The answer to flat battery? What to do? - BMW Forum

dedmans · 05-15-2009, 03:41 AM

We treated ourselves to a 2001 E39 530d touring 3 years ago. Since then have loved it and other than the front bearings failing I have had a particular galling problem. At random , the car will not turn over and it appears that the battery has gone low, been drained or at least will not turn on the starter. For about a year this has been intermittent surprising you about once a month on average. Even jumping with a battery lead will not help but, 3 hours charge and it starts sometimes with a puff if smoke. Changed the hedgehog unit and after dis-connecting battery for overnight charge, then lost forever the G.P.S. unit.
However, noticed on awaiting since done service that the sump oil was way too high. My past fear of water piston lock appears to be diesel injector leak that causes piston lock that requires a full battery to turn and drains into the sump.
I post this to help others because it is a fact that it appears originally to be a battery issue but it is not. What can I do to stop the injector diesel leak?

marti5 · 05-15-2009, 04:11 AM

Very interesting, thanks for the info.

witeshark · 05-15-2009, 09:52 AM

My first thought would be new injectors. It may be worth considering a new engine stop by fuel cut rather then choke (air cut); less diesel would be able to leak in the event of other leaking injectors.

dedmans · 05-15-2009, 10:29 AM

I will suggest that to my mechanic friend

Bimmermann · 05-16-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dedmans

I will suggest that to my mechanic friend

Sounds to me that the fuel oil has too much sulfur. Get better fuel or use an injector cleaner additive every 1000 miles or so (I'd use Techron, 1 bottle in 7 gallons of fuel).

dedmans · 05-17-2009, 04:29 AM

Good suggestion.
Are you saying that some fuel suppliers can provide poor quality fuel? Over here the supermarket at Sainsbury's is what I use and I think they are stocked by BP.
Would a different garage supply fuel with less sulphur and how do I find out?
My mechanic friend who is highly skilled has alreadt used the additive and are you saying that this should be applied on a regular basis? Many many thanks for your help.