It started with difficulty to start the engine ( need to hold the key at on position for 1-2 seconds ). Now I got a message: Battery is not securely connected.
I have a question: where is the battery ? Where are the battery teminals to check the connections ?

 

I would suggest an owner's manual might help.

sixcard

 

It is in the back of the trunk on the passenger side. Here are a couple of pics...

 

Thank you SilberGrauE60. I found the battery and all terminals seemed securely connected. So I brought my car in for inspection at a local BMW dealer. The SA just called me and told me the battery is completely depleted. My battery lasted 6 years. Normal battery live is about 4-5 years. It will cost me $606.24 for a new BMW battery ( a $300 item), reprogramming + labor and tax.

 

Lots of posts on this topic in the forum ... you should use search and likely save yourself some $$$'s

 

As stated, lots of earlier posts on buying/installing your own battery. The pics I posted were from a DIY on battery replacement. Some get the Werker battery from Batteries Plus. Others get a 95R from AutoZone. Most prices seem to be between $150 and $200.

I would make sure the replacement has the same footprint and has the same fittings for the vent tube.

Open issue seems to be "registering" the battery. Some say not necessary. Others say it will shorten the life of the new battery because the e60 has a smart charging system that depends on knowing whether the battery is new or older.

My 2004 still has the original battery, I believe, so I have been trying to educate myself on what to do when it finally goes.

In any case, $600 from the dealer seems way excessive. You could essentially replace the battery yourself three times for the cost of a single dealer install.

 

Most posts report that replacing with a battery of the same "capacity" may make it unnecessary to register the battery. If the replacement is of a different electrical capacity the system needs to know when to and when not to charge it ... BUT - I am not the expert on the topic ... merely summarizing what my understanding of the battery registration accomplishes.

That said, $600 is very very expensive ... I'm a believer that a good BMW Service Center is the place to have electronics issues worked on but this seems like an excessive charge for installation and coding your battery / car. Maybe negotiation is in order?

 

Thank you for all the good suggestions Since I still have warranty till Oct 2010 and if the problem is caused by the alternator it will be covered, I let the dealer fix it. If I did it myself it would have void the warranty. Dealer also updated the software on the vehicle. They kept the car for 2 days and I got a 2010 528i as a loaner for 2 days which I don't think an independent repair shop can offer. When the warranty is over I will definitely go to an independent repair shop or get a new one.

 

just had my battery replaced for $380 at tom bush bmw in jacksonville.