Ask the Car People.SM


BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

5349 messages,  Last post on Apr 30, 2013 at 3:31 PM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

    
Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153

Messages Page 174 of 535

#1730 of 5349 Battery Lifetime Question (2002 330CiC) by ferricoxide

Apr 11, 2005 (8:53 am)

Ok, probably a silly question, but, "what's a reasonable expectation for battery lifetime on a 2002 BMW 330Cic that sits undriven?" I ask because, I travel for a living. Since August of last year, I've had THREE brand-new batteries flatten to the point of not being jumpable, two of them since getting a solar-powered trickle-charger.
 
I assumed the original battery died because I hadn't driven it for two weeks and it was nearly 3yrs old.
 
I had assumed the first new battery died because I hadn't driven the car for two weeks and hadn't had it on a charger.
 
I had assumed the second new battery died because I hadn't driven the car for two weeks, but the solar panel had been ending up in the shade caused by the
winter sun's position.
 
This most recent one... I don't know what the hell to think. The damn car's on a charger, I drove it 18 days ago for over an hour straight and the solar panel has been sitting in full, all-day sunlight.
 
It wouldn't be so horrible except that THE only place to get batteries seems to be from BMW, and they want $160 for each damn battery. Now they want to sell me the BMW Battery Charger to try to prevent this.
 
What the hell? I mean, my 1998 Z3 didn't seem to do this. Just how long SHOULD I be able to let the car sit without having to buy a new battery???
 
-tom

#1731 of 5349 Battery longevity by rhmass

Apr 11, 2005 (12:37 pm)

Based on my experience with the BMWs I have owned, the battery lasted between 7 to 10 years. In replacing your original battery, be sure to get Interstate battery which is designed for BMWs and is better than BMW replacement battery from the dealer. It costs about $105

#1732 of 5349 Re: Battery longevity [rhmass] by ferricoxide

Apr 11, 2005 (1:46 pm)

Replying to: rhmass (Apr 11, 2005 12:37 pm)
Any idea which battery? I'd tried going to NTB and Sears and other similar places, but noone had batteries for my car. Only the dealerships had them and they seem to be utter crap.
 
-tom

#1733 of 5349 Re: Battery Lifetime Question (2002 330CiC) [ferricoxide] by shipo

Apr 11, 2005 (2:37 pm)

Replying to: ferricoxide (Apr 11, 2005 8:53 am)
If I recall correctly, some 2002 vintage cars had a problem with their electrical systems that caused the battery to discharge while sitting, and that the problem would manifest itself in something like only 3 or 4 days. Also, if I'm not mistaken, the problem has been successfully diagnosed by BMW and there is now a known cure for this situation. I'd have your dealership take a crack at fixing the problem before I invested in anymore batteries.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#1734 of 5349 Re: Battery longevity [ferricoxide] by rhmass

Apr 11, 2005 (3:46 pm)

Replying to: ferricoxide (Apr 11, 2005 1:46 pm)
The model carried by Interstate Battery is MTP-91. Go to their website and it will tell you their dealers in the city you live.
I agree with shipo that you should check out the problem draining your car battery before you want to put in another one. If you do, this is the right battery for your car.

#1735 of 5349 Re: Battery longevity [ferricoxide] by shipo

Apr 11, 2005 (5:38 pm)

Replying to: ferricoxide (Apr 11, 2005 1:46 pm)
Check out the following link:
 
jbailey6, "BMW 3-Series Sedans" #25669, 10 Feb 2004 11:43 pm

#1736 of 5349 Re: Gas Grade/Octane really necessary for a 325i [grantchstr] by ponytrekker

Apr 11, 2005 (5:42 pm)

Replying to: grantchstr (Apr 08, 2005 12:18 pm)
Just put water in. It'll run fine. But shhhh, don't tell anyone. The oil companies will have your legs broken.
 
Seriously, you buy an expensive car and you want to chintz out on $3 a tank? Put the good stuff in. Live a little. You'll get better mileage and performance.

#1737 of 5349 Re: airbag light? [qnmast] by sunilb

Apr 11, 2005 (11:26 pm)

Replying to: qnmast (Apr 11, 2005 6:34 am)
it sounds like you are referring to the brake sensor light (indicating that you need to have your brakes replaced... yellow circle with yellow bars on each side).

#1738 of 5349 Re: airbag light? [sunilb] by qnmast

Apr 12, 2005 (2:15 pm)

Replying to: sunilb (Apr 11, 2005 11:26 pm)
that is a bummer....i just got the car two weeks ago.....oh well...thank for your help

#1739 of 5349 Re: airbag light? [qnmast] by sunilb

Apr 12, 2005 (2:21 pm)

Replying to: qnmast (Apr 12, 2005 2:15 pm)
several people have indicated that changing brakes (rotors and pads) on these cars is relatively simple and a do-it-yourself job for around $200 in parts and 60-90minutes of time. just a thought. [check out bimmerfest for details]

Messages Page 174 of 535

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement