Dan's BMW

Hello all,

I have a 530d on a 2006 plate (UK car)pre lci.

A couple of weeks ago I got in the car and started it. It took a little to tick over and fire with the 'increased battery discharge' warning appearing.

It was over an hours drive so I thought the alternator would sort it out, which it did. No problems until the weekend.

Once again got in and tried to start the car but nothing - no lights, idrive, display - nothing.

Put the battetry on charge for a few hours - still nothing.

tried to jump start from my wifes car - got interior lights and idrive until I pressed the starter button then everything went off again.

RAC (recovery service) tried the same with exactly the same results.

The car got towed this morning to the local dealer.

The RAC guy mentioned that he has known of battery discharge due to the heaters on the wing mirrors not going off? Anyone else heard/experienced this?

I understand there must be a battery problem but why would it not start on a jump? What should I expect the dealer to do and charge me for? Is there a 'reset' needed after battetry failure?

Please help?
Thak you

DSF

An M57 is a pain to jump start. I had a issue last winter when i had my lights on at -10 degree for a couple of hours ( e39 530d, basically the same engine). I was able to start the car with power from a E 320CDI (95 amps battery), with the guy reving the engine to 3500 rpm. With the merc at idle my engine was not turning at all.

About the battery, you have to go to the dealer. There are a lot of possible causes :mirror heating, seat heating, webasto or nothing and the battery is old and bad. If the battery is not in super condition you will not start a 530d, especially if it's cold outside.

Dan's BMW

Thanks for your reply.

There has been a cold spell here (nothing like -10 though ). I understand that would effect the battery.

Interesting you also had problems jump starting. I was on my own jumping from the wifes Nissan X Trail (probably a standard battery) therefore unable to rev and start mine at the same time!!!!.

I was concerned that there would be some electrical faults due to the dead battery?

Would a diagnostics check highlight any possible causes of discharge?

The car is 4 yaers old - is that how long a battery lasts in a BMW?

BLooD

the m57 is quite a big engine, the starter needs a lot of volts to move them big pistons. it`s been said that bmw batteries last around 5 years.

Dan's BMW

Just briefly heard that the car has a faulty battery sensor. This is being replaced today but they want to keep the car until tomorrow to check it????????

Does this mean they are not sure??????

No mention of a new battery though?????

Over £300 on the bill already!!!!!!

BLooD

BMW labour is charged at around £100 p/h in the UK, they normally keep her in for a health check up just to make sure she will be fine.

Dan's BMW

Thanks mate, why do I worry so much - it is only a car!!!

Yer they quoted £99 per hour on labour - I bet a battery sensor is a few quid....

Did not realise they would want to do a health check....my suspicious mind was running through all sorts of possibilities.

Therefore if all is well I should be able to pick the car up after work today....yiiippppeeeee

BLooD

which dealer did you use?, i see your SE same as me.

Dan's BMW

I live in Kent. The car was towed by the RAC to the nearest dealer which is Aylesford (near Maidstone). However I ususlly use one in Ashford as it is near work and I think they are really good.

Did not have much choice really but I will wait and see what they have done to the ca!!!!

BLooD

I use sytner in horold wood romford, there a bit more expensive but it`s the nearest one to Grays, I work in
Kent. Anyhoo good luck