radio and idrive display cuts out

[rob76]

hi all,

my e70 X5 has been showing a change of behavior in the last couple of days.

usually you can turn the engine off and with the key remaining in the radio and idrive remains fully functional.

now however both cut out after less than a minute and if you try to turn back on the battery warning light flashes up on the main dash display.

yet to have battery and alternator tested but just wondered if anyone else had experience this and knew what was up of if it was a warning of problems to come.

many thanks

rob

[chris.t]

Welcome, sounds like a battery on its last legs to me

[X5Sport]

What does the warning say?  If it's 'Excessive battery discharge' or similar, then yes your battery is a likely suspect.  2008 car means battery at end of life (5-6 years) 

It's also not a straight swap.  The car needs to be paired to the new battery or you will get charging issues.  The system monitors charge state and modifies the charge rate according to the age of the battery.  If you put a new one in without the pairing then the charge system will still charge it as if it were 6 years old.

With the cold weather coming I guess we're about to see a lot of these.  If you are only doing short journeys then it's well worth investing in a CTEK MXS5.0 conditioner/charger.

[rob76]

Thanks for the quick reply lads!

There is no warning message, just get the orange battery icon appearing on the main dash display where gear indication / mileage is shown and a warning tone. The Idrive display has already shut off by this point so not getting any info from that.

Are you able to tell me how involved is the job of pairing the battery? Is it a sting from a BMW dealer or would it be simple enough for a local mech?

[X5Sport]

Either a Dealer, or Indy with access to Autologic - I think Bosch Autocentres have this, or someone with the BMW INPA software for your car.

[rob76]

Thanks X5Sport,

Dropped the motor off yesterday at my usual mech for a control arm and antiroll bar, asked him about it and they said they would test it, they have all the software in the event of new batttery needed.

He recommended a CETK charger though as our X5 is run by the wife and normally does short trips only, every few weeks or once a month give it a top up.

Currently waiting on one from Amazon.

Have to say the response on this forum is by far the best out of any of the others im on!

Cheers.

[X5Sport]

CTEK well worth having.  I use an MXS10 and an older 3800 model. 

BMW rebadge them - and increase the price somewhat..