[liveevil]

Hi guys,

About 6 months ago, I noticed that my car doesn’t start properly after stopping at the red light with auto start stop. It will result in a drivetrain error which goes away after restarting the engine. (I manually switch off ASS most of the times as I didn’t code it off)

Now the car doesn’t switch off at the lights even without switching off ASS.

Sometimes I have long cranking, and usually accompanied with a stabilization error for the rear spoiler. This error also goes away almost immediately.

Signs of a weak battery? It’s almost 6 years and ~55k miles. I have JB4 for the past 30k miles, and no codes when scanning for error. Just changed my spark plugs as well.

Thanks in advance.

[Fredo]

I replaced the battery on my 2012 F30 335i last year at 77k miles. The only symptom I noticed was: ASS didn't stop the engine at the red lights. However, I didn't get any error messages on the screen.

After the new battery was installed, ASS worked fine again.

[rambleon84]

Most places list expected battery life to be about 2-5yrs, living in a warm climate wont help extend its life. So it is probably safe to assume your battery is probably near the end of its life

https://blog.nationwide.com/extend-car-battery-life/

[Billfitz]

Those are classic symptoms of a battery that needs replacing. Religious use of a battery maintainer might extend its life a year or two, but the handwriting is definitely on the wall.

[liveevil]

Thanks a lot. Should I change it ASAP or do you think I can wait till my next service in two months time? I read that there will be a error message for weak battery but have not seen it yet (fingers crossed)

[celsdogg]

if it were me I'd get it done asap. you don't want to be stuck somewhere with a a car that wont start knowing exactly what is wrong!

[R BMW]

I'd change it asap. It could happen that the sunroof won't close at the worst possible time or something like that.

[mgbabe]

And can we open the doors properly if the windows don’t drop to clear the seals with a dead battery?

[Billfitz]

That's one of the reasons why I have the connector for my charger extending through my lower grille, wired to the charging posts. I don't have to open the hood to connect the charger, so I don't have to open the driver's door to open the hood.

[Alpinewhitegt]

My battery was having some issues when starting the car it would say it’s losing power while off until it one day died. I jumped the car and got to the mechanic the battery scanner said it’s healthy... maybe the eco drive helped charge it up.

mgbabe When it died the doors would open but then wouldn't shut right due to the windows, gift and curse of the frameless doors!

[liveevil]

Thanks everyone. Will try to change my battery and update if helps

[chowser51]

Don't forget to register the battery after changing it.

I don't see how people get batteries to last that long. I've never made it four years without replacing a battery. A coworker went 9 years on a battery before he traded it in. Not sure how he managed that.

[liveevil]

Finally changed my battery, and engine start is very consistent now.

The battery is huge!

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by chowser51

I don't see how people get batteries to last that long. I've never made it four years without replacing a battery. A coworker went 9 years on a battery before he traded it in. Not sure how he managed that.

Climate, driving habits, garaging, there are quite a few factors that influence battery life. If you want short battery life live where winters are cold, park outside and drive short distances.

[SupremeF34]

Originally Posted by liveevil

Hi guys,

About 6 months ago, I noticed that my car doesn’t start properly after stopping at the red light with auto start stop. It will result in a drivetrain error which goes away after restarting the engine. (I manually switch off ASS most of the times as I didn’t code it off)

Now the car doesn’t switch off at the lights even without switching off ASS.

Sometimes I have long cranking, and usually accompanied with a stabilization error for the rear spoiler. This error also goes away almost immediately.

Signs of a weak battery? It’s almost 6 years and ~55k miles. I have JB4 for the past 30k miles, and no codes when scanning for error. Just changed my spark plugs as well.

Thanks in advance.

This has happened to my last GT a few times…I want to say each time it happened it was raining. Other signs of a weak battery could be your windows not rolling up all the way, and you can see the window sticks out when you close the door. Easy DIY replacement.

[Pyradox29]

You can also use an app to see the charge capacity on the battery (kind of like the iphone battery monitor). I have the Bimmercode app and it told me I was at 67% capacity. Replaced the battery and it now says 99% capacity (just posted my battery research if you live in Canada).

I was talking with a friend of mine who has an e60 and he suggested getting a battery charger (his reco was this one):

https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/schumac.../6000199054568

I have not bought it yet, but he has claimed he has got 12 years out of a battery by maintaining it with this.

Anyone else have any experience using one of these?

[Amsham]

Originally Posted by Pyradox29

You can also use an app to see the charge capacity on the battery (kind of like the iphone battery monitor). I have the Bimmercode app and it told me I was at 67% capacity. Replaced the battery and it now says 99% capacity (just posted my battery research if you live in Canada).

I was talking with a friend of mine who has an e60 and he suggested getting a battery charger (his reco was this one):

https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/schumacher-electric-sc1302-8-amp-12-volt-fully-automatic-rapid-charger-black/6000199054568

I have not bought it yet, but he has claimed he has got 12 years out of a battery by maintaining it with this.

Anyone else have any experience using one of these?

Hi could you tell a bit more about the battery health app. Like where is it available.. How to use etc.
TIA
Regards

[Pyradox29]

Originally Posted by Amsham

Hi could you tell a bit more about the battery health app. Like where is it available.. How to use etc.
TIA
Regards

I use the Bimmerlink software on my phone (costs money to buy) paired with an OBD port connector (I have the OBDLinkCX). Gives you batter health, can reset service codes, and give you access to see a bunch of data about your car.

[18340GTFNG]

Are the warnings the OP had typical of the way the vehicle reports battery issues or will it specifically identify a failing battery before it it mechanically detectable? I haven't had the issue, just curious how much advance notice the car will provide that a battery is near its end of life.

Anyone have data on how long a typical 2018 340 or similar can sit without being driven before parasitic drain will cause issues with starting?

[Billfitz]

In winter, when I only drive once or twice a week and then only in town, my battery maintainer is always plugged in. It's not just to be sure the car will start, it's also to keep the battery topped off, which extends its lifespan. Mine turned eight years old last week, still works like a champ.

[Oksamit78]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Those are classic symptoms of a battery that needs replacing. Religious use of a battery maintainer might extend its life a year or two, but the handwriting is definitely on the wall.

My record on original battery is 11-1/2 years on my dad's 2012 F10 with N55. Car was/is on battery tender for 6+ continuous months every year (April to October) while being garage stored. Daily driven November to March without tender.

[KCee]

I'm probably jinxing myself, but my 2016 GT has the original battery. Not sure about the first 3+ years of this car's life, but I do garage it and I commute ~ 3 days/week 80 miles roundtrip that's 60% highway.

I rarely use the battery tender, but sometimes in the winter when I know the car may sit for 4 days straight I hook it up. I was planning on getting a new battery before this winter, but I don't see any signs of weakness so I'll wait.