[Radar314]

My 2019 X3 M40i battery is 38 months old. The other day I got a weird speedometer and tachometer offset where there were two side by side images that were blinking. After driving for 35 miles, I measured the battery voltage at 12.25 vdc, about 40% charged. I put a trickle charger on overnite and the voltage came up to 12.8 vdc. Display works OK now. About a week ago I got a message that indicated a drivetrain issue. That went away when I restarted the car. Took another 25 mile drive and the voltage was then at 12.5 vdc. Only 7000 miles on the clock. Anyone have any history on longevity of these agm batteries? My neighbor’s X5 battery died at 36 months, so I have a real concern. Low battery voltage on my other cars seems to cause odd gremlins to show up and then go away.

[HighlandPete]

Could be influenced by your driving profile. 7,000 miles... you are indicating little use. Energy management doesn't charge in a conventional way, requires more miles than we may first think, to keep up with energy demands, with little regular use.

As to how old before issues? How long is a piece of string? My AGM battery was was showing its age at 10-years old.

[CINCYFAN]

Originally Posted by Radar314

My 2019 X3 M40i battery is 38 months old. The other day I got a weird speedometer and tachometer offset where there were two side by side images that were blinking. After driving for 35 miles, I measured the battery voltage at 12.25 vdc, about 40% charged. I put a trickle charger on overnite and the voltage came up to 12.8 vdc. Display works OK now. About a week ago I got a message that indicated a drivetrain issue. That went away when I restarted the car. Took another 25 mile drive and the voltage was then at 12.5 vdc. Only 7000 miles on the clock. Anyone have any history on longevity of these agm batteries? My neighbor’s X5 battery died at 36 months, so I have a real concern. Low battery voltage on my other cars seems to cause odd gremlins to show up and then go away.

The offset gauge cluster issue is a known glitch, I've had it occur in my wife's 2019 X3 a couple of times and I believe it's been addressed as part of various software updates. That said, I don't recall folks on the forum tying to potential battery issues...that's an interesting angle and probably worth a conversation w/ your SA before you hit the 4/50k warranty expiration.

Good luck!

[Radar314]

Several of my neighbors have bmw ,benz or trucks. All have been having battery issues starting shortly after covid. None of us do a daily commute, so we do not put on a lot of miles. Most trips are 5 miles out and 5 miles back. I do plan to discuss this with the SA before the four years are up.

[zukmeister]

battery is a wear and tear item, like brakes. Some last longer some not so much. Depends how you drive your car a lot too. Replace and move on with your life.

[lefizzet]

If I've learned anything, all my cars the sit the most end up having the most problems. Go out and drive LOL

[Lady Jane]

Because of travel restrictions, I don't get to drive a lot. My battery is always on the CTEK if I know that the car is going to sit for awhile or if I make many short runs. Pics in my photo album.

[Radar314]

Does anyone know if it is OK to use a battery load tester at the under the hood battery jump location? Seems like if you can jump the car from there you should be able to load test from there also.
Seems like it is time to get another Ctek charger for the BMW. Always keep one connected to the C7.

[zukmeister]

Originally Posted by Radar314

Does anyone know if it is OK to use a battery load tester at the under the hood battery jump location? Seems like if you can jump the car from there you should be able to load test from there also.
Seems like it is time to get another Ctek charger for the BMW. Always keep one connected to the C7.

yes, you shouldn't ever be messing around with the battery in the back unless it's to change it

[barcelona]

Longevity.
For me current cars 4 and 5 yrs no issues. Use trickle charger as low mileage.
BMW Canada covers new batteries for two years. So is the life say less than 3 years.
SA said warranty will not cover low miles/km.

[Want the thrill]

My 2011 X3 battery lasted me 10 years. When I wasn’t driving the vehicle as much, I would throw it on a trickle charger because I would get the battery discharge warning and certain accessories would be turned off until it was fully charged. I’ll do the same with my new X4.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by Radar314

My 2019 X3 M40i battery is 38 months old. The other day I got a weird speedometer and tachometer offset where there were two side by side images that were blinking. After driving for 35 miles, I measured the battery voltage at 12.25 vdc, about 40% charged. I put a trickle charger on overnite and the voltage came up to 12.8 vdc. Display works OK now. About a week ago I got a message that indicated a drivetrain issue. That went away when I restarted the car. Took another 25 mile drive and the voltage was then at 12.5 vdc. Only 7000 miles on the clock. Anyone have any history on longevity of these agm batteries? My neighbor's X5 battery died at 36 months, so I have a real concern. Low battery voltage on my other cars seems to cause odd gremlins to show up and then go away.

The voltage you describe and the issues you describe have nothing to do with a failing battery. It's very common for BMWs not to fully charge 12V battery so the battery can charge during coasting. The KOMBI issue you're showing requires a software update or a new cluster, there is an SIB that states the repair based on vehicle production date.

Drivetrain malfunction needs to be diagnosed based on fault codes.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by Radar314

Does anyone know if it is OK to use a battery load tester at the under the hood battery jump location? Seems like if you can jump the car from there you should be able to load test from there also.
Seems like it is time to get another Ctek charger for the BMW. Always keep one connected to the C7.

You should only perform a load test on a battery directly at the battery and not from the jump posts in the engine compartment.

[Radar314]

Just bought a digital battery tester. (Foxwell BT-705) It seems to use conductance rather than resistance to measure the CCA state of the battery. A bit pricey compared to old type load testers and the manual indicates you can use remote posts since there is no big current draw as in the carbon pile load testers. I will post results after I do the test. Does anyone know if the OEM battery was rated at 900 CCA? The tester needs to know that parameter.
Seems like a nice tool since it also tests the entire charging system. Having 6 lead acid 12v batteries to maintain, hope it works out.