XSeries-forum

Just returned from almost 3 months away from the UK and both the X5 and the Z4 have completely flat batteries  >:(

Tried to jump start the X from a neighbours Freelander and the 2, combined with relatively thin jumpleads, proved that there is little compatibility. The starter motor just clicked. At least it gave me enough power to open the tailgate and central locking.

A call to Ashford EuroCarParts at 16.00 was met with superb helpfullness and customer service. Bought 2 BOSCH Silvers with 20% discount and delivery promised for just after 5. Old batteries out and the ECP van arrived with my new batteries. Fitted and both cars fired up and running fine. Re-set the windows and all back to normal. A big thanks to the guys at ECP Ashford who got me the batteries so quickly and way beyond their normal terms.

The X's battery was original BMW so 7 years old. Probably to be expected that it was past it's useful life. The Z's battery was some cheapo aftermaket crap so I guess it's 2nd battery in 10 years. Much more comfortable knowing they are now running with new BOSCH Silvers with 4 year warranty. I'm sure these 2 will be fine after our next long term trip.

You need to put the cars onto CTEK battery conditioners which you can just leave plugged in - assuming you are happy to do so - and it runs a regular cycle that keeps the batteries topped up and good to go.  That or completely disconnect the batteries from the car.  If the air is damp however you will get discharging anyway.

These X5's need a fair bit of grunt to spin over and I'm not surprised a Freelander struggled, and heavy jump leads do help.  My cheapo Halfords aluminium set got too hot so I bought a decent set from Tooled-Up (I think).

Richard

I don't think I have ever had a battery last 3 months without any use, connected up to a car, before, even if in good condition. +1 for the CTEK chargers, except I can't leave mine connected to the car as no elec nearby. They can also resurrect batteries from the dead, even when normal chargers say they are blottoed! 

My old 2004 X5 used to get left regularly for up to 3 months and never any problems with the battery. I do believe that the 2 originals were ready for the knackers yard anyway so I'm not too upset at having to change them and with the ECP 20% both were replaced for £171. At least now I know both are good.

Incidentally I bought a c-tek which was delivered the day we left so no time to fit it. Not sure which 1 to put it on now. Probably the Z as that's the garage queen toy so will sit for more prolonged periods. The X gets a lot more use and some decent runs.