Low Voltage Faults Due to Short In-City Trips?

[deutsch100]

I was so officially over the E70 with my 2011 35d. I gave the E70 THREE tries, since I still think it is one of the best looking cars on the road. ALL three of my E70s, were nothing but problems. Sure, they handled great and the brakes were awesome (like all BMWs), but I 100% agree with Ard...the E70 cannot be treated like almost every other make and model. Many E70s cannot even be parked a few days, without the battery either dying or being low. The E70 is an electrical nightmare!!

[amc1957]

Its starting to sound like they made some sort of change in the later E53's and its carried thru to the E70's - Ive been updating another post on the E53 forum of what I am going thru.
Having to install a voltmeter or plugging in a charger every night is unacceptable just to have some confidence that the dam thing isnt going to die on you, pretty scary when the die in traffic - thank god BMW aren't in the aerospace industry!!! or are they???

[checkm8]

Yes I got 3300
http://www.amazon.com/CTEK-Multi-Sma.../dp/B000FQBWCY

It's pretty easy to use. You can attach and remove as you please. It usually charges completely in 12-24 hours. I prefer terminals under the hood rather than a small wire to cigarette lighter. I am always worried my wife will derive off with wire attached. Oops!

[checkm8]

Originally Posted by viva la Reagan

checkm8, which cTEK did you get? the 3300? thoughts so far?

<Sorry for the previous post without reference.>

Yes I got 3300
http://www.amazon.com/CTEK-Multi-Sma.../dp/B000FQBWCY

It's pretty easy to use. You can attach and remove as you please. I usually charges completely in 12-24 hours. I prefer terminals under the hood rather than a small wire to cigarette lighter. I am always worried my wife will derive off with wire attached. Oops!

[viva la Reagan]

Originally Posted by checkm8

<Sorry for the previous post without reference.>

Yes I got 3300
Amazon.com: CTEK Multi US 3300 12V Smart Battery Charger: Automotive

It's pretty easy to use. You can attach and remove as you please. I usually charges completely in 12-24 hours. I prefer terminals under the hood rather than a small wire to cigarette lighter. I am always worried my wife will derive off with wire attached. Oops!

no worries, i figured you were replying to me. thx for the feedback; i'm ordering one now.

[Roly]

My 2007 3.0si is at the dealer now, even though with only 43k miles on it, I began to have issues with the passenger side seat belt sensor going off with a bag with a bagel in it. I did begin to notice the cluster lights being dim all the time. After a week they came back and said that the negative battery cable was defective and would be replacing it and the battery. I should have it back by tomorrow,... lets hope they got it right the first time.

[AaronSD]

Originally Posted by checkm8

I prefer terminals under the hood rather than a small wire to cigarette lighter. I am always worried my wife will derive off with wire attached. Oops!

Rather than fight the fight, I decided to break down and just "trickle charge" this damn car. I ordered the 3300, but couldn't find the answer, does the X5 turn off the cigarette lighter after 20 minutes like other cars? I would love to use this adapter rather than pop the hood every weekend.

[snowsurfer]

Just got the AGM battery and the battery cables cleaned, seems to be fine, we'll see if it lasts for the long haul. I'm actually scared to leave it at the airport and come back to a dead car.

[AzNMpower32]

My dad is paranoid now and just plugs his X5 into the trickle charger once every week or so.

[ozam]

wow....I hated to see this post. I just happened to create my own post today on what to do with my 2007 4.8 while I still have 11 months of warranty left.

My vehicle has been cursed with electrical issues since day one. You will hear every excuse in the world from the dealership, my favorite of which is that your driving profile, i.e. short trips, isn't sufficient to properly charge the car! wtf????? As if driving 12,000 miles per year isn't enough. And the though of having to constantly trickle charge the car is laughable...who knew the X5 was the forerunner to the Chevy Volt.

The bottom line is that BMW either knows what is wrong and will not admit it or has not a clue. One thing is for sure...If I buy another BMW it is shame on me!

If you check all my posts you will see a litany of detailed comments related to electrical problems