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Failing Battery

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Old 05-07-2011, 01:25 PM
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I still have the original battery in my 2004 e60, and today I think I just saw the first sign of failing. Got the ABS Fail alert in the iDrive when pressing brake pedal at a stop sign. Nothing felt different, and after parking and re-starting, no warnings remained. After reading all the discussions about replacing batteries/registering in the forum, I think I'm going to be cautious and just go with the dealership replacement for about $400. I was going to check the indicator window on the battery because there is an indication for "replace the battery". Previously it had been black indicating "not fully charged".

Was wondering if this indication sounds like a sign of failing battery, and how long I have before things really go bad?
Old 05-07-2011, 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by SilberGrauE60
I still have the original battery in my 2004 e60, and today I think I just saw the first sign of failing. Got the ABS Fail alert in the iDrive when pressing brake pedal at a stop sign. Nothing felt different, and after parking and re-starting, no warnings remained. After reading all the discussions about replacing batteries/registering in the forum, I think I'm going to be cautious and just go with the dealership replacement for about $400. I was going to check the indicator window on the battery because there is an indication for "replace the battery". Previously it had been black indicating "not fully charged".

Was wondering if this indication sounds like a sign of failing battery, and how long I have before things really go bad?

You have a seven year old battery. How much more time do you want out of it?


Don't fight the inevitable... get a new one I think.

In the mean time you can put a battery charger on it.
Old 05-07-2011, 03:19 PM
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if your battery is original, you are on borrowed time. Get it changed.
Old 05-07-2011, 03:48 PM
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I have an 04 E60 as well.
My indicator was black for a while and then I started getting
some weird warnings.
I replaced the battery and everything when away, no problems.
Don't go to the dealer.
I got mine at a local shop and paid less than $200 installed and registered.
Old 05-07-2011, 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by turboawd
if your battery is original, you are on borrowed time. Get it changed.
+ 1 7 years from a car battery is about all you could expect.
Old 05-07-2011, 05:54 PM
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The first signs I saw were the time and date resetting themselves on a regular basis. Then came the Active Steering error messages.
Old 05-07-2011, 06:07 PM
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I just bought the battery shown below from AutoBarn.com . It's the same as the dealer's AGM battery (part # 61217594976) that sells for $270.
Simon (nomis_nehc) will help me "register" the battery to the car's ECU tomorrow.

Failing Battery-rodi_2154_890388707.jpg

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Old 05-09-2011, 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by gcvt
The first signs I saw were the time and date resetting themselves on a regular basis.

Yikes, my time and date was wiped out last week, so I just ordered a battery tender from Garry at Newport. I hope I'm not too late.
Old 05-09-2011, 04:52 PM
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DO NOT PAY DEALER $400

its the definition of a rip off. Go to an indy if you don't want to do it but don't let the dealer rape you like that...
Old 05-09-2011, 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Bdaddylo
Yikes, my time and date was wiped out last week, so I just ordered a battery tender from Garry at Newport. I hope I'm not too late.
you car is an 07, and chances are it could have been made in 06. so that means your battery could be pushing 5 years old....which means the battery is towards the end of its life. batteries last 3-5 years on average. any longer, and you are pushing your luck.


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