[SSW]

So, I've only owned my 335i since Dec and after I finished upgrading and fixing it up last month, I haven't been driving it much.

Started it up last week for a short drive and the "date" in the iDrive system disappeared and had to re-enter it. Started it up again today and this time not only did the date disappear but I also got a check control code warning (the small triangle w/the ! in the middle) and the BC symbol w/the "car up on the lift" which directs you to do a "vehicle check" BUT I didn't get the trouble code # (if there was one) before the check control triangle and vehicle check symbol went away.

Just wondering: Is it common to lose the date and get control codes if you don't drive your 335i much?

[e92_enthusiast_1]

Sounds like low battery. Just drive it around a bit so it can recharge. Might be close to replacement time. Read these batteries last like 5/6 years.

[SSW]

Originally Posted by e92_enthusiast_1

Sounds like low battery. Just drive it around a bit so it can recharge. Might be close to replacement time. Read these batteries last like 5/6 years.

Thanks for the response.

Thought it might be the battery but, after all the $ I've thrown at this car, I certainly don't want to have to buy a new battery too (especially if I've got to bring the car into a shop to get the system re-coded to "register" the new battery).

So, I'm just going to hook up a Battery Tender to see if this solves the problem.

[e92_enthusiast_1]

Yeah my dealer wanted an exorbitant amount just to replace it. Something like $500. I was like pfft no way. I did end up buying a cable and software to do it myself. I didn't have a laptop but I found a tiny older one on ebay for $75 so its solely used for car diagnosis now.

Originally Posted by SSW

Thanks for the response.

Thought it might be the battery but, after all the $ I've thrown at this car, I certainly don't want to have to buy a new battery too (especially if I've got to bring the car into a shop to get the system re-coded to "register" the new battery).

So, I'm just going to hook up a Battery Tender to see if this solves the problem.

[SSW]

Just attached one of these motorcycle type connectors from one of my Battery Tenders (I've got 4 of them) to the battery posts in my E90.



This makes it possible to charge the battery w/o having to remove the battery cover and connect clips to the posts every time I want/need to hook up the Battery Tender.

[boris]

Sounds like the symptoms I had when my battery was on it's way out.

If you still have the OEM battery, you can see that its got a little clear plastic hole in the top of it. Theres a color chart right next to it.

Those things weigh a ton though.

[SSW]

Originally Posted by boris

If you still have the OEM battery, you can see that its got a little clear plastic hole in the top of it. Theres a color chart right next to it.

Don't know what it looked like before but, after being on the Battery Tender overnight, the color in the ring is green -- dark green and hard to see, but green nonetheless.

[AWDBooSTIn90]

Is it common to replace with oem? I seen regular batteries at sears that were listed to fit.

Do you use inpa to register the new battery?

[e92_enthusiast_1]

Regular batteries are fine (just make sure if you need AGM you get AGM) and yes register it. INPA works there are others too.

Originally Posted by AWDBooSTIn90

Is it common to replace with oem? I seen regular batteries at sears that were listed to fit.

Do you use inpa to register the new battery?

[tm6030]

Same thing happened to me when I parked my car for the winter. Happened twice after the day I took it off parking. Go on a 45 mintue cruise and it will be fixed. Didnt happen again after the cruise.

[SSW]

After being on the Battery Tender for a couple of days, the color indicator on the battery in my E90 changed to BRIGHT green -- much easier to see. So, the battery must have been in a very low state of charge before, because the color was previously a very dark green -- much closer to black, which would indicate low/no charge.

Going to keep the E90 on the Battery Tender 24/7 from now on to avoid further problems until the battery actually goes belly up. That makes 4 vehicles that I have on Battery Tenders 24/7. The F250, MR2, Concours and the Beemer. Just too many vehicles and not enough time to drive them all.

The only vehicle that's not on a Battery Tender is my FJ. It's my daily driver for errands around town and trips into the City (SF) . It's the only vehicle that I park on the street BUT I have a side yard that I can park it in, where I can hook up a Battery Tender to it if need be.

[e92_enthusiast_1]

Nice nice. Thx for following up.

Originally Posted by SSW

After being on the Battery Tender for a couple of days, the color indicator on the battery in my E90 changed to BRIGHT green -- much easier to see. So, the battery must have been in a very low state of charge before, because the color was previously a very dark green -- much closer to black, which would indicate low/no charge.

Going to keep the E90 on the Battery Tender 24/7 from now on to avoid further problems until the battery actually goes belly up. That makes 4 vehicles that I have on Battery Tenders 24/7. The F250, MR2, Concours and the Beemer. Just too many vehicles and not enough time to drive them all.

The only vehicle that's not on a Battery Tender is my FJ. It's my daily driver for errands around town and trips into the City (SF) . It's the only vehicle that I park on the street BUT I have a side yard that I can park it in, where I can hook up a Battery Tender to it if need be.

[bobkat09]

Originally Posted by e92_enthusiast_1

Yeah my dealer wanted an exorbitant amount just to replace it. Something like $500. I was like pfft no way. I did end up buying a cable and software to do it myself. I didn't have a laptop but I found a tiny older one on ebay for $75 so its solely used for car diagnosis now.

What kind of cable did you buy ? and where did you buy it from? I'm having trouble finding quality cable that works on my 09.

[e92_enthusiast_1]

It was off of eBay. I don't remember exactly. I can search my order history if you want. It even came with a DVD with INPA. I think I just searched for BMW INPA on eBay and tons of stuff comes up.

Originally Posted by bobkat09

What kind of cable did you buy ? and where did you buy it from? I'm having trouble finding quality cable that works on my 09.

[bobkat09]

Originally Posted by e92_enthusiast_1

It was off of eBay. I don't remember exactly. I can search my order history if you want. It even came with a DVD with INPA. I think I just searched for BMW INPA on eBay and tons of stuff comes up.

Thanks man...I'll check it out.