XSeries-forum

My car (2004 E53 X5 3.0 D Sport) had been struggling to start and Id also been having flat battery issues. Scanner also showed up 3 faulty glow plugs. All six glow plugs were changed on Friday and a new Bosch Silver S5 battery fitted. All do by my local Indy who has never caused me any issues at all. When I picked it up Friday it still seemed sluggish but had to be somewhere so took it and off we went.

Came out Saturday morning and battery was a flat as a pancake. Had it on charge for 24 hours and it started but the cranking was really slow and sluggish - took much longer to start than ever before ! Its almost like I need the old battery and defective glow plugs refitted !!!

I'm going to take it back to them in the morning, but in the meantime any suggestions folks ?

Thanks

Smee

I should also say when it does fire it up runs fine.

Check your starter motor connections are properly tight. A few folks have had starter issues - self included. In my case the starter drew more current than the battery could cope with and was very sluggish, even on a full-charge. It had to be changed.

I would also have a good look at all the battery connections in the boot, in case one is not fully tight or dirty. Given you've done a battery change, it might be one loose wire/terminal. If the conections are not good then the alternator can get false data and the regulator won't allow sufficient current flow for a proper charge rate.

Other than that, I would also do a voltage check when the engine is running to make sure that the alternator is putting a charge out. You should be seeing around 14.4V with a fully charged attery and the engine running.

Which Bosch Silver battery did you get? The one I used on ours was the 830A CCA / 110Ah version. I can't remember the Bosch code number though. I think the Halfords code is the HSB019.

If all the connections are fine then you're going to need to put an Ammeter into the circuit to see what parasitic draws you have when the car is off. This was looked at earlier in the year, but I can't remember the thread or discussion, but will try to find it.

Try this.... viewtopic.php?f=10&t=2328&hilit=Current+meter

Thank you - I got the Bosch Silver S5 100ah I think it s was code 8030

the bizarre thing is that it is much much worse than before

Which leads to me to think connections on battery - next port of call.

Cheers

I've read before about the starters that draw too much power off the battery - how do I know if i have one of those problem starter motors?

Thanks

R

To check the starter you need to measure the current it's drawing when turning the engine over . These are quite common. I would take it back to the guy who did the job and get it checked for starter current draw and a battery drain. Both easy tests with the correct equipment .

A quick update - they checked it over and have declared two issues - starter is drawing too much power and its a lazy starter too 9which would also explain why the sluggish starting has been intermittent.

I shall report back further when new starter fitted.

Smee

That's not an unknown problem. I think when mine was checked it was drawing something over 900A and that is well above the battery's capability so causing a volt drop and that upsets the computers. At least you're getting somewhere.

An interesting term 'a lazy starter motor'. Not heard that one before. I guess you have to make an appointment with it, or it can't be arsed to start the car

Interesting you hadn't heard the terms lazy starter before. i had . And here was me thinkign that you were the fount of all knowledge and me a mere mortal !

I had it a couple of times over the years on much older cars - a 1966 MGB for a start. it seems to be that the starter is 'sticky' so when it is in a certain position it either turns over instantly or is a bit sluggish. A bit like when you used to have to hit them with a hammer and then they start. Its a dead point on the brushed I think - that's you knocking it into the right position - that's when its gone from being lazy to being jammed.

Smee

Nah, we just called em what they are......knackered!!

They're lazy first. Then they're dead !

just picked up the car with new starter fitted. Absolutely perfect - I have had the car for almost two years and it has never started so well - like a new car right now. new glow plugs, starter and Bosch Silver S5 battery - superb!!!

Smee