I need specific information on the1997 BMW 528i

won't crank. !

1. call AAA auto club and get a jump yet?
2. all fuses good.
3. does cranking work in PRNDL (NEUTRAL) auto tranny assumed
4. battery cables loose or rusty.
5. bad battery.
6. alternator dead makes battery now dead.?
7. starter relay bad.

get a battery

you should be able to tip the rear seat you should be able to trip the lock but check for a release cable around the rear deck, much easier

You can get back into the trunk, this is tricky but i have done a few times use the key in the trunk key hole and turn key one way all the way and then turn the other way while slightly lifting on trunk.

try it a few times it is tricky but trunk will open, there is something about the way the lock is set up due to it using battery voltage to open it, but with out battery it is funny, do not give up, turn key all the way both ways, the key will turn a little further to the left i think to open trunk. good day. let me know the out come.

have your charging system checked to make sure alternator is charging to specs, also make sure no light are left on, (trunk light ,glove box mirror light.it sounds like you may have a draw somewhere, may be alternator or something is on, hope this is helpful.

My sincere apologies for the delayed response.
I am personally going back to answer your unanswered questions.

I do not know if you still need this information, but I am going ahead and answering it anyway. You may want to Print the Diagrams for future use.

CLICK on the following LINK. It has the Belt Diagrams you will need.
If you would: Before Clicking: Let me know if this helped you, or if you have any additional information or questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!
Again my apologies...
http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1997/make/bmw/model/528i/1997_bmw_528i_drive_belt_routing_diagram.htm

yes a new battery and i hope you have not messed up the fuses and alternator by jump starting!

You can jump your 98 528i from under your hood. On top of the center of your engine there is a positive (+) sign. You have to pry the cover open and there is also a negative ground spot to the left of that. Bmw is pretty smart!

Using another battery you could possibly try to use jump wires at the switch connector plug. That is all I can think of that you can do other than calling a tow truck to take it to a shop.

I would first check the condition of the battery. If the battery is okay, that is it puts out enough current to operate the starter. I would then check for a short. The battery would be dead in a couple of hours only if there is a short or another load on the battery.