Signs of a dying battery.. Or something else?
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From: San Francisco
My Ride: E60 545i
Signs of a dying battery.. Or something else?
My car occasionally hasn't been able to start. All the electronics come on but the engine won't crank. However, when I go wiggle the battery connection it usually starts. This happens once every week or so. Is this a sign for a battery replacement?
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From: Indiana, USA
My Ride: 2007 530xi: Sport, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, HD Radio, SAT, Custom NCS coded options 2008 535xi: Sport, Night Vision, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, SAT, Custom NCS coded options, Rear Seat Heat Retrofit, Passport 9500ci
Model Year: 2008
Engine: N54
Wiggling the battety cable will not improve a battery that needs replaced.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
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Mine did that. I replaced the battery which seemed fine for a couple of weeks but then it started doing it again. It turns out that my starter was going out. Replaced the starter and all is well again.
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From: DFW, TX
My Ride: 2009 535i Sport
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if wiggling the battery fixes it, look at new terminals/connections.
if the car is cranking longer and longer, and not wanting to start, look at the starter (not a hugely fun job, have to go in from the top I think).
if the car is cranking longer and longer, and not wanting to start, look at the starter (not a hugely fun job, have to go in from the top I think).
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Indiana, USA
My Ride: 2007 530xi: Sport, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, HD Radio, SAT, Custom NCS coded options 2008 535xi: Sport, Night Vision, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, SAT, Custom NCS coded options, Rear Seat Heat Retrofit, Passport 9500ci
Model Year: 2008
Engine: N54
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OP, Sounds like a starter or bad battery cable. When you "wiggle" the cable does anything appear to "wiggle" with it? terminal post or the cable clamp?
I think my battery is dying as well. The clock keeps intermittently resetting, I have had random tpms faults, and my radio cuts in and out occasionally. The tested volts was 11.08v and it came back good but needs a charge. Charged and held 12.4v over night. After about a month of it being in the car it is now back down to 11.08v.
How long do these batteries typically last? or should I be concerned about an energy leak somewhere else?
I think my battery is dying as well. The clock keeps intermittently resetting, I have had random tpms faults, and my radio cuts in and out occasionally. The tested volts was 11.08v and it came back good but needs a charge. Charged and held 12.4v over night. After about a month of it being in the car it is now back down to 11.08v.
How long do these batteries typically last? or should I be concerned about an energy leak somewhere else?
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From: Augusta, GA
My Ride: 22 BMW 540i xDrive; 05 BMW 530i
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It all depends on what type of battery you have and how you use your car. My original battery lasted 8 years. I replaced it in 2013 and the replacement is still going.
What you have is a failing battery. Once you replace it you will be fine. Make sure you register it.
What you have is a failing battery. Once you replace it you will be fine. Make sure you register it.
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From: San Francisco
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It wasn't the battery. It was the Integrated Supply Module. Apparently this is a very common issue for bmw's and once that little box malfunctions, you get the no crank/no start symptoms. I replaced it a couple weeks ago and my car has started up every single time since. If you're having issues with no crank, look at replacing that box and/or the ibs sensor. The box isn't expensive ($130 at dealer) and is easy to replace.