Is 13.5-13.7volts too low

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by omodos

ctek has got me out of trouble so to speak for the last 2 years, I dont drive the X enough either, and charge up at least once a week using either a ctek or my other charger that charges at a slower rate but works.....I was under the impression that doing this daily could be bad?

Daily charging of your battery with a CTek is more likely to damage your hood release (from overuse!!) than the battery.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by wpoll

Daily charging of your battery with a CTek is more likely to damage your hood release (from overuse!!) than the battery.

Hmmm I thought that about the release too...thanks..just cant win

[omodos]

Originally Posted by wpoll

I don't know if all X5 (E53) are like this but when my OBC Test #9 shows 13.8v the jump terminals under the hood reads 14.2v (with a Fluke VM). Seems the OBC Test #9 reads a little on the low side. This is with the car at idle. Doesn't seem to change much at higher revs or with (electrical) load.

If you are seeing 13.5v and above, it sounds like your alternator is all good.

[bcredliner]

Not that you didn't, but it is important to watch the alternator output for a few miles just to make sure it is not fluctuating.

Another method to counter the short trips is to take a drive every week or so for enough distance that the engine has been at operating temp for a decent number of miles. Will fully charge the battery and burn off the condensation.