Looks like they finally fixed the problem by replacing the driver and passenger seat modules and the TCU. Apparently, and like others have previously guessed, the TCU woke up intermittently and prevented the car from going into sleep mode. I went through 3 different SAs throughout this process because my regular one was out of the office here and there so I think they got things mixed up in the communication and thought they had checked the TCU already. Oh well..at least they did everything out of goodwill including fixing my passenger seat leg extension so I don't have to fork out $500 for my deductable.

And I finally got my car back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Nice man, happy motoring!

Here's to hoping the problem never comes back.

 

Congrats! Please keep us posted if you have any updates. I haven't yet had a chance to bring my car in to get it checked out, but I'll print out your post and hand it to my S.A. in the hopes that he/she will be able to diagnose the problem earlier. Good luck!

-TA

 

Rudy, can you clarify a question for me? My understanding of the "High Battery Drain" warning is that the rate of battery discharge is high, and that the warning has nothing to do with the actual remaining charge on the battery. Your post seems to sugest otherwise. Am I mistaken?

 

I'll try to report back after a few days whether or not I experience anymore issues.

 

congrats on finding the thing to be fixed
I hate it when electrics stuff goes wrong

 

I can't say for sure but in my experience, I think you can get that message due to multiple conditions...

If you leave the ignition on for an extended period of time, say to play the radio without running the engine, you'll eventually get this message when the car determines that you're in danger of not being able to start the car. At that point, it'll shut down anything it feels isn't critical in order to maximize your chances of successfully starting the car.

The message will also be displayed -- when you turn the ignition on - if, while the car was turned off for more than 68 minutes, it determined that a current drain of more than 80 milliamperes is present.

My original question assumed that the parked car ventilation ran enough (used enough current) to cause the car to determine that it was getting close to not being able to start. If that happens, I think it will shut down the ventilator and throw up the message when you eventually go to start it.

There's a bunch of great information on how all this stuff works in the Power Supply document I posted in the technical gallery:
https://5series.net/forums/index.php...mage&img=10935

Hope that helps!

 

Cool! Congrats!!

More proof that the "unfavorable driving profile" excuse isn't always the solution!

 

Congrats Tony!!

 

Thanks, Rudy! Appreciate your time and insight.

-TA