uncharged battery

arkadur · 12-02-2017, 05:03 PM

my F30 isn't my daily driver.
today, after a long break i took her for a ride.

i got the drained battery error, and additional message that the car limit some of the consumers to save the power for the engine start

routinely, i checked the tires. and the oil level - but i got a message that i need to add more oil.
i'm pretty sure that in the last ride the level was "Max" and even a drop wasn't missing .

my question is: i dont want to add oil that i dont need,
it might caused by low level voltage?

i'll charge the battery tomorrow anyway.

Katin · 12-02-2017, 05:22 PM

Yes a low charge in a battery can cause theses type errors. Dare I start another debate about why I believe it is important to periodically charge the battery in these highly technical and battery consuming cars.

Much cheaper to “maintain” a battery by charging once in a while than it is to wear out batteries every few years.

jparnes1 · 12-03-2017, 08:49 AM

Sitting cars draw power, like a parasitic drain, if you will. If it's a long time between drives, keep it on a smart charger and you won't have any worries. Check out Deltran, CTEK or BMW.

wilbur_the_goose · 12-03-2017, 09:14 AM

I have a CTEK on my F30 right now, actually. Amazingly easy to connect and run.

Wires · 12-04-2017, 08:32 PM

All lead acid type batteries need to be charged up once a month. (AGM is the same). Otherwise the plates start to sulphate, and you lose capacity.

Ones on the store shelf *should* be topped up once a month (one of the reasons there is a month/year sticker on them). Best to buy ones that are "fresh" in case the store isn't maintaining them as required.

It's best to leave a battery maintainer on it if it's not being used for long periods.

12-02-2017, 05:03 PM	#1
arkadur New Member 4 Rep 26 Posts Drives: F30 335 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Israel iTrader: (0)	uncharged battery - cause errors? my F30 isn't my daily driver. today, after a long break i took her for a ride. i got the drained battery error, and additional message that the car limit some of the consumers to save the power for the engine start routinely, i checked the tires. and the oil level - but i got a message that i need to add more oil. i'm pretty sure that in the last ride the level was "Max" and even a drop wasn't missing . my question is: i dont want to add oil that i dont need, it might caused by low level voltage? i'll charge the battery tomorrow anyway.
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12-02-2017, 05:22 PM	#2
Katin Second Lieutenant 134 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2015 328i XDrive Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Nowhere good iTrader: (0)	Yes a low charge in a battery can cause theses type errors. Dare I start another debate about why I believe it is important to periodically charge the battery in these highly technical and battery consuming cars. Much cheaper to “maintain” a battery by charging once in a while than it is to wear out batteries every few years.
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12-03-2017, 08:49 AM	#3
jparnes1 Colonel 245 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: 2016 340i, 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	Sitting cars draw power, like a parasitic drain, if you will. If it's a long time between drives, keep it on a smart charger and you won't have any worries. Check out Deltran, CTEK or BMW. __________________ 2016 340i XDrive, EBII/black, 6 MT, M Sport, Track Handling, Cold Weather, Tech, Lighting, Driver Assistance Plus. 2012 Z4 35i, ED 2/24/2012, Melbourne Red Metallic, Black Leather, Carbon Trim, 6MT, M Sport, CW, PP, PS, NAV, CA.
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12-03-2017, 09:14 AM	#4
wilbur_the_goose Major 353 Rep 1,245 Posts Drives: 2018 330ix Gran Turismo Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Metro Philly iTrader: (0)	I have a CTEK on my F30 right now, actually. Amazingly easy to connect and run.
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12-04-2017, 08:32 PM	#5
Wires Brigadier General 1646 Rep 4,876 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	All lead acid type batteries need to be charged up once a month. (AGM is the same). Otherwise the plates start to sulphate, and you lose capacity. Ones on the store shelf should be topped up once a month (one of the reasons there is a month/year sticker on them). Best to buy ones that are "fresh" in case the store isn't maintaining them as required. It's best to leave a battery maintainer on it if it's not being used for long periods.
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