Battery has died!! Update - It isn't the battery!

M

MefiEcosse

Senior member
 Borrowstouness
:cry: Seems my battery has died, :x looking for recomendations on best value replacement!
Euro Car Parts has their 30% deal on again the weekend so be aswell taking advantage!

Car hadn't moved for a few weeks and I had to get a jump start at the start of this month, took it a good run and everything seemed fine, I've been making sure it's been starting ok every weekend since but today needed a jump start again! Went for a run but only got 10mins from home and battery light came on quickly followed by a few warning lights so started to head home, about 2 miles from home power steering also stopped working, got car home and parked but I'm glad I didn't try to stop anywhere or I'd have been stranded!

The old battery seems to be the original so I suppose it's had a decent life span but I'm annoyed I didn't just change it a few weeks ago! :x
 
I just bought a Bosch S5 from Tayna. Good prices (better than ECP even with the various discounts) and very quick delivery. Remember to hover on the website for a few minutes and a pop-up will offer you 5% off.
 
NickDE said:
I just bought a Bosch S5 from Tayna. Good prices (better than ECP even with the various discounts) and very quick delivery. Remember to hover on the website for a few minutes and a pop-up will offer you 5% off.
Click to expand...

:D
Ordered earlier but I've gone for their own brand Enduroline!
Also got the pop up discount! :D
And you're right about the prices, loads cheaper on most of the brands at Tanya! :thumbsup:
Just hope now that the alternator is ok!
 
To be fair OP, if you have got to now on a 2003 battery I would say that was pretty impressive!

Other issues don't seem likely given the age.

BTW I just had a new battery in my 2006 Coupe - OEM spec which is an Exide, rather than the Bosch most would have expected in a BMW!
 
If I may be so bold, look at purchasing a c-tek intelligent charger & hook her up every time you park her up.
Mine sometimes doesn't move for 3 or 4 weeks & it's always nice to know the battery will be 100% ready.
 
https://www.tayna.co.uk/Type-096-Varta-Car-Battery-P7741.html

Hang around on the page without clicking anything, and an additional 5% off code will pop up.

Mike
 
Have you found that your car is now in Transport Mode? (No air con, fans only blows slow, no heated rear window)
My battery died over the weekend and this happened even after the battery was changed. BMW can turn off Transport Mode of course (for a fee).
Luckily I bought some INPA/DIS software a while ago, and ££ were saved!!! :D
 
jjr197 said:
Have you found that your car is now in Transport Mode? (No air con, fans only blows slow, no heated rear window)
My battery died over the weekend and this happened even after the battery was changed. BMW can turn off Transport Mode of course (for a fee).
Luckily I bought some INPA/DIS software a while ago, and ££ were saved!!! :D
Click to expand...

New battery arrived today but I won't be fitting it till Saturday, don't want to be scratching around in the dark! :oops:
I'm hoping it will be a straight forward swop but with the amount of warning lights that lit up I'm doubtful! :cry:
 
Fox889 said:
If I may be so bold, look at purchasing a c-tek intelligent charger & hook her up every time you park her up.
Mine sometimes doesn't move for 3 or 4 weeks & it's always nice to know the battery will be 100% ready.
Click to expand...

My parking bay at home is about 30m from the house in a shared residents car park, it's not practical to run a cable the full length of the car park!
I've read some tips about disconnecting the negative lead if the cars going to be sitting for a while, might try that in future.
 
Well new battery fitted and no issues! :D
Turns out the old battery was dated Dec 08 so not as old as I thought!
 
Oh well! Decided to take the car to work this morning to give it a run, 1/2 way there and lost all power, managed to limp into a retail park and phone green flag and sat freezing for an hour waiting on them!
They reckoned it was the alternator and to make matters worse I find out the policy I have via insurance company is roadside assistance only! :headbang:
I'm was sure it included recovery of vehicle but apparently not!
Car is now at a garage round the corner from where I broke down where they can't look at it till Monday and I've had 2 hr journey home via Tram, Train then Bus! :headbang: :cry:
Anyone know what sort of quote to expect for new alternator?
 
Op-was it the alternator in the end? I have a similar story to you as put in a new battery and last night dash lit up like a Christmas tree with all warming lights on, no headlights and steering like the old days! Luckily, wasn't far from home and managed to get the old girl back to base.
 
CR55EDS said:
Op-was it the alternator in the end? I have a similar story to you as put in a new battery and last night dash lit up like a Christmas tree with all warming lights on, no headlights and steering like the old days! Luckily, wasn't far from home and managed to get the old girl back to base.
Click to expand...

Yes, cost just over £300 fitted at local indy.
 
I have read that when the battery gets low the alternator has to work harder which can cause problems in that the alternator can fail. Not sure if there is any truth in this. Regarding the breakdown if you get a Lloyds premier account you get full breakdown cover with hire car, emergency home cover and free travel insurance along with mobile phone cover
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom