X5 won't start
 

I was low on gas when I got home, but the car was running.

I try to leave this morning, and while the engine turns a bit, it sputters and goes out. The battery and CEL remain lit when this happens but don't come on otherwise.

I put a gallon of gas in jic, and tried again. Same diff. No codes being thrown.

Connected my nearly-charged jumpstarter and the car started for about 2 sec then sputtered and died. Charging it up now.

Any clues what might be the problem?

Hmm...I wonder if there's an issue with your fuel filter...or perhaps some sediments on the bottom of the fuel tank have clogged the fuel pickup (or fuel filter)?

Well, I charged up the jumper, and she started... looks like the battery may have managed to get low somehow. Seems to be running fine, so gassed her up and drove around to make sure to charge the battery. Is a battery swap complicated? I hate to ask that, but it seems few things on the x are simple, ;)

Its under the spare tire, and in my case under the air pump for the SLS system. Not hard to remove but a pain in the butt for sure! Before removing it from the car, run to the local auto parts store and have it tested while its still in the car. Saves you about another nasty 10mins of disassembly if it tests good.

To properly load test a battery, the battery should be removed from the car as the test equipment is probably mounted inside the store. My dad has a battery load tester that is portable, but the battery still needs to be disconnected from the car. I don't think that the store will want to take on the liability that they can be responsible for damages to the electrical system of the car.

I have had numerous batteries tested while in the car at Advanced Auto. I guess call and ask if you want to save yourself some time. Or don't. I don't care. not much difference either way.

Batt DIY...cake in nice weather in your garage or driveway; maybe not so cake in YYZ land in March, dunno. Took me 30 mins the first time, lollygagging...

If you are doing a batt swap, I highly rec'd bringing new batt home and doing a slow, low amp maintenance charge on it overnight or longer. Few new batts in the store, are in top shape, and many have been subject to a high amp 'hot shot' charge before you buy it.

There are a few DIYs on the net, and on this site...here is my version, and just above the first pic is a link to more pics and info.
GL, mD

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...apped-out.html

Keep running low on gas might eventually fry your fuel pump. Something to keep in mind.

Put more fuel in!!!

The car is probably on an incline and there is not enough gas in the tank.

Are they loading testing the battery or just hooking a volt meter to the battery too see how much voltage is in the battery?

A load test is the only way to verify if the battery is good or bad.