A
Anonymous
Guest
Mr Tidy said:
Stop / start kills batteries..my non stop start E89 20i had an 8 year old battery that still had 75% capacity left when I swapped it out..AGM of course..
The dreaded Increased battery discharge warning
- Thread starter Nanu
- Start date
Stop / start kills batteries..my non stop start E89 20i had an 8 year old battery that still had 75% capacity left when I swapped it out..AGM of course..
North West Surrey
Pbondar said:
I know that now! It also seems to kill starter motors - mine died before it was 7 years old.
I turned it off every time I drove it after that, but ended up selling it about a year later before the N47 diesel cam-chain disaster happened!
Here lies the problem with stop start. My 35is doesn’t have stop start so do I need that type of battery which is more expensive?
The current battery fitted from new is a Varta 70ah but different suppliers when you input the vehicle details say 70ah is the one others say 80ah or even 90.
Some say stop start some say not necessary
Confused to say the least when all I want is the best for the job at the most reasonable price
The current battery fitted from new is a Varta 70ah but different suppliers when you input the vehicle details say 70ah is the one others say 80ah or even 90.
Some say stop start some say not necessary
Confused to say the least when all I want is the best for the job at the most reasonable price
A
Anonymous
Guest
Nanu said:
80 ah is the recommended fitment with or without stop start for the 35 series...
70ah will work ok..just not the recommended version...
After checking out You Tube found how to check the voltage on the battery and make sure the alternator is OK using the cars system.
The tests show the alternator is working fine but the battery showed 11.8v initially then after a 20 mile run (Blast down the motorway :evil: ) tested again and it was 12V. Switched the engine on and it began to charge at 14.5v but as soon as the engine was switched off it dropped like a stone to 12v then slowly to 11.8v again then remained there. Switched the radio on and within a minute the battery warning light appeared.
Think I can safely say the alternator is working but the battery is not holding any charge. Getting a local Indy to check it for certain on Monday but still have issues with what battery. He says 8oah or even 90ah not stop start. Phoned BMW UK and they checked their parts and said definately E39 Varta Plus 096 AGM 12V 70Ah which is the same as fitted from new but has stop start. :x
The tests show the alternator is working fine but the battery showed 11.8v initially then after a 20 mile run (Blast down the motorway :evil: ) tested again and it was 12V. Switched the engine on and it began to charge at 14.5v but as soon as the engine was switched off it dropped like a stone to 12v then slowly to 11.8v again then remained there. Switched the radio on and within a minute the battery warning light appeared.
Think I can safely say the alternator is working but the battery is not holding any charge. Getting a local Indy to check it for certain on Monday but still have issues with what battery. He says 8oah or even 90ah not stop start. Phoned BMW UK and they checked their parts and said definately E39 Varta Plus 096 AGM 12V 70Ah which is the same as fitted from new but has stop start. :x
A
Anonymous
Guest
Nanu said:After checking out You Tube found how to check the voltage on the battery and make sure the alternator is OK using the cars system.
The tests show the alternator is working fine but the battery showed 11.8v initially then after a 20 mile run (Blast down the motorway :evil: ) tested again and it was 12V. Switched the engine on and it began to charge at 14.5v but as soon as the engine was switched off it dropped like a stone to 12v then slowly to 11.8v again then remained there. Switched the radio on and within a minute the battery warning light appeared.
Think I can safely say the alternator is working but the battery is not holding any charge. Getting a local Indy to check it for certain on Monday but still have issues with what battery. He says 8oah or even 90ah not stop start. Phoned BMW UK and they checked their parts and said definately E39 Varta Plus 096 AGM 12V 70Ah which is the same as fitted from new but has stop start. :x
Well why don't you simply read the coding on the currrent battery and replace like for like?
Well, I'm glad this is here. About 3 weeks ago while sat in the car waiting for the Mrs with the engine off, had the battery discharge warning. Never seen it again until I unlocked the car earlier and heard the 'Bong', parking brake failure. Stupidly, I started the car, took the brake off, won't reengage. Luckily the road is flat but it's now left in gear with a couple of bricks either side of the rear wheel. Popping into the garage first thing tomorrow and hoping they aren't solid with people now booking in 
Vonlipvig said:Well, I'm glad this is here. About 3 weeks ago while sat in the car waiting for the Mrs with the engine off, had the battery discharge warning. Never seen it again until I unlocked the car earlier and heard the 'Bong', parking brake failure. Stupidly, I started the car, took the brake off, won't reengage. Luckily the road is flat but it's now left in gear with a couple of bricks either side of the rear wheel. Popping into the garage first thing tomorrow and hoping they aren't solid with people now booking in
Sounds like you need the updated software uploaded to the car
Rob
Pbondar said:Nanu said:After checking out You Tube found how to check the voltage on the battery and make sure the alternator is OK using the cars system.
