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left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 4:59 pm
by the shreksta
i have been working away for the last 4 days so i left the x5 on the drive way, went to start her today and it doesnt even try to turn over
all the relays are clicking like mad when ignition is turned.
shall i presume its a flat battery? ive had the car just shy of 2 weeks and up until i went away i used it every day problem free, turned over every day without hesitation etc
i do hope its nothing more sinister
perhaps the recent frost has killed it
any ideas guys?
also what would be a good battery for it if it is knackered?
2004 facelift 3.0d sport
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 5:42 pm
by Horizon
I renewed the battery on mine when I had it, I usually do when I buy BMW's as I only use them at weekend it's a battery killer. I bought a BOSCH SIVER S5 100ah. ( you want the 019 model to fit the X5 3.0 D )
Around £100 from euro car parts.
Batteries are good for 5 years then chuck them away.
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 5:43 pm
by X5Sport
Dead battery.....have a look at it (I know it's buried in the boot >:( >:( >:( )
Check the build date (4-digit code with build week/year) as it's possible it might bearound 5-6 years old so at end of life.
Cold weather will always find a weak battery

Short journeys will make it worse as these beasts take a lot to start them.
Do you access to a multimeter? If you do, check the voltage and if it is below 12V then the battery is on the way out. It will probably take a charge so will keep you going until you can get a new battery - if that's the problem - and always charge from under the bonnet.
Bosch Silver S4/5/6 (number is length of warranty) in a 019 format will do you.
Horizon - you beat me to it.

)
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 5:45 pm
by the shreksta
ok guys thanks for advice
will i have to reset anything when i have my new battery?
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 5:47 pm
by X5Sport
Nope. Only the newer ones had silly iDrive resets needed. >:(
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 5:58 pm
by the shreksta
[quote="X5Sport"]
Nope. Only the newer ones had silly iDrive resets needed. >:(
[/quote]
sweet, will get one ordered
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 7:37 pm
by the shreksta
Regarding changing the battery........how do I do it as I believe it's under a compressor isn't it?
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 9:07 pm
by X5Sport
Remove the spare wheel and you'll see the 'dome' with the compressor. 3x nuts come off and it just lifts out of the way and leans against the back seat.
In case you hadn't spotted it there I'd a handle with a strap on it holding the rear edge of the spare. That handle slots into the lower tailgate section and as you lower the tailgate, hey presto it lifts the spare so you can slide it to the rear - you need to remove the toolkit and undo the centre lockdown wing-nut first of course. :-[
You'd be amazed how many folks have never spotted how the handle operates.
When you fit the new battery remember to do the little plastic vent pipe.
One very small bit of caution. Take the negative off first and make sure you have static grounded to the car. The +ve lead has a very small explosive charge to cut the main +ve cable if the air bags deploy. It won't cause you any challenges, but just be aware of it and treat it with respect. No bashing with hammers etc!!!
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 9:17 pm
by the shreksta
[quote="X5Sport"]
One very small bit of caution. Take the negative off first and make sure you have static grounded to the car. The +ve lead has a very small explosive charge to cut the main +ve cable if the air bags deploy. It won't cause you any challenges, but just be aware of it and treat it with respect. No bashing with hammers etc!!!
[/quote]
How do I ground it?
I'm no mechanic lol
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 9:22 pm
by X5Sport
Put your hand on the negative lead of the car. Just don't wear 'nylons'

)
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 4:02 pm
by the shreksta
[quote="X5Sport"]
Put your hand on the negative lead of the car. Just don't wear 'nylons'

)
[/quote]
so remove negative 1st then positive
then to refit its just reverse procedure?
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 4:03 pm
by X5Sport
Yup

Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 4:06 pm
by the shreksta
[quote="X5Sport"]
Yup

[/quote]
gonna pick up a battery 2moro
hope it is just a duff battery and not something draining the power
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2016 6:03 pm
by bluestreak56
If you have a voltmeter its easy to check if the battery is dead.
Re: left car for 4 days now not starting
Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2016 8:49 am
by the shreksta
Right guys update time......
New battery installed and it started 1st time without hesitation BUT the battery in removed still had the green light on it stating it was in ok condition.
It's a very old battery dated 4/7/07
Could it be a power drain somewhere as the green light stated it was still good or not?