Slow engine turnover

WVMTNBIKER · #1 10-15-2010, 09:12 PM

I've noticed lately on my '03 X5(newer version) that my engine seems to be turning over a bit slower. The truck has 82K and though I did not look, I would guess the battery is OEM factory. I'm not getting any faults or codes etc. Everything is working fine otherwise.

But now and then, when I turn the key, it just seems to turn over slower than it did before. Weather is just a bit cooler at 60 degrees F.

If I have to change out the battery, when I do the swap, what will happen? Will I lose any functions such as radio lock out b/c I don't have the radio code(I bought my X5 used) or other "memory" features? Could I use jumper cables up front to keep the power going while I change out the battery--being careful not to touch the cable ends to anything of course.

Ideas? Thoughts?

Sponsored Links

motordavid · #2 10-15-2010, 09:26 PM

Probably due for a new batt...an easy DIY, and only ~$100 to $125. Do this, and then see what happens, before you dig into other "solutions".

Search Tab would have brought up dozens of pages on your topic; anyway, here's my DIY, and there are lots of other how-tos and ideas.
Cake to change it and it isn't like going from Vista to Win 7...not to worry on the re-start after install.
GL, mD

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...apped-out.html

Must be Time for New Battery Season, here on the XOutpost Board. ;>)

mywidebody02 · #3 10-15-2010, 09:29 PM

there should be no problems after the swap. just make sure u get the correct battery. disconnect the neg. first and hook it up last.

WVMTNBIKER · #4 10-15-2010, 10:23 PM

MotorDavid & Widebody: thanks for the info and tips. I was worried that I would lose my radio functions like my E28 does when the battery is disconnected. Going in the morning to pick up a new one b/c winter is coming here in WV soon!

In fact, a local ski resort, Snowshoe, had snow "on the ground" this a.m.

mywidebody02 · #5 10-15-2010, 10:39 PM

I think that was an anti theft lock in the E28. My dad had 1 and if the radio was stolen it wouldn't work in any other vehicle without the code. Sh$%tty idea.

m5james · #6 10-16-2010, 02:22 AM

Autozone sells a battery for around $70 that gets the job done...same one as I have in my 7.

TerryJenk · #7 10-16-2010, 04:12 AM

When I changed the battery on my E53 the only problem I got was a 4x4 alarm .
This can be reset by starting the engine and turning the steering from lock to lock.

WVMTNBIKER · #8 10-16-2010, 07:20 PM

Thanks for all the info everyone. I got a new battery from Advance Auto--their Gold series--for around a buck twenty five.
I'll tell you this: when I turn the key now, the engine turns over like a some jet powered thing. What a difference.

I had no issues after install. Did everything everyone told me to do and all in all, excepting the drive to the store, it took all of twenty minutes to change it out.

Shoot, I even polished it out today in preparation for a local BMW get together. I was taking my other BMW and E28 and of all things, the battery was dead on that one too.

The one time I could have taken it out to show and could not get it started. Darn.

Sponsored Links