The tests show the alternator is working fine but the battery showed 11.8v initially then after a 20 mile run (Blast down the motorway :evil: ) tested again and it was 12V. Switched the engine on and it began to charge at 14.5v but as soon as the engine was switched off it dropped like a stone to 12v then slowly to 11.8v again then remained there. Switched the radio on and within a minute the battery warning light appeared.
Think I can safely say the alternator is working but the battery is not holding any charge. Getting a local Indy to check it for certain on Monday but still have issues with what battery. He says 8oah or even 90ah not stop start. Phoned BMW UK and they checked their parts and said definately E39 Varta Plus 096 AGM 12V 70Ah which is the same as fitted from new but has stop start. :x
Well why don't you simply read the coding on the currrent battery and replace like for like?
Because battery technology moves on and when people with more knowledge than me tell me what I need I tend to listen to their advice. Problem is I listen to too many experts
A
Anonymous
Guest
Well..there have been no changes in relevant battery technology in this area from the inception of the E89 to this date..
The best option is to get an 80ah AGM battery...
The minimum option is a 70ah AGM battery
Assuming you are on the original battery the other option is to have an AGM battery of the same capacity as currently fitted.
Is that clear n simple?
The best option is to get an 80ah AGM battery...
The minimum option is a 70ah AGM battery
Assuming you are on the original battery the other option is to have an AGM battery of the same capacity as currently fitted.
Is that clear n simple?
Yup, sad PandaSmartbear said:Sounds like you need the updated software uploaded to the carVonlipvig said:Well, I'm glad this is here. About 3 weeks ago while sat in the car waiting for the Mrs with the engine off, had the battery discharge warning. Never seen it again until I unlocked the car earlier and heard the 'Bong', parking brake failure. Stupidly, I started the car, took the brake off, won't reengage. Luckily the road is flat but it's now left in gear with a couple of bricks either side of the rear wheel. Popping into the garage first thing tomorrow and hoping they aren't solid with people now booking in
Rob
A
Anonymous
Guest
Nanu said:
Can you translate that into English pls?
Thanks Smartbear. I have an Indy that is going to fit and code / register it next week for £60.
Will discuss with him my options but AGM is the way to go all I need to decide now is do I go for the same as fitted or go for the higher ampage without start stop for about the same price.
Will discuss with him my options but AGM is the way to go all I need to decide now is do I go for the same as fitted or go for the higher ampage without start stop for about the same price.
Just reading through this thread as I got the same warning message a couple of days ago & ordered a new battery right away & I'm waiting for it to be delivered (from Tayna).
I'm a bit confused by one point here though....
@ Nanu I'm reading that your understanding is that a (say) 80Ah AGM battery comes in 'stop-start' & 'non stop-start' flavours. Correct?
Now maybe you're right & I'm the one who's wrong here but I'd always understood that all 80h AGMs are much the same (other than brand / quality considerations) and just that stop-start tends to need a higher rated battery than a car without it.
Either way a regular 80Ah AGM should be fine.
Oh & I reckon £60 to fit & register a battery by a NE indy is a bit on the steep side. I was quoted £15 locally and most service work here in SE isn't renowned for being cheaper than elsewhere!
I'm a bit confused by one point here though....
@ Nanu I'm reading that your understanding is that a (say) 80Ah AGM battery comes in 'stop-start' & 'non stop-start' flavours. Correct?
Now maybe you're right & I'm the one who's wrong here but I'd always understood that all 80h AGMs are much the same (other than brand / quality considerations) and just that stop-start tends to need a higher rated battery than a car without it.
Either way a regular 80Ah AGM should be fine.
Oh & I reckon £60 to fit & register a battery by a NE indy is a bit on the steep side. I was quoted £15 locally and most service work here in SE isn't renowned for being cheaper than elsewhere!