Do I need a new battery or is it something else? - BMW Forum

bimmernut · 05-12-2009, 10:32 PM

Someone help me please!

I have a 06 525xi with about 56,000 miles. A few days ago I started to notice it was getting harder to start the car. Suddenly this morning my car wont start. I was able to get the car started again by using a battery charger. I drove the car for about twenty minutes to work. During lunch time the car wouldnt start again. Again I got it started by using my battery charger. Question. Do you think I need a new battery or is it more serious which will require me to bring it to the dealer which my car is out of warranty. Your comments would be appreciated.

witeshark · 05-12-2009, 10:51 PM

You may wanna check the alternator to make sure it's charging the battery. But I think a check to make sure there isn't something draining the battery after you shut the car off is also a good idea.

marti5 · 05-13-2009, 06:06 AM

If you only do small journeys this kills batteries, I would get the batt checked, then go down the route as WiteShark has suggested .....Alternator.

bimmernut · 05-13-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witeshark

You may wanna check the alternator to make sure it's charging the battery. But I think a check to make sure there isn't something draining the battery after you shut the car off is also a good idea.

Thanks witeshark. Any suggestions as to what things I should look for that could drain the battery? Do you think an 06 BMW with 56,000 miles would have problems with the alternator? Then again I thought the Battery life on cars last more then 56000 miles.

witeshark · 05-13-2009, 09:06 AM

For battery drain items, I'd start with interior and trunk lights. And a check of the car's alarm/security, and the stereo.

bimmernut · 05-13-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witeshark

For battery drain items, I'd start with interior and trunk lights. And a check of the car's alarm/security, and the stereo.

Thanks! I will start with that. Did you ever hear about a problem with a software on the BMW and the blue tooth? I heard that for some reason if you have a blue tooth connected to the car that the software doesnt shut off the bluetooth which can drain the battery. Again thanks for your help.

DanielBMW · 05-13-2009, 09:25 AM

I had problems with mine being drained and it was the door lock heaters.....the only time they kicked on was when it waa really cold out....i would go out after school and the battery would either be completly dead or just about....so that might be a problem for you but idk....

witeshark · 05-13-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmernut

Thanks! I will start with that. Did you ever hear about a problem with a software on the BMW and the blue tooth? I heard that for some reason if you have a blue tooth connected to the car that the software doesnt shut off the bluetooth which can drain the battery. Again thanks for your help.

That's certainly a strong possibility.

DanielBMW · 05-13-2009, 11:59 AM

There is a way to disable them...dont have a clue how but theres a way...you could prolly google it