Will battery be OK when storing for 3 weeks??
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Middle Earth
Hey All,
I'm going away for 3 weeks and car will be garaged (UK 530i, late 2003 model).
I've read quite a bit of stuff about all sorts of weird things happening when battery goes low, and some really scary things as well- is there anything i can do to prevent any idrive mishaps and issues when i return?
My battery's OK, never had any problems with it yet, although I have had low batt warning a couple times when playing stereo for a while with engine off....
Unfortunately I have no-one to start it while I'm away...well, actually, I do, but I would risk a dead idrive than have someone else drive my car
Many thanks in advance for your wisdom.
kash.
I'm going away for 3 weeks and car will be garaged (UK 530i, late 2003 model).
I've read quite a bit of stuff about all sorts of weird things happening when battery goes low, and some really scary things as well- is there anything i can do to prevent any idrive mishaps and issues when i return?
My battery's OK, never had any problems with it yet, although I have had low batt warning a couple times when playing stereo for a while with engine off....
Unfortunately I have no-one to start it while I'm away...well, actually, I do, but I would risk a dead idrive than have someone else drive my car
Many thanks in advance for your wisdom.
kash.
Contributors
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 970
Likes: 0
From: Mauritius
My Ride: Gone Waiting
Originally Posted by Traveller' post='722016' date='Nov 15 2008, 12:19 PM
Hey All,
I'm going away for 3 weeks and car will be garaged (UK 530i, late 2003 model).
I've read quite a bit of stuff about all sorts of weird things happening when battery goes low, and some really scary things as well- is there anything i can do to prevent any idrive mishaps and issues when i return?
My battery's OK, never had any problems with it yet, although I have had low batt warning a couple times when playing stereo for a while with engine off....
Unfortunately I have no-one to start it while I'm away...well, actually, I do, but I would risk a dead idrive than have someone else drive my car
Many thanks in advance for your wisdom.
kash.
I'm going away for 3 weeks and car will be garaged (UK 530i, late 2003 model).
I've read quite a bit of stuff about all sorts of weird things happening when battery goes low, and some really scary things as well- is there anything i can do to prevent any idrive mishaps and issues when i return?
My battery's OK, never had any problems with it yet, although I have had low batt warning a couple times when playing stereo for a while with engine off....
Unfortunately I have no-one to start it while I'm away...well, actually, I do, but I would risk a dead idrive than have someone else drive my car
Many thanks in advance for your wisdom.
kash.
put a battery charger is the best solution
Contributors
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,790
Likes: 0
From: Helsinki, Finland
My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.
No problem Traveller.
Three weeks is nothing if your battery is in order.
But a 5 year old battery is beginning to be on the limits.
PS. Where is Middle Earth?
Three weeks is nothing if your battery is in order.
But a 5 year old battery is beginning to be on the limits.
PS. Where is Middle Earth?
Contributors
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,073
Likes: 0
From: new york
My Ride: 2011, E90 M3 Sedan. Alpine White.Competition package, Keyhole cover, fender reflectors in Alpine white, RPI Exhaust, 19
just get the trickle charger.. not worth the headache if you dont..
Contributors
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
From: london england
i would disconnect the battery compleatly if its in a garage, and re connect when you get back, saves any alarm going off issues for nehbours.
but if your battery is ok, then 3 weeks is fine as our cars have a "sleep" mode where it shuts down almost everything.
but if your battery is ok, then 3 weeks is fine as our cars have a "sleep" mode where it shuts down almost everything.
Contributors
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,972
Likes: 0
From: The State of Southern NJ!
I suggest a trickle charger too - especially if the car will be stored in an extremely cold or extremely hot climate. Most have an auto-off to prevent overcharging.
It should be connected directly to the battery terminals or the + battery post under the bonnet/hood.
I have heard where some people plugged chargers into their cigar / cigarette / 12v aux sockets in car and didn't realize when the car is OFF those 12v sockets are not powered and the battery cannot be maintained thru those connections!
It should be connected directly to the battery terminals or the + battery post under the bonnet/hood.
I have heard where some people plugged chargers into their cigar / cigarette / 12v aux sockets in car and didn't realize when the car is OFF those 12v sockets are not powered and the battery cannot be maintained thru those connections!
Contributors
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,790
Likes: 0
From: Helsinki, Finland
My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.
Originally Posted by Dr Dave' post='722025' date='Nov 15 2008, 07:40 PM
i would disconnect the battery compleatly if its in a garage
If you're a bit doubtful, buy a new OEM battery.
They are not that expensive.
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Middle Earth
Thanks for your replies,
although bit unclear about the battery disconnect / don't disconnect issue...
About the trickle charger, can it just go straight on, i.e with the battery connected?
Ricracing - middle earth is in the centre of the universe - namely, Birmingham, UK.
Kash.
although bit unclear about the battery disconnect / don't disconnect issue...
About the trickle charger, can it just go straight on, i.e with the battery connected?
Ricracing - middle earth is in the centre of the universe - namely, Birmingham, UK.
Kash.
