hours? The car drives and starts fine all the while I had it but I haven't driven it for around a week.

 

I am just wondering if the battery needs changing or could there be a more sinister problem lurking?

 

Sorry for the long winded essay but I feel that I must explain the whole thing thoroughly so I could get some proper advice. Cheers.