[theblackmamba]

So I got the 'low battery' error message on the idrive recently (few days ago) while cleaning out the car. The car wasn't running but just in acc with the radio on.

I didn't think anything of it, so I took it to the dealer for a check-up and they told me that they replaced some cables:

1 61 12 7 616 200 Battery Cable, Negative

IBS:611030

1 12 51 7 615 476 Adapter for IBS: 12999951

My SA said it was normal to have the error message about the battery if:

A) I drive short distances -- which I do; about 10-15 miles each way to work.
B) If the car isn't running but on and playing the radio the ecu's see it as a drain on the battery.

Not sure which one is true but this morning I go to drive the car to work and BAM, low battery light while car is in ACC.

Is this shit normal?

[Joe-]

Originally Posted by thatswhatsh3said

So I got the 'low battery' error message on the idrive recently (few days ago) while cleaning out the car. The car wasn't running but just in acc with the radio on.

I didn't think anything of it, so I took it to the dealer for a check-up and they told me that they replaced some cables:

1 61 12 7 616 200 Battery Cable, Negative

IBS:611030

1 12 51 7 615 476 Adapter for IBS: 12999951

My SA said it was normal to have the error message about the battery if:

A) I drive short distances -- which I do; about 10-15 miles each way to work.
B) If the car isn't running but on and playing the radio the ecu's see it as a drain on the battery.

Not sure which one is true but this morning I go to drive the car to work and BAM, low battery light while car is in ACC.

Is this shit normal?

What's the age of the car sounds like you need a new battery to me. If the car is fairly new I am going to guess alternator.

[timmahh]

I had something similar while installing my sirius; kept the interior lights on for a long time, the message my iDrive displayed was "increased battery discharge". That lasted for two cycles and was fine after..

[TheTal0n]

10-15 miles is a short drive?

My commute to work is 9 miles one way. so 18 total.

Good thing i got a new battery last month i guess haha

[theblackmamba]

Car is a 2009 335i M-sport. NO errors while driving at all.

Still have a year left on 4/50k so I'm sure it'll get taken care of.

[Joe-]

Originally Posted by thatswhatsh3said

Car is a 2009 335i M-sport. NO errors while driving at all.

Still have a year left on 4/50k so I'm sure it'll get taken care of.

I would replace the battery assuming your car is an 08 build date the battery is almost 5 years old.

Kinda of dumb they replaced a wire, I guess anything to milk warrany.

[theblackmamba]

Car is a 08/2009 build...maybe my math is wrong but 10'+11'+12'= 3 year battery?

[melloww22]

Yes it's normal if you code your car without break. Drive 5-10 minutes a day. Aftermarket stereo with capacitor in excess of 12v, listen to stereo while engine is off for 60 minutes plus, have multiple in car outlets powering radar, or any devices that do not power off..

[Joe-]

Originally Posted by thatswhatsh3said

Car is a 08/2009 build...maybe my math is wrong but 10'+11'+12'= 3 year battery?

I was basing on low end of 2008 like a jan 2008 build. 8-9=1 9-10=2 10-11=3 11-12=4 12-13=5

However since its a late 09 build you are right 3 years remember though our batteries generally don't last more than 4 years if you are doing light drives the battery is never fully charging and effectively prematurely dying.

The battery warning will just show up earlier and earlier until the car won't turn over. Do yourself a favor while winter is close by, change the battery.