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      04-06-2021, 01:24 PM   #1
Jacob.f30
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Should I replace my battery?

I started having this problem where the audio in my car would randomly shut off for a couple seconds. I scanned using Carly and it found there was an undervoltage detected at the amplifier. I’m also having a few small issues that make me believe it’s the battery but won’t talk about that right now. Checking my battery after sitting overnight and it read 12.15V. Checking the battery after driving and it read 12.6V.

I don’t see any markings on the negative terminal for when the battery was made.

Thoughts?
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      04-06-2021, 01:34 PM   #2
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12.15 is at least a little bit low. 12.6 is in an acceptable range.
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      04-06-2021, 01:42 PM   #3
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^ Agreed.

The one and only time I went to a BMW dealership (so far) with mine, we ended up getting in a random conversation about how one problem on these cars can manifest itself in symptoms all over the place that you would not ordinarily think were related. One of the examples was a dying battery cutting the radio off intermittently exactly as you describe.

If your battery is original to the car, that would put it at 7-8 years old and right about average life expectancy for them.
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      04-06-2021, 01:45 PM   #4
Jacob.f30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by auburnf30x View Post
^ Agreed.

The one and only time I went to a BMW dealership (so far) with mine, we ended up getting in a random conversation about how one problem on these cars can manifest itself in symptoms all over the place that you would not ordinarily think were related. One of the examples was a dying battery cutting the radio off intermittently exactly as you describe.

If your battery is original to the car, that would put it at 7-8 years old and right about average life expectancy for them.
Thanks for the reply. I’ll probably get a new one.
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      04-06-2021, 01:50 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacob.f30 View Post
Thanks for the reply. I’ll probably get a new one.
Yeah, if you got 7 years out of that battery I am highly impressed.
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      04-06-2021, 08:04 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacob.f30 View Post
I started having this problem where the audio in my car would randomly shut off for a couple seconds. I scanned using Carly and it found there was an undervoltage detected at the amplifier. I’m also having a few small issues that make me believe it’s the battery but won’t talk about that right now. Checking my battery after sitting overnight and it read 12.15V. Checking the battery after driving and it read 12.6V.

I don’t see any markings on the negative terminal for when the battery was made.

Thoughts?
Funny enough i just replaced my battery 30 minutes ago. I was having startup issues as well as anomalies in my electrical systems. My battery was made in 2015 so yours is definitely due for a change. Changing my battery fixed all issues i was having. It's a pretty easy job and you can register a new battery using bimmerlink for 31$ plus the Vgate ICAR wifi adapter. Good luck and I hope you can get it situated!
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      04-06-2021, 09:48 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacob.f30 View Post
Checking the battery after driving and it read 12.6V.
Assuming that's after at least a 20 minute drive it's a bit low. You'd like to see 13v after driving and 12.6v the next morning.
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      04-07-2021, 11:27 AM   #8
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Changed my battery today and everything is all good now.
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      04-07-2021, 11:34 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacob.f30 View Post
Changed my battery today and everything is all good now.
Good deal! Gotta love an easy fix.
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      04-07-2021, 11:50 AM   #10
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      04-07-2021, 12:32 PM   #11
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I'm shocked at how long these batteries last. The one in my car (12' 328i) is original to the car. I'm at 82k miles. Even this winter after sitting for a few days to a week, it never had any issues. Maybe it's due to the car having minimal options. Standard I-drive (no nav), no parking sensors/backup camera, and the basic instrument cluster. It's also a manual. With other cars, I'd be happy to get 4 years out of a battery. I also turn off start/stop as soon as I start the car. Those timing chain guides are always in the back of my head .
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      04-07-2021, 08:16 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by apascutia View Post
I'm shocked at how long these batteries last. The one in my car (12' 328i) is original to the car. I'm at 82k miles. Even this winter after sitting for a few days to a week, it never had any issues. Maybe it's due to the car having minimal options. Standard I-drive (no nav), no parking sensors/backup camera, and the basic instrument cluster. It's also a manual. With other cars, I'd be happy to get 4 years out of a battery. I also turn off start/stop as soon as I start the car. Those timing chain guides are always in the back of my head .
Your right.

I have battery last 10 yrs before. But for the OP which is already starting to have electronic problem. And after testing the battery. 12.15V is low when then my 2016 F36 read 12.87V with engine off with alternator charging get 13.4v

When I start seeing problem...I will change.right.away 2016 means 5 yrs old already
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      04-10-2021, 03:36 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacob.f30 View Post
Changed my battery today and everything is all good now.
I’m not having any issues yet but my battery will be 6 years old this July. What did you pay for the new battery? Was it through the dealer or aftermarket?
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      04-10-2021, 10:01 PM   #14
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Before getting a new battery just based on age get one of these, so you'll know for certain one way or another if you need one.

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Charg...%2C352&sr=1-15

8 years isn't unusual battery life, especially where winters are warm. My battery is at 6 years now and it still works like new, as when it is cold I keep it on a tender.
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      04-15-2021, 06:23 AM   #15
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Thanks Bill. Good to know.
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      04-15-2021, 07:46 AM   #16
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Pass your inspection first if you have an expiring registration.
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      04-16-2021, 11:49 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacob.f30 View Post
Changed my battery today and everything is all good now.
Glad the problem was resolved. In this instance, the fault code and resolution were very straightforward.
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      04-23-2021, 11:41 AM   #18
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For all of you that already replaced the battery, what kind you got ? OEM or aftermarket ?
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