Advice Please: Dead Battery

rpsmithii · 10-07-2016, 03:21 PM

Could really use some advice please.

original owner 2014 228i base 15k mi - bone stock - no accessories - not even an iPhone plugged in.

Car dead after a few days sit. No energy at all - had to get into car with emergency key.

Tried to jump but nothing at all.

BMW roadside assistance fetched it with special rigs because it was my parking garage and flatbed could not get in.

SA called me today - claimed computer showing "out of gas" and "flasher left on" which drained the battery disqualifying it as warranty.

I explained can't understand this and to please elaborate:

He posed that my car ran out of gas and I left on the side of the road w/ the flashers on running the battery down.

I explained that BMW itself noted my car on the 4th level of a parking garage - quite impossible to fuel starve the engine going up ramps, right?

As for flashers - 2 points - (1) my hi-rise has security patrolling every 1/2 hour - had my flashers been on - I would have been contacted. (2) even if the flashers were somehow left on - doesn't the car have some type of fail safe cut off that eliminates just that killing the battery?

Was put off enough to end the conversation and called BMW customer assistance who has opened up a file for me.

While this sorts out - I would really like advice on my chances of this turning to a warranty action and/or just how much I should press this.

This mixture of frustration and the way I was treated has left me quite confused and not too rational.

Thanks very much
Bob

overcoil · 10-07-2016, 04:15 PM

If your gas were to be rather low doesn't it turn on a warning icon on your dash (triangle with exclamation mark inside)

Were you low on gas ?

As for the dead battery, if the car sits a lot that can be destructive for a battery

Elvisfan · 10-07-2016, 04:55 PM

Perhaps you didn't turn the car off and it ran out of fuel.

rpsmithii · 10-07-2016, 05:02 PM

Thanks for the theories:

On the leaving running - not possible - have comfort access and both FOBs were with me.

On the low on gas - had at least 1/4 tank - maybe even more.

On the car sitting - get that, 5 mile - 15 min trip to/from work each day - possible this put pressure on battery? And, if so would this be on me - warranty wise?

Thanks.

Elvisfan · 10-07-2016, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsmithii

Thanