High Battery Drain

[X5WannaBe]

For the second time in 2 1/2 months since owning my E70, I have gotten the warning message "high battery drain." When starting the car the check symbol showing the car up on a ramp is displayed and the text "high battery drain" (or something very similar) is visible. The first time this happened over a month ago, I thought it might be related to leaving my iPod plugged into the 6fl connections. But it hasn't happened again till now. But as before, it did not repeat after reentering and restarting the car later. I did unhook the iPod this time.

I guess I don't know for a fact that this is a real problem, but I wouldn't want to be caught with a dead battery at an inopportune time. Anybody have a similar experience or notion of what this is? Thanks, Roger

[Stevev]

I have gotten that same message couple of days ago when starting my X5 like you. I plan to drop my car off on the next service and ask the Service Dept. about this problem.

[Fastbuck]

I've had this problem several times usually after listening to music for a while (CD Changer) with the engine off. It also usually means I need to reset the date/time. Running version 27.1 SW. It's been to dealer a few times but no problem detected. It does make reference to resetting date etc in the manual when the battery runs low.

[X5WannaBe]

Hmm. Maybe the hookup/radio button to the iPod was not turned off when engine was turned off. Instruction book says power to radio remains on for some 15 mins. Wonder if this could be causing the problem?
In any case Stevev, welcome your feedback after dealer gets a look!

[creekwood]

I had the same problem. Turns out the Boomerang (Lojack) system was faulty and needed to be replaced.

[Klawal]

Originally Posted by creekwood

I had the same problem. Turns out the Boomerang (Lojack) system was faulty and needed to be replaced.

Hello,

I have here in France the same problem.

What is exactly the Boomerang (Lojack) ?

[KEF]

Originally Posted by Klawal

What is exactly the Boomerang (Lojack) ?

It is a device in the vehcile that can be activated and tracked after the car is stolen. In some states in the US an insurance credit is given if a vehicle has this device.

Cheers,
KEF

[rvas69]

I had exact same problem with battery warning several days ago. I am sure I left nothing plugged in. Next day the error is gone.

However, yesterday I got an error that one of the tires is underinflated. 200 miles away from home! Start checking with i-drive and it showed that ALL my tires are underinflated.

These must be some glitches. With the tires I just reset the TPM and everything went back to normal.

I am wondering if this is related to some temperature fluctuations, we indeed got some cold air here in Northern Ca but nothing essential. It would be great to know if there is any solution to this, pretty clear that going to dealers wouldn't help unless you show that something is really faulty.

[EJCX5]

I had a similar message when I first got the X5...for me it turned out to be that when I had my car in the garage and it was not locked(secure), my cell/bluetooth function would continue to function and it would be maintaining a connection to the vehicle...bluetooth can go for 30ft...if I locked the vehicle it would shut down all the systems including bluetooth

[Hans_ACS]

Seems like a common problem.. I have had this issue twice now. Dealer just put in my 3rd new battery today, but this will NOT solve the issue. I insisted on finding the root cause, which seems to be impossible judging from all the above posts.

There must be some electrical device(s) that keep on pulling power from the battery, even after the 15 min shutdown period. Otherwise, the battery drain cannot be explained. I have no hot wired connections at all, I never play the radio with car shutoff. I always lock the car when its parked.

Seems to be much harder to find the root cause because of all the electronics in the car. A shame that BMW did not test this all the way to the end...

I also told my dealer that I do not want to have my car back until they have solved this once and for all.

Will keep you guys updated !