Originally Posted by jfoj

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The majority of 12 Volt automotive systems operate at 13.5-14.5 Volts in case you have never bothered to check. Rarely will any modern vehicle with a properly operating electrical system ever drop to or below 12.6 Volts. As I mentioned there are a few exceptions and this has nothing to do with a battery charging Voltage it has to do with load shedding, engine power management and fuel economy. The E53 does not function this way.

13.5-14.5 Volts IS the typical operating Voltage for the majority of "12 Volt" vehicle electrical systems. This Voltage is required to keep both the battery charged and power all the accessories and loads in the vehicle.

It is called a 12 Volt system as "Nominal" 12 Volts. The typical automotive battery has a combined cell Voltage of 12.6 Volts based on thetypicaly battery chemistry. So why is is not called a 12.6 Volt system?? Simplicity sake would be a good reason. 24 Volt systems typically operate at 27-29 Volts but they are also referred to as a 24 Volt system. Again, simplicity sake would be a good reason.

Yes, in order to provide a charge to any battery, the charging Voltage needs to be greater than the battery baseline Volt. This is simple and basic electricity theory.

I just do not understand why there are just a few people here that THINK they know what they are talking about and often provide wrong or misleading information?? I realize this is a forum and often forums are for exchanging information, idea and to learn things, but I have found some of the E53 group a rather unusual bunch that really needs to open their minds a bit.

Also trying to prove a point with YouTube videos or other sources does not make you an expert, especially if you have never spend a day or years in the field. I have found many YouTube or self produced videos and documents often are full of mistakes, inaccuracies or just down right wrong information. You still need to think for yourself in the information age, because last time I checked, everything on the Internet is not 100% accurate.

We have had the Johnny Neutron that try to debunk everything someone states when they have never verified any of what is being discussed.

It seems there are a few "buddies" here that are equally as confused and/or have little to no field experience and tend to believe EVERYTHING that is put in writing or on a video. Even the manufacturers, suppliers and service manual providers make errors, omissions and just wrong statements or have incorrect procedures documented. I run into this ALL the time in the Automotive and other fields that I am involved in.

Yes, the OP needs to do some basics, test and charge the battery, verify connections, verify the charging system, check for Voltage drop. Often I make the mistake that someone has my basic knowledge and skill set and do not always start with the assumption that someone can barely open their hood, but many people are at this level. But for people to make a blanket statement that the vehicle runs off the battery is just wrong for anything other than a Tesla or golf cart, I just have no idea how anyone can even think this is they way a vehicle electrical system works.