Original Battery: How long do they last?
 

I am having the funky DSC/ABS lights on every now and then, they go off as soon as I restart the vehicle. I have read that sometimes is because the battery is going down. I have not had any electrical power issues, but I was wondering if they may come soon, so the question would be, how long is an original battery suposed to last? I have a 2002 X5 3.0. Any info appreciated.

It may not be the battery! It could also be the DSC/Traction control wheel sensors also known as the pulse generator. It was a very common problem on the e39, the wheel sensors would get a knock if say for example, you hit a pot hole, or kerb etc etc, anyway they would go faulty and need replaced. The sensors would cause the DSC light and ABS light to stay on, but on ocassion when you turn the car off, leave it for a 5mins or so and start again it would clear! But I always found that the 2 lights would come on again after driving a while.

i have an 02 3.0i too, and it's been five years strong...although i can't leave it parked for more than four days without having to jump start it

Sometimes it just depends on the individual battery. I had no issues with the battery on my '03, and I had that from '03 to early '07. On the other hand, the battery was dead on my 2004 Saab after about 2 years.

wow, you may have a bad battery, i have on 02 3.0 too and i only drive it once a week with no problems with the battery

i have a 2002 3.0 as well. Battery died last year. Wouldn't hold a charge anymore. Replaced it with a larger battery for the 4.4 since it was only a little more expensive. Gives a bit more reserve power just in case.
Batteries usually last 4 or 5 years. sometimes they last 7 but why risk getting stranded? 5 years old is time to change.

UncleBob: Did you get any signs that made you change it? or it just died suddenly?