Quote:
Originally Posted by Davidf
So, my 2008 X5 4.8i was having battery issues. Occasionally and randomly, the battery would die while driving the car. Always started fine, but would sometimes go completely flat while driving to the point that the engine died. Jump the battery, get it home and recharge. All good except when it happened again days or weeks later.
Quick check indicated 12.5 volts static and 14.0 volts with engine running. Seems all good. I did notice that occasionally there was a failed bearing sound coming from the alternator/idler pulley area. Stop engine and restart and the noise went away...curious. So, I decided to replace the alternator (AGM battery tests fine and holds a charge while car is inactive).
Hopefully, the rebuilt (from Autozone) Valeo 230 amp alternator does the trick as I have a 1200 mile road trip coming up soon. Half of which will be pulling an Airstream.
Anyone else have similar symptoms and resolution? BTW, I don't think the issue is from short trips not allowing the battery to recover.
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Hi Davidf,
I actually had a very similar, if not the same issue as you described. My car is also an 08 4.8 X5. I had repeated issues of my car turning off while driving, usually after the entire dashboard lights up with warnings. (4x4 malfunction, DSC, etc).
After reading the boards, I tried to remedy the situation by purchasing a new battery. But low and behold, after 3 weeks or so, I still had the same problem.
Problem persisted, and did some more research on the boards. From what I understand, one theory is that if the car is not driven extensively to charge the battery, you will continue to have this problem. I don't recall the recommended driving distance, but I know my wife (who is the primary driver) does not drive frequently or long - short commutes around our home.
Long story short, I ended up purchasing a battery charger. It was the CTEK 3300 model. I charge the vehicle weekly now, and since then, have not had the issue arise again. This was probably 6 months or so ago.
I have since driven long distances (to and from Nor Cal) back to Long Beach without issue. But I always remember to charge the vehicle weekly. Hope this helps. Good luck.