Newbie - flat battery?

[DJBBC]

Hi,

New to e86 ownership so might just be doing something stupid here!

Ownership has mostly consisted of the coupe being sat in the garage (lockdown + snow in Scotland isn't ideal for trips in it!) When I took her out last weekend I noticed the clock had reset, almost like there had been some issue with the battery.

Tried to start her up this evening and it is totally dead - sport button flashes on centre console but no lights on dash at all. Assume it is a totally flat battery but can anyone tell me why? I keep the keys in the house, which are probably c10m away from the car - have I read on here before that this drains the battery?

Pictures attached because I know everyone likes them!

Thanks in advance,
Ben

 

[maxman]

If not in use the battery needs to be kept on a trickle charger.As the battery gets older it’s ability to hold charge decreases..The alarm is one source for a slight drain.

 

[Zed Baron]

Perfect you've got a garage with power, trickle charger is the way to go.

 

[DJBBC]

Understood! I always thought trickle charges were only necessary if you were leaving it for weeks on end, not 3-5 days. Every day is a school day though.

Thanks for your help. Any recommendations on chargers, or should I not be too fussy and just get a cheap Amazon one?

 

[Pondy]

Thanks for your help. Any recommendations on chargers, or should I not be too fussy and just get a cheap Amazon one?

I bought this one a while ago; it's cheap and works. https://www.screwfix.com/p/streetwize-swtbc-1-5a-trickle-battery-charger-12v/8312r

It's a smart charger so maintains once charged. I've had much more expensive "maintenance chargers" in the past and they were no better. You can't be more than 100 yards from a Screwfix either, so can save on postage

 

[Smartbear]

Hi, key proximity shouldn’t make any difference to the battery drain.
Ps, you might get more response if you post in the e85 section of the forum & not the e89 bit
Rob

 

[Pondy]

Pictures attached because I know everyone likes them!

If you turned that first picture 90 degrees to the right, it would look like the car is stuck to the wall 8)

 

[Wyldie85]

If the battery is old then it may explain why it’s not holding its charge and is therefore flat after 3, 4, or 5 days of no use.
Maybe worth checking that and having a new one. My Dad’s E46 M3 has been the same. Even with me conditioning the battery and charging it, in three days, it was flat again. Turns out the battery was done and needed to be replaced.

That aside, that’s a lovely looking coupe.

 

[Ole gits rule]

Just bought this one, delivered in a few days and seems to work ok - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Automatic-Intelligent-Smart-Car-Battery-Charger-Pulse-Repair-Starter-12V-24V-LCD/123996353457?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[1doohan]

My E86 lives on the street. Battery 3yrs old. Left standing for 28 days in January in cold and snow. Started first time.

 

[obewan]

Just bought this one, delivered in a few days and seems to work ok - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Automatic-Intelligent-Smart-Car-Battery-Charger-Pulse-Repair-Starter-12V-24V-LCD/123996353457?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

+1 on the Foxsur charger
Works perfectly - used it quite a bit in the last few months on parents cars that haven't moved much due to them shielding

 

[enuff_zed]

If you're new to ownership, it may also be worth checking that a previous owner hasn't wired something in that is permanently live.

 

[Ole gits rule]

Just bought this one, delivered in a few days and seems to work ok - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Automatic-Intelligent-Smart-Car-Battery-Charger-Pulse-Repair-Starter-12V-24V-LCD/123996353457?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

+1 on the Foxsur charger
Works perfectly - used it quite a bit in the last few months on parents cars that haven't moved much due to them shielding

Yep - great product for the cost

 

[stan A]

Hello, Just to ask, have you got a six CD changer in the car ? I read on here that they take a steady 6 amps and if you don't use the car much it will drag the battery down. I removed mine and it is a lot better, but I still have to charge the battery every 3 weeks or so when its laid up in the winter. It is not flat but shows about 50% charge in that time. It is not an easy job, there is a video of how to do it on youtube which was helpful. I also have the coupe , so its between the seats. I made up a small shelf and covered it in black felt to make the space it left a bit prettier and more useful. Hope this helps, Stan. (Had the car 3 yrs but also a newbie on here.)