2007 X5 3.0 -- Strange Problem

[Toledo Blue]

Originally Posted by ard

Just replace it. Don't screw around with spending one hour of "diagnostic time' for them to say "Probably could use a new battery".

HOWEVER, that SIB is very interesting. You DO know that even with an SIB, if your car is out of warranty YOU pay for all the work, right?

A

Do you really think that all the problems that I am running into could possibly be caused by a weak battery? I am not trying to be annoying... Its just that I never heard of something like that... But if this is the case, this would make my life much easier and cheaper...

Do you know of anyone else who experienced issues like this because of a weak battery?

[Penguin]

Here, this might save you some money if you give this to the mechanic:


SI B 61 15 09
General Electrical Systems April 2010
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 15 09 dated October 2009. designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Various Electrical Problems

MODEL
E70 (X5)

SITUATION
Various electrical problems are possible on the vehicle:

• Warning lamps illuminated in the instrument cluster
• Check control messages
• Systems inoperative
• Fuse blown
• Wipers in default mode (permanently on)
• Fault codes FFFF and F-CAN faults in ARS and DSC

CAUSE
Short circuit of the wiring harness to sharp sheet metal immediately behind the glove compartment (see attachment)

CORRECTION
Remove the glove compartment and identify the wiring short. Refer to the attachment for the possible locations of the short. Close inspection may be required in order to locate a small cut in the wiring insulation.Repair the wiring as required (normally, it is sufficient to reinsulate the wire using electrical tape). If a more substantial wire repair is necessary, refer to SI B61 01 07.Apply protection to the metal edge to prevent any further harness damage.Reinstall the glove compartment.Please submit an "Info only" PuMA case giving details of the case: circuits affected, faults stored, fuses blown, etc. We will update this bulletin with the information you provide in order to help diagnose this problem in the future.

PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number
Description
Quantity
61 13 6 908 716
Felt tape**

Locally sourced
Electrical tape**

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.Defect Code:
61 11 19 79 00




Labor Operation:
Labor Allowance:
Description:
00 00 007*
Refer to KSD
Performing vehicle test with diagnosis system
51 16 860
Refer to KSD
Removing and installing glove compartment
61 99 000
WT
Repair wire, apply edge protection to metal edge
Sublet Code 4**
$1.00
** Reimbursement of up to the amount listed may be charged to sublet code 4 for the Felt Tape (P/N 61 13 6 908 716) and electrical tape required to perform this repair. Claiming this part number outside of sublet code 4 will result in a delayed or denied claim payment.
*Main Work - use this labor operation number when this is the only repair being performed, or if this is the main repair when performed along with other repairs at the same time. If this is not the main repair, refer to KSD for the associated (+) labor operation code.

[ZheHbKa]

Originally Posted by Toledo Blue

ZheHbKa -- Thanks, this is actually where I was planning to go. I found them on google and from the information on the site, they look like a good professional place. Do you know if I should ask for anyone specific?

Penguin -- Thanks for the reply... You don't think that this could be due to a faulty "Outside Ambient Air Temperature Sensor"? The reason why I'm asking is that it only happens right after the temperature drops to below zero...

There is only one BMW electronics specialist, not sure of his name but he is the only one that does it. (Nikki i think, not too sure though)

[ard]

Originally Posted by Toledo Blue

Do you really think that all the problems that I am running into could possibly be caused by a weak battery? I am not trying to be annoying... Its just that I never heard of something like that... But if this is the case, this would make my life much easier and cheaper...

Do you know of anyone else who experienced issues like this because of a weak battery?

No, given the data, I would look at the SIB Penguin posted.


But you will spend $140 to $420 for this to be checked out, since you are not a DIYer, right?

And you have a 2007 with a battery that is probably at least 4 years old...how long do YOU think that battery will last? 5 years? It WILL need to be replaced soon, so by dropping a new battery in you eliminate one POTENTIAL issue, and won't spend an extra hour for the dealer to tell you "your battery was also failing as well as a short, and we spent an hour diagnosing the battery and another hour to replace it, so $600 for a new BMW battery".

Knock yourself out-

A

[Toledo Blue]

Originally Posted by ard

No, given the data, I would look at the SIB Penguin posted.


But you will spend $140 to $420 for this to be checked out, since you are not a DIYer, right?

And you have a 2007 with a battery that is probably at least 4 years old...how long do YOU think that battery will last? 5 years? It WILL need to be replaced soon, so by dropping a new battery in you eliminate one POTENTIAL issue, and won't spend an extra hour for the dealer to tell you "your battery was also failing as well as a short, and we spent an hour diagnosing the battery and another hour to replace it, so $600 for a new BMW battery".

Knock yourself out-

A

I am not going to take this car to a BMW dealer... They are way to expensive! I made an appointment at a local Diagnostic Center that specializes in Beemers... I will also show them the SIB that Penguin posted....

But I am also going to see if the batter is old and definitely change it first thing...

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by ard

...And you have a 2007 with a battery that is probably at least 4 years old...how long do YOU think that battery will last? 5 years? It WILL need to be replaced soon, so by dropping a new battery in you eliminate one POTENTIAL issue, and won't spend an extra hour for the dealer to tell you "your battery was also failing as well as a short, and we spent an hour diagnosing the battery and another hour to replace it, so $600 for a new BMW battery".A

The battery might not be the problem, but at that age it makes sense to simply replace it to eliminate it as a cause. There are some tests you can do with a voltmeter to test the battery condition, but if you're not a DIYer, then at that age replacing it is a good idea, if only as a preventative measure.

[Lowell_B]

i have the same year truck. I'm gonna have to keep this in mind just in case this does happen to my X5 too and also GOODLUCK! I hope you get your car fixed asap.