Xoutpost.com - Parasitic Battery Drain e53

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Xoutpost.com (https://xoutpost.com/forums.php)

- X5 (E53) Forum (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/)

- - Parasitic Battery Drain e53 (https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/106762-parasitic-battery-drain-e53.html)

upallnight

08-11-2017 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itscoo2pyopants (Post 1114387)

My dads 2000 x5 has been having a battery drain also. We changed batteries, alternator, changed the Headunit, disconnected various components / pulled fuses trying to figure out where the draw was coming from. Dealership had it for 2 weeks and charged 700 for diagnosing saying it was the instrument cluster. Replaced that. Still killing the battery. Finally took it to a private guy that does independent diagnosing for dealerships in the area. He had it for a 4 hours and was able to get it fixed:

"Memory wire" on the head unit
Rear defrost
Headlight switch
And rear drivers side tail light

all drawing a current when the vehicle was "asleep". Not sure exactly what he did to fix the issues because his explaination was very technical. But my advice is to find someone that specializes in electrical. Not all dealers / Indies are able to handle these issues without throwing money at it. The last guy charged $400 and it was fixed 100%

Sounds like problem with an unloader relay.

Crowz

08-11-2017 11:54 AM

Well I just removed the tcu from mine. Charging the battery up now for testing.

If it isn't down any tomorrow problem solved hopefully.

If I wasn't going to switch to an aftermarket radio anyway I would permanently fix the tcu issue by rewiring its power feed to an ignition wire in place of live all the time.

Come to think of it I may do that anyway. Kind of sounds like fun and it will be a bit before the new radio gets here anyways.

Well lets see how this test goes first.

HotWheelsRedline

08-11-2017 05:18 PM

Thanks for all the replies. Good to know the e53 doesn't need the battery programmed. This is a more common problem than I realized. I'll report back once my indy figures it out.

Crowz

08-11-2017 08:25 PM

Well with the tcu out of mine I'm sitting at 12.75 volts after 4 hours. I think we have a winner. Of course tomorrow mornings reading will be the real test.

HotWheelsRedline

08-29-2017 05:15 PM

Update: second BMW mechanic cannot find the source of the battery draw. X5 goes to sleep as it should. He's noticed the instrument panel gauges come on randomly -- temp gauge, etc. Has found some computer error codes relating to the instrument cluster, so believes the cluster needs to be replaced. BMW charges $1,600 for the part! So, $2,000 out the door, but with no guarantee it solves the problem. I'm walking away -- and maybe time to sell. It's been over a month, and two mechanics, with no clear solution.

itscoo2pyopants

08-29-2017 09:52 PM

If you decide you want to repair the cluster, I have used this company:

BMW X5 Series (E53) COMPLETE Instrument Cluster Speedometer Repair Service | eBay

They are located in the U.K. For 380 they will repair and no coding needed after. Something to think about..

HotWheelsRedline

08-30-2017 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itscoo2pyopants (Post 1115317)

Thanks. There is also a place near me that repairs clusters for approx that price. I'm also looking into a used cluster for $100 (via my mechanic's trade price), but it would have to be programmed. Am told that's about 100 bucks at the dealership.

After vehicle goes to sleep, my cluster temp gauge has been seen coming on randomly by itself and swept back and forth several times before turning back off. Found faults for CAN communication to instrument cluster in both the engine and transmission computers. So, 90% sure it's the culprit for battery drain.

HotWheelsRedline

08-30-2017 07:06 PM

Another update: two BMW dealerships I called said they won't install/program a used instrument cluster -- one said it's against the law, the other said it wouldn't work anyway, since clusters are tied to the VIN. So, I'm looking into BBA Remanufacturing and itscoo2pyopants eBay recommendation that's in the UK for repairing my cluster.

Crowz

08-30-2017 07:12 PM

Its doable with the right software. I have reprogrammed clusters for people before on e39's so its doable in an e53.

Its been a few years since I did it and I don't remember the exact steps I did but I don't remember it being that hard.

Seems like I cloned the eprom from the old cluster and flashed it to the new one but again its been years.

Overboost

08-30-2017 08:27 PM

1 Attachment(s)

If you have solder skills, you can desolder the M35080 eeprom off the old cluster and solder it on the donor cluster. This will only keep the mileage. I think you still need PA Soft to correct the VIN.

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...luster-Mileage

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