Car due "vehicle check" in the next few weeks.

[X5pete]

I have googled "vehicle check" but is it absolutely necessary to have one as I understand that nothing actually is changed, it's just a visual inspection.  I do have the 5 year service pack, so it may well be covered in that.

I have a question regarding the battery, when I am sat in the car with the engine off, but ignition on, I keep getting a warning message that says "battery charge low". A little strange, and the manual isn't much use, is this an indicator that I may have battery/alternator issues? Car is fine starting in all conditions. The car is v low miles, 19600 and it's a May 2010 X5, so possible lots of short journeys ??

It's a 2010 E70 35d M sport.

[X5Sport]

Might be the MOT or an annual check.  That brings up a warning and should give a date/distance.  Mine is done every time the wheels are changed and was not part of the service pack.

As to the second issue, these cars draw up to 60A in 'radio ready' mode (key in/ignition on but engine off) and the battery will die very quickly as it is usually a 100Ah or 110Ah rating.  The number of computers that are booted up in this mode results in a heavy current draw.  You need to keep the ignition off to save power.

Richard

[X5pete]

Thanks Richard, really useful.

[squeaky2]

If i remember rightly "vehicle check" is just the month and year......if this is the case its the MOT reminder that you can change yourself

[Finglonga]

Yep, it is the MOT, just had mine done and changed the date ready for next year.

[V12 EGO]

Regarding the battery. Go on a long run or get it charged as soon as you can. I used to get this on mine a lot becuase the car did lots of short runs and stood for days without use. Eventually, the battery gave out and we had to use a car and a boost pack to get it started!!

I left mine on constant trickle charge after that and never had any trouble.