BMW Batteries and the faults they can cause
Our mobile mechanics are always on hand across the North West and the North Wales area to ensure you are on the road instead of off it. For a mobile mechanic call us now on 0300 124 6980
This guide was built upon a direct experience that happened to our Chief Operations Manager when driving along. Suddenly the vehicle he was driving, a BMW 5 series cut out. Prior to this, all the vehicle's warning lights came on and the car jammed up. This was a direct cause to a battery issue. The BMW he was driving, was an automatic which meant an immediate stop.
Common BMW Battery Faults and Their Possible Causes
BMW batteries are prone to several faults, ranging from simple ones that don't require any parts changing to more complex problems that need a professional mechanic’s intervention. Learn what fault can be experienced with BMW batteries and how to diagnose it quickly in this guide.
Check the battery connectors on your BMW
In this blog, you will have read about how we came about writing this blog, the direct issue with the BMW at the time was a poor terminal. These can be replaced and we're actually part of a recall by BMW over a number of years. We can replace these for you if they are still causing an issue or you are unsure, we can check what the issue is with our in-depth BMW diagnostics. If your vehicle is over a certain age the warranty and recall period will have expired, that's when it's time to call us although we do actually work for BMW on a mobile basis. Checking the battery connectors is often the best place to start when dealing with BMW battery problems. Check if there is any corrosion on the terminals and if they are connected properly. In some cases, all you need to do is clean the connector and reinstall it correctly to solve the problem. If this doesn’t do the trick, then further investigation is needed. If this has been asked over time, replace this wiring section immediately. If you have a BMW battery fault our mobile bmw auto electricians can fault find and issue, on any BMW in the North West
Charge the Battery
If you have to charge the battery on your BMW, it could be a sign the Alternator has an issue. The alternator on your BMW is vital. If the battery connectors show no signs of damage, then it is time to charge the battery. Ideally, you should use a BMW Battery “smart” charger to ensure that your car gets just the right amount of charge. There are both 12V and 24V batteries equipped in BMW cars depending on the model, so make sure you know what type needs to be charged before connecting it to the charger. Once connected, charging usually takes several hours or even overnight depending on how depleted it was before plugging in.
Look for physically damaged sections
Always inspect the battery for any physical damage such as cracks in the sides or top, which could be a sign of a short-circuit. Check all the terminals to ensure that none are loose and that all mounting posts are solid and secure. Furthermore, make sure that both positive and negative connectors have solid connections with no corrosion build-up. If you find corrosion, then use baking soda diluted in water to clean it off before replacing it with new connectors.
Identify an electrical drain on the system
This is a job for an expert, such as our mobile BMW mechanic. We are ideal for you if you are in the North West or the North Wales area and you own a BMW. An electrical drain, such as a faulty component or switch stuck in the "on" position, can cause battery failure. Testing for an electrical drain is relatively straightforward and is best performed with an ammeter. To begin, switch off all of the accessories and disconnect any aftermarket parts from the system. Then connect the ammeter across the positive and negative terminals of the battery, taking caution to ensure correct polarity. If the reading exceeds 30mA then you have found an electrical drain on your system that needs addressing.
Scan for error codes
Using our BMW diagnostics, we can quickly get to the bottom of any issue. Many modern BMWs are equipped with various onboard diagnostic systems that can be used to detect and resolve common faults. Your BMW's onboard diagnostic system might provide you with a code that will point you in an area where the fault will lie, but without looking into the fault properly its like saying Manchester or Liverpool is in the UK. If a fault is detected in your vehicle’s electrical system that could be the source of your battery drain. Using our BMW diagnostics equipment, we can connect to your BMW and scan the system to retrieve any error codes that may be stored by the computer. If you are having issues with you BMW, we are here to help you. Book a mobile BMW mechanic by clicking the button below.
Your BMW may need a new battery
If it does, we've even got that covered, after all we are the North West and North Wales mobile mechanics who cover the most mobile services possible. This includes mobile battery fitting. If you have been driving your BMW and it suddenly won't start, then it might be time to purchase a new battery. Often, indicators like reduced starting power, electrical problems or indicator lights can tell you that you need a new battery before it completely fails using our mobile BMW battery fitting service in the North West or the North Wales area.
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Cold starts take longer than usual - One of the signs that your battery may be on its last legs is that you may have difficulty starting it. If the car has trouble starting in cold weather, which is common in winter months, then it can be a sign that you need to purchase a new battery. An old battery will not work well and will take longer than normal to start up when temperatures are cooler.
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Electrical accessories malfunction regularly - A sign your battery is almost out of its life span is the regular malfunctioning of electrical accessories such as air conditioning, power windows and door locks. This can be caused due to a failing alternator or battery, which results in not enough power being supplied for the car’s electrical components. If your BMW's electrical systems are malfunctioning regularly, chances are you need to purchase a new battery.
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All lights dim at the same time - An indication that it’s time to upgrade your battery is when all lights in your car suddenly dim at the same time. This usually happens when the electricity generated by the alternator is not sufficient to recharge the battery and power all of the car’s accessories at the same time. If this happens often, or if your headlights flicker when you start your engine, then replacing the old battery with a brand new one can solve these issues.
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A decrease in power output of the vehicle engine - When the power output of your vehicle engine decreases, it could be a sign that your car needs a new battery. If starting your engine takes longer than usual or you hear run-down sounds when you start it, these are sure signs that it’s time to purchase and replace your old battery with a new one. A decrease in the performance and speed of the vehicle is also another indication that you need to get a new battery for your BMW.
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Battery fluid has low levels or is corroded - If the fluid levels in your battery have declined or it has become corroded, this is a sign that it needs to be replaced soon. When you open the casing of your BMW’s battery and take a look inside, you should see clean plates with strong sulfuric acid electrolyte. If not, then it’s time to replace the battery.
Before you do just replace your BMW battery, stop...
Before you spend money on a battery you may not need it. We recommend you let our mobile BMW mechanics fault find this issue. It could very well be another issue such as electrical systems, alternator or even modules.
For all your BMW fault finding needs in the North West and North Wales area, contact us now
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