Increased Battery Discharge
#1
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 162
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From: New York
My Ride: 550i Manual Sport
Model Year: 2007
Engine: 4.8 L N62 V8
"Increased Battery Discharge" was displayed on the dashboard screen. Took the car to a indi BMW shop. They said the Battery ($290) and Battery Negative Cable ($227) both need replacement.
My car is a 2007 still equipped with original battery so it may make sense that its due for a replacement. But the negative battery cable doesn't make much sense to me. The mechanic is saying that the negative cable is causing the battery to drain by sending wrong information to the voltage detection computer.
Before i commit to doing this pricey work, i would like to know if any you guys experienced this.
I've had problems before with the Comfort Access door handle draining my battery which was fixed, now this negative battery cable replacement is puzzling.
My car is a 2007 still equipped with original battery so it may make sense that its due for a replacement. But the negative battery cable doesn't make much sense to me. The mechanic is saying that the negative cable is causing the battery to drain by sending wrong information to the voltage detection computer.
Before i commit to doing this pricey work, i would like to know if any you guys experienced this.
I've had problems before with the Comfort Access door handle draining my battery which was fixed, now this negative battery cable replacement is puzzling.
#2
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 521
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From: Toronto, Canada
My Ride: 2012 535i X-driveSpace Grey/Black Dakota, Fineline Anthracite Trim; Executive Package (Rear View, Lumbar, Nav, Voice, SIRIUS, HiFi Pro) Technology Package (Hi Beam Assist, Lane Departure, Blind Spot Detection, Surround View) BMW Apps (Apps, Smart Pho
Model Year: 2012
Wow, a 07 with an original battery. Change the battery first and get a second opinion on the cable. Are they referring to the recall on the "Battery Cable Insulated Bulkhead Connector" for MY 04-10 5 Series? If they are it is a no-cost change for you at any BMW dealer.
#3
The cable being referred to as the "Negative Cable" is the IBS (Intelligent Battery Sensor) and integral to the complex battery and charging system on our cars. You probably remember the "old days" when the negative cable was also called the "ground". You could buy one for a couple of dollars.
That was then - this is now
That was then - this is now
#4
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 162
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From: New York
My Ride: 550i Manual Sport
Model Year: 2007
Engine: 4.8 L N62 V8
I already took care of the recall. The recall had to do with the Positive cable only. This ground (IBS) cable is different. What if i change the battery only to have it quickly drained again by a faulty IBS cable?
#5
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 162
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From: New York
My Ride: 550i Manual Sport
Model Year: 2007
Engine: 4.8 L N62 V8
What if its my factory alarm causing the battery drainage? I notice the "Increased Battery Discharge" message does not appear when i dont arm the car.
#6
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,348
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From: UpState SC
My Ride: 2008 535i LCI with sports/premium package, Sports trans with paddle shifters, CF emblems, JB4 Software, Dinan Exhaust, Navigation, M5Tech body kit, Carbon wrap interrior trim and CIC Controller.
I had the same thing on my 08 10 months ago. The msg often came after a long weekend where I was not driving the car, or I opened the doors often and did not drive it. I actually replaced the battery with one from AutoZone that had the Ca and CCa numbers matching exactly and all has been just fine. I am not sure why he is telling you to change the cable. Maybe it needs to be changed. Did they say exactly why this has to be done? Maybe he noticed some damaged...? If not, I would probably just go with a battery swap. The dealer wanted 650.00 to change my battery, there was NO WAY!!!
#7
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 162
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From: New York
My Ride: 550i Manual Sport
Model Year: 2007
Engine: 4.8 L N62 V8
I had the same thing on my 08 10 months ago. The msg often came after a long weekend where I was not driving the car, or I opened the doors often and did not drive it. I actually replaced the battery with one from AutoZone that had the Ca and CCa numbers matching exactly and all has been just fine. I am not sure why he is telling you to change the cable. Maybe it needs to be changed. Did they say exactly why this has to be done? Maybe he noticed some damaged...? If not, I would probably just go with a battery swap. The dealer wanted 650.00 to change my battery, there was NO WAY!!!
#8
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 878
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From: Birmingham, AL
My Ride: 06 550i
Model Year: 06
Buy replacement battery
Replace old battery
Go see John@motorcepts for programming or not
DONE!