If a trickle charger helps, perhaps you need a new battery or need the battery cable replaced...

I recall seeing some issues with the "iintelligent battery sensor/cable" on all models that are faulty.

You could check the battery with a volt meter after having it sit overnight to see if it's staying powered up or if it is down and all the systems are going into low battery mode. AFAIK, a low battery doesn't always trigger a low battery message on idrive.

My only next option is the Mercedes GL450 or 550. They seem to be more reliable, couple friends have the GL550 and none of these type of issues have shown up. Plus the 3rd row is useable.

Most of the X5 options are standard on the GL550......temping, but again we will see.

My vehicle is a 4.8 too.....the dealership told me that all the factory options* on the car causes a heavy electrical draw and hence the need for the occasional trickle charge (and yes my battery and "intelligent" sensor have been replaced. Every time I take it in they put it on an electrical discharge meter for days to determine what is causing the excessive draw. As one might imagine in this situation it is a moving target.

What frustrates me the most is that BMW has put me in this ethical dilemma. I can trade the car to a dealership and get screwed on value or I can sell the car privately (with the warranties) and make thousands more but are dumping a problem car on a poor soul (not good karma). It just isn't right!


*options: cold weather, technology, rear climate, 3rd row seating, sport, heads up display, premium sound, comfort seats, comfort access, tighter steering ratio

I am willing to take a hit for piece of mind...if it comes to that.

I have a 05' S55 AMG and I tell you i have only issues like tension pulley and alternator, thats it.

but if you trade it in to BMW you would be passing the karma back on them as they sold it to you. :D

Have you ever tried another dlr? You mentioned the one you go to is close by/ convenient, but in ATL area there are several; why not try another one that may have a fresh pair of eyes/ideas. If that doesn't solve it, I would toss it like an old rock.
GL, mD

have you tried installing a new battery?

Yep... and they made me pay for half the cost if I wanted it done!

Are you able to lemon the car? seems like there's something else going on besides just a battery issue.

you guys are all freaking me out :tantrum:...
I had an 08 X5 3.0 and never had a mechanical or electrical problem other than a dvd unit that gave me read errors and was replaced immediately after delivery...

i have traded that in for an Acura MDX because i wanted more HP and they have a really nice advanced interior/tech pkg..

the MDX also gave me some NAV problems eventhough it was hard drive based. froze a few times and even lost track of where i was headed.

these jap vehicles do not compares to the bimmer when it comes to performance and handling... i wish i had gotten the V8 from the get go..

now i'm back to BMW and looking at a 2012 50i but you guys are scaring me into keeping my Acura.. wft is up with all these issues? :dunno: