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2007 BMW 528 High Battery Drain error message clarification

Tiny
SHOPKINS94
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 BMW 528
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 14,500 MILES
Hello,

I've received an error message on my console, "High Battery Drain" with the picture of a car on a lift in the center driver's console. I have been getting conflicting reports from BMW on what this error means.

I have been told by one person it is basically a low battery lamp. If that is true, do you know what voltage it would kick in at?

I have also been told it is an indication of a draw that exceeds 70ma during the time when the car is powered off and asleep.

Any help clarifying would be appreciated.
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Thursday, July 10th, 2008 AT 8:59 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
The 70ma is what it is indicating.
You need to have a battery drain test done before you start experiencing no start.
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Thursday, July 10th, 2008 AT 9:12 AM
Tiny
SHOPKINS94
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
If I charge the battery I get 12.61 volts after I remove the surface charge by turning on the fans for a few minutes. If I do this at 5:00PM, at 9:00AM the next morning my battery is at 12.39 volts. If I wait another day without starting the car, it is 12.16 volts. I haven't waited 3 days because I usually do this over the weekend. Does that seem right?

Thanks,

Sam
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Thursday, July 10th, 2008 AT 9:41 AM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
No you have a drain. Something is on in the car that should not be. The battery should stay up 7 to 10 days with only a.2v drop. Take a DVOM on the amp scale Dissconect the neg cable place meter in series. Make sure doors are closed if hood light disconect. Meter should read.5 to.7 ma. If higher unwanted drain. Go to fuse box remove fuses one at a time when meter drops that is the circuit with the drain. Then go component to component. Start by checking trunk light, glove box, lighted mirrors
Let me know
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Thursday, July 10th, 2008 AT 11:22 AM
Tiny
SHOPKINS94
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
My BMW dealer told me to drive more to counteract the drain.
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Thursday, July 10th, 2008 AT 2:11 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Be sure and get the phone number of who told you that. So you can call them when your batt is dead
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Thursday, July 10th, 2008 AT 2:19 PM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
This is a BMW car that is still covered under warranty. If you have a dead battery after following their recommendations then call BMW assist and have them tow the vehicle to the dealer and compel them to take action. I am a BMW master tech and work for a northern Ca. BMW dealer and the issues you are having are not acceptable. Make the dealer aware of the issue, do not take "no" for an answer. I recommend avoiding doing ANYTHING that will possibly void the warranty. Legal action is a possibility here, start making a journal of your experiences, and keep in touch with us.
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Thursday, July 10th, 2008 AT 9:22 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Thank you DR.H the BMW dealer telling him to drive more and not address his complaint does not sound like the BMW company I am accustomed with.
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Friday, July 11th, 2008 AT 8:57 AM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
I would be interested in knowing which dealership. They are probably worried about their warranty index or they have a bunch of goldbricks that try to pass themselves off as technicians.
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Friday, July 11th, 2008 AT 9:02 PM

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