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BMW 5 Series - Battery Problem

35 messages,  Last post on Mar 20, 2013 at 5:58 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Electrical

Messages Page 3 of 5

#14 of 35 Re: Electrical problems with 2008 BMW 535 [jim367] by 5series

Mar 09, 2010 (11:11 pm)

Replying to: jim367 (Feb 10, 2010 2:55 pm)
 
>--Electrical problems caused by water damage in trunk
 
I have a 2006 530 wagon (with 46,000miles) that has the same exact problem. Brought it to Dinan and the tech is still trying to figure out the extend of the damage and the cause of it all. So far, he's found 5 panels in the trunk area all rusted and corroded, an puddles of water under the spare tire and battery. He need to first replace these to check further since the computer is not communicated all the way through for fault codes. My I-drive is also dead. Unfortunately the warrenty expired 11/09. The dealer tells me it's not a common problem at all (of course not). Is your problem fixed? What was the cause and cost for repair? Thx much!

#15 of 35 BATTERY DISCHARGING by mewert

Apr 05, 2010 (8:51 pm)

My 2002 525it's battery kept discharging when not in use. I traced it to the vehicle system not going into sleep mode. It took a while trouble shooting but after disconnecting the factory navigation system it would go into sleep mode. I disconnected it by removing the two connectors at the back of the nav unit. Only thing is, now, not only do I not have any nav but my monitor is also dead so I cannot adjust the clock, radio tone settings, etc. The battery however keeps a charge. Any idea of a fix??
tkx, Mike

#16 of 35 Re: Electrical problems with 2008 BMW 535 [jim367] by purna

Apr 24, 2010 (1:41 pm)

Replying to: jim367 (Feb 10, 2010 2:55 pm)
I have similar problem on my 2008 BMW 535i where water/liquid inside trunck damaged caused module failure and as a result see TPM and Electric Malfunction messages. BMW NA is not willing to pay for labor charges. This looks like common problem and BMW should fix their design and now cover this under warranty. If not I will take this up to BBB and Consumer court and not sure who else can help me out here.

#17 of 35 Electrical problems with 2008 by tomekk

May 11, 2010 (2:33 am)

There is a technical bulletin out for those trickle chargers.
Here's the text:
 
Battery maintenance requirements from the Owner’s handbook
Battery Care
If your car is driven only for short distances of less than 10 miles over a prolonged period of time, without an occasional drive at highway speeds, the engines charging system will not properly maintain the battery.
Insufficient use of the vehicle could result in short term starting problems and in the long term could damage the battery.
In case the car is not operated for several weeks it is advisable to:
A. Consider using a proper trickle charger, following the charger manufacturer’s
instructions, to maintain the battery’s state of charge.
Advanced Battery Charging System with Alligator Clips
This Advanced Battery Charging System can help you extend the life of your battery. Simply plug the 1.25-amp charger into
a standard 115-VAC wall outlet and connect the alligator clips to your terminals under the hood. The device's on-board
microchip monitors and regulates the charge- virtually eliminating sulfating. It can even help extend the life of your battery.
(PN: 82 11 0 406 881)
 
B. Consult your BMW center regarding battery removal.
Once removed, the battery must be charged and stored in a cool, dry place where it can be protected
from freezing.
If the battery will be stored for over 3 months, it must be recharged every 3 months, or else it will become
damaged and useless.

#18 of 35 Re: Electrical problems with 2008 BMW 535 [jim367] by majko

Nov 09, 2010 (8:46 pm)

Replying to: jim367 (Feb 10, 2010 2:55 pm)
I have a 2006 530i and got the same problem, iDrive is dead due to water somewhere in the trunk, i have found 3 blown fuses but replacing them didn't help.
What part is most likely affected by this, assuming located in the trunk, and how the water got in there?
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks

#19 of 35 Re: Electrical problems with 2008 BMW 535 [majko] by 5series

Nov 09, 2010 (9:54 pm)

Replying to: majko (Nov 09, 2010 8:46 pm)
My water damage came from clogged sunroof drainage caused by crushed leaves. The leaves that were blown in while leaving my sunroof vent open were crushed when the sunroof is retracte. Five electrical panels in the truck were all fried and need to be replaced. You may be able to detect rust or water underneath the spear tire. My insurance paid for the repairs due to water damage. Good Luck.

#20 of 35 Re: Electrical problems with 2008 BMW 535 [5series] by majko

Nov 10, 2010 (7:35 pm)

Replying to: 5series (Nov 09, 2010 9:54 pm)
Woow, thanks for the reply, my problem is going to be the same, roof was retracted when slightly rained, I forgot to close it.
Do you know by any chance what electrical components were replaced in your car ? There are several in the trunk, stereo equipment is there also, amplifier etc...
If you still have the paperwork from the repair, maybe they listed the panels they replaced.
Thank you very much for any help you have.

#21 of 35 Re: Electrical problems with 2008 BMW 535 [majko] by 5series

Nov 10, 2010 (11:36 pm)

Replying to: majko (Nov 10, 2010 7:35 pm)
there were 5 panels: Air supply, micro power module, tailgate lift, PDC, Satelite Radio.The trunk only floods if there is debris blocking the end of the drains.

#22 of 35 Re: Electrical problems with 2008 BMW 535 [jim367] by kchowdhury

Mar 14, 2011 (6:07 pm)

Replying to: jim367 (Feb 10, 2010 2:55 pm)
I have a 2008 528xi, and I have the same electrical problem with the car. The display resets every few days, and all kinds of error messages pop up: e.g. 4x4 system has malfunctioned etc. This is not the first experience though, I had a 528 i before, and had the exact same issue!
 
BMW technicians only say that I need to drive the car more. Well, I drive it every day about 20 miles. How much more I need to drive? They won't specify that. How ridiculous is it to drive around the town aimlessly just because one owns a BMW!! They should add this as part of their wonderful ownership experience.
 
I called BMW customer relations, and I was rater hastily told that the owner's manual had battery maintenance instructions, and it was my problem that the car was experiencing electrical problem. (I checked the owners manual, it had nothing that stated anything that applied to my problem whatsoever. It stated "if the car is not driven for 4 weeks....". But, I drive it every day!) I am sure they train their customer relations reps to say that because they know about the issue, and are unwilling to fix it, and are just trying to avoid a recall.
 
I am done owning BMWs. They make overpriced pieces of junks.

#23 of 35 Re: Electrical problems with 2008 BMW 535 [kchowdhury] by 5series

Mar 14, 2011 (6:31 pm)

Replying to: kchowdhury (Mar 14, 2011 6:07 pm)
I suspect some of your electricals have water damage. If they are located like mine at the lowest point of the trunk (under the spare tire), there may have been water collected from a blocked drainage. If you need to replace the electrical modules anyway think about relocating them to the left side panel, so they won't be at the lowest point of the car even if there is water leakage. I finally did that after $4000 damage, then it was all good. Learned the hard way, bad design!!! Good luck!

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