Battery Failure = One Embarrassed Camper!

[UrbanFlow]

Had a new battery fitted to my 2007 E70 about 2 months ago. Had alternator checked too, which was fine.

Took the kids camping with a whole bunch of friends last weekend.
Lots of opening of doors and the boot, but didn't leave them open.
Left it unlocked a lot as we were sat nearby.
Moved it once the whole weekend - started up and moved it out of the way 20 yards.
We arrived Friday evening after a good hour long drive drive. Come Sunday afternoon, the whole thing was dead.
Clock and date reset and not enough power to turn the engine, but computer screen was on.

Had to tour the camp site asking if anyone had jump leads. Luckily someone did. Some kind guy in a beaten up old Ford Focus. I felt like a right plum.

Is it normal for a the car to lose so much power over two days?

Considering the battery is 2 months old I'm pretty hacked off with the thought of having to carry a jump starter every time I go camping etc.

Any advice appreciated.

[X5Sport]

Yes is the simple answer.  When 'awake' these cars can draw around 60A and it takes very little time to kill the battery.  I managed it in just two hours when updating the nav discs!!

It's ridiculous how quickly the standard battery can die.  The Mini we've just got rid of was exactly the same and the more options fitted, the worse it gets!!

If you have access to mains, carry a battery charger.

Richard

[UrbanFlow]

Thanks for the info. 60A draw on the battery just when it's awake! Jeez. That explains it.

Do you know if I can use my mains car battery charger just connected to the red positive clip and the neg nipple under the bonnet?
The handbook is very vague. 'Battery Charging' in the index just refers me to a page that goes on about procedure for jump starting the car and no ref to charging battery.

Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

[gmc15]

I used to leave mine on trickle charge using the points under the bonnet when it was parked up in my garage for any length of time. No problems.

[X5Sport]

The points under the bonnet are the 'preferred' connection points.  Both my BMWs are done that way.

Richard