Gussing I need a new battery...

[CT_X5_Joe]

Hey guys. Long time forum guy here. Before you kill me for my questions, I have done a search and read up.

My 2006 X5 4.4i with 42xxx miles threw the dreaded DSC/Brake/ABS code last week. Basically I was driving, about to get onto a highway, and one of the right wheels gripped a bit. I let off the gas, as I knew exactly what was going on. As I merge on the highway, the Christmas tree begins to light up. I get home, restart the car, lights are all still on.

Later that night I take the X5 to my chicks sisters/brother in-laws house. A solid 50mile drive each way. On the ride up lights are all still on. After we BBQ and watch some pre-season football, we go to drive home. Guess what, lights are off. - Now it gets really funny. I started getting "Check Brake Lights" messages and a few others, yet those items were all functioning as they should.

I know, from reading up on here, that the E53 is extremely voltage sensitive. My guess, the battery is original, so now 7 years old and due to be replaced. I'm not cheap, ill go buy whatever the best battery is. Just wanted some feedback before I do it. Anyone have this also happen?

[TerminatorX5]

you are on the right path - change the battery as it is due anyways... after the change, if the problem comes back, check the new battery (can be DOA from the factory), but then we will need to troubleshoot deeper...

good luck

[CT_X5_Joe]

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

you are on the right path - change the battery as it is due anyways... after the change, if the problem comes back, check the new battery (can be DOA from the factory), but then we will need to troubleshoot deeper...

good luck

Appreciate the reply.

Battery is getting swapped out this weekend. Searching the forums to see whats new/best.

By the way, all lights are off, and have been since that 100 mile round trip drive. My guess is by running the car for a while it charged up.

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by CT_X5_Joe

Appreciate the reply.

Battery is getting swapped out this weekend. Searching the forums to see whats new/best.

By the way, all lights are off, and have been since that 100 mile round trip drive. My guess is by running the car for a while it charged up.

I took delivery of my 535i, then went on vacation for almost 2-weks. started the engine trans-fail-safe popped up. Restarted the engine, all good. So yes BMW is very sensitive to low batt condition.

If you are on original battery I'd say you got your money worth on that batt, time to replace it, fall/winter is coming btw.

[upallnight]

Get yourself a good maintainer/charger. I have one for my boat and jetski and it tells me the charge percentage of the battery. 100% would be a fully charge battery. Just from sitting the battery sometime goes down to 84%.

[motordavid]

+1, what upallnight wrote...
I would add that when the OP buys a new batt, (there are a half dozen easily sourced versions that will work fine without looking very hard), a day or so on a Batt Tender or similar, will bring that new batt right up to snuff.

In my experience, the batts on most store shelves are in a nearly vegetative state when one buys it 'new'. A full, slow charge is the deal, on a new batt.
GL, mD

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by motordavid

+1, what upallnight wrote...
I would add that when the OP buys a new batt, (there are a half dozen easily sourced versions that will work fine without looking very hard), a day or so on a Batt Tender or similar, will bring that new batt right up to snuff.

In my experience, the batts on most store shelves are in a nearly vegetative state when one buys it 'new'. A full, slow charge is the deal, on a new batt.
GL, mD

+1. I usually defer the core exchange so I can trickle charge the new battery for at least 24hrs before installing.

OP, I would not recommend going on a 100 mile road trip with the christmas tree lights, extended low voltage operation can cause additional issues, not the least of which is an alternator failure. Had the battery been truly shot your X would have seen a flatbed and additional repairs.

[CT_X5_Joe]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Get yourself a good maintainer/charger. I have one for my boat and jetski and it tells me the charge percentage of the battery. 100% would be a fully charge battery. Just from sitting the battery sometime goes down to 84%.

I also have a boat (26 Regulator) and just got myself a new micro processor battery charger. Got this model from Griot's Garage Microprocessor-Controlled Battery Charger/Maintainer - Battery Care - Car Maintenance - Griot's Garage - LOVE IT!

So yea, for my issue, getting a new battery this weekend and will charger it fully before install.

Appreciate all of the replies guys, thanks!

[TiAgX5]

The micro-processor chargers are the only way to go, I've been using a Schumacher MP charger for almost 20 yrs now, haven't cooked a battery yet. The alternator check function is an added plus with the MP chargers.

[CT_X5_Joe]

Drove the X5 to and from the train station all week. (Approx. 2 miles each way) and on Friday drove to the boat (Approx. 15miles each way). Sat. afternoon my chick was driving and the trans fail safe issue happened again. Lights, codes, etc. She drove home, I went to inspect, and error message/lights were gone.

So I just ordered up an Exide AGM L5/49 on Amazon. $194 w/ ship. It will be here in two days. I will hit it with my micro-proc charger and then install. Lets see what happens.