Ron K 7 Report post Posted November 2, 2015 Hi guys, did a quick search, nothing came up. So my e46 likes to drain out in 3-4 days of no usage which could be just the battery being old (will check later). If I drive it more regularly and not leave it sitting for more than 3 days I have no issues with the battery. i.e. it does charge and all. But before I go and buy a new battery, is there a recommended electrician that could see if there's any drainage/short/whatever else? Ideally in North Shore or CBD. Also any recommended retailers for batteries, if there is one other than the usual repco/bnt types? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gaz 1061 Report post Posted November 3, 2015 How old is the battery? If you can, get the battery tested and see if it is ok. It may need a full charge on a charger or it is poked and needs a replacement. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted November 3, 2015 Ring me Ron (09) 2722546 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron K 7 Report post Posted November 3, 2015 Will ring tomorrow if I can Checked the manufacture date.. and it was the same as the car So I might actually look around for a replacement. Any recommendations? Also, I tried to look for those caps to check the fluid level and it seems it's not designed to be accessible, as in the cover over the caps doesn't come off. Can someone confirm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haitoman 110 Report post Posted November 3, 2015 Probably the battery...but if you have installed anything that gets power from the rear lighting circuits (LEDS or reversing camera) it is easy to provide an unwanted return path that drains the battery very quickly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Neal 544 Report post Posted November 3, 2015 Ron At the top end for batteries look the BMW AGM factory batteries are the way to go if you are keeping the car for a long time. They were original used with the e38s due to their high drain electrical systems. The AGMs are better at holding a charge and will recover better from a near full discharge than most other types if your car sits around a bit. Down side is they are closer to $500 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m325i 709 Report post Posted November 3, 2015 The CSL used a smaller, lighter battery (480CCA?) so you could save a couple of bucks and grams with that. My M3's battery also last about 10 years. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M5V8 337 Report post Posted November 3, 2015 (edited) On a similar note, is anything left plugged into the cigarette lighter? I've noticed that my radar detector doesn't turn off when the car goes to sleep. Edited November 3, 2015 by DarrenG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hybrid 1043 Report post Posted November 4, 2015 A simple load test will give you all the answers about the battery's health. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
