[bmshez]

Hi all, had a quick query for you guys. I've done a bit of searching on this topic but couldn't resist making my own thread on this.

Over the last few weeks I've been randomly getting the "Increased battery discharge" error code with the time and odometer being reset when I start up the car. I notice this tends to happen whenever the previous trip was a short one, which to me indicates something to do with the battery charging up fully while I'm driving.

I assumed it was just a case of the battery being on its last legs and so called RACV to come take a look and possibly swap it out (still the original battery from 2008). However, the technician ran a diagnostic and told me the battery seems to be in good health and so we didn't swap out the battery.

Question is, is this just simply a case of the battery being old and needing to be swapped out or could there be some other issue as the battery is apparently in good health?

Also, given batteries for BMWs need to be coded/registered, is this something that RACV can do or do I need to take it to a BMW specialist?
I mentioned the coding/registering thing to the tech and he said he just has to call in to head office or something to get the right instructions as there have been some changes lately etc. etc.

I've always suspected the battery was on its way out as the start up on ignition isn't particularly strong so I know I should get it swapped out but just wanted to get people's thoughts in case I should be ready to get it checked out by a specialist for some other issues.

Thanks in advance!

[netgun]

Is this a daily and/or are most of your trips short ones?

[R3N]

I would put it on a trickle charger and let it restore the battery's charge. As far as i know, RAC can't do the coding. Either BMW, or a workshop with the software. Even yourself with a coding cable. Again, my understanding is that the registering of the new battery just changes the charging pattern, doesn't mean the battery won't work but you should get it done eventually.

[bmshez]

Hey guys..so I use to drive round 500km a week and then it dropped down significantly over the last few weeks...could this be a factor?

Cheers about the trickle charger, I'll have a look into it. It's just I want to have proper confirmation that I need to replace the battery before forking out the dough and going non aftermarket.

So I have to take it to a BMW specialist of sorts eh? How quickly would I need to get it coded after getting the battery replaced by RACV or something?

Some other factors: running a BMS Powerbox, and a little Bluetooth receiver for music which switches on on ignition.

Thanks all, much appreciated.

[netgun]

Originally Posted by bmshez

Hey guys..so I use to drive round 500km a week and then it dropped down significantly over the last few weeks...could this be a factor?

Cheers about the trickle charger, I'll have a look into it. It's just I want to have proper confirmation that I need to replace the battery before forking out the dough and going non aftermarket.

So I have to take it to a BMW specialist of sorts eh? How quickly would I need to get it coded after getting the battery replaced by RACV or something?

Some other factors: running a BMS Powerbox, and a little Bluetooth receiver for music which switches on on ignition.

Thanks all, much appreciated.

Reason I asked was I drive my car maybe once or twice a week on weekends and not always and often only short distances and because of this I need to use a charger to keep my battery healthy because it doesn't get much chance to recharge the battery.

I happen to have a virtually new CTEK 5Amp charger if you're interested. You can use it to keep your battery healthy and you can also do a refresher/rejuvination cycle on your battery once or twice a year. Reason it's spare is I bought a much larger model recently to suit some other needs I now have. It's in the original box as new. PM if you're interested. I'm also in Melbourne.

[bmshez]

Originally Posted by netgun

Reason I asked was I drive my car maybe once or twice a week on weekends and not always and often only short distances and because of this I need to use a charger to keep my battery healthy because it doesn't get much chance to recharge the battery.

I happen to have a virtually new CTEK 5Amp charger if you're interested. You can use it to keep your battery healthy and you can also do a refresher/rejuvination cycle on your battery once or twice a year. Reason it's spare is I bought a much larger model recently to suit some other needs I now have. It's in the original box as new. PM if you're interested. I'm also in Melbourne.

Thanks netgun. I'm going back to driving 500km per week so I'll see how it goes with the charging over the next few weeks.

My question is though, how do I conclusively know it is time to change the battery (other than if it completely dies!)? Cheers.

[netgun]

Originally Posted by bmshez

Thanks netgun. I'm going back to driving 500km per week so I'll see how it goes with the charging over the next few weeks.

My question is though, how do I conclusively know it is time to change the battery (other than if it completely dies!)? Cheers.

Well I am no expert but my past experience with this is when the car begins to feel/sound like it's struggling to start each time you drive it.

[bmshez]

Can anyone recommend a battery for a 08 325i E92? Thanks!

[drjekl]

Bosch S5

[Testercles]

Are there any detrimental effects of having a non factory battery registered to the car vs OE?
My car's doing the exact same thing. The Bluetooth will sometimes drop in and out after turning the car off, the angel eyes don't light up on unlock and after turning the car off pulling the indicator stalk for the headlights to come on for 30 seconds does absolutely nothing, the comfort access sporadically doesn't work and the odo and clock reset.
The Bosch catalogue recommends for an e90 335i the S5 574.035 with 680 CCA, 120 Reserve and 74Ah. The current battery installed is a BMW white battery that has 570CCA, 70Ah. Could this be the problem, or is the battery just likely to be old?
I'd love to get an S5 in and registered and have all that sorted.
Only problem being that searching through the forums everyone seems to have much higher Ah and CCA than the Bosch catalogue recommends. Is that due to extra requirements of Comfort Access, Rest Heat etc that I have equipped?

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by Testercles

Are there any detrimental effects of having a non factory battery registered to the car vs OE?
My car's doing the exact same thing. The Bluetooth will sometimes drop in and out after turning the car off, the angel eyes don't light up on unlock and after turning the car off pulling the indicator stalk for the headlights to come on for 30 seconds does absolutely nothing, the comfort access sporadically doesn't work and the odo and clock reset.
The Bosch catalogue recommends for an e90 335i the S5 574.035 with 680 CCA, 120 Reserve and 74Ah. The current battery installed is a BMW white battery that has 570CCA, 70Ah. Could this be the problem, or is the battery just likely to be old?
I'd love to get an S5 in and registered and have all that sorted.
Only problem being that searching through the forums everyone seems to have much higher Ah and CCA than the Bosch catalogue recommends. Is that due to extra requirements of Comfort Access, Rest Heat etc that I have equipped?

Definately don't pay the extra for a bmw battery...

I had my bosch battery in for about 18 months before i finally got around to getting it registered (so i doubt your car will blow up if you dont do it asap) but the battery has to have a 'custom' battery register via say autologic for the new battery parameters (as its different to the oem item)

[JinAM]

Different battery will be fitted to different equipment level on the car.
We recommend Varta battery, made in Germany, and is fitted from factory in a few european cars like lamborghini etc.

[chappy]

The E92 335i battery should be 90ah now, mine was replace a few years ago under warranty for running low as it was 70ah and can't handle the electronics.

[Testercles]

So a dealer or indy should be able to get it registered? I'll check out some options through the battery supplier we have through work.
The Bosch battery should have enough power to run everything once connected though, yeah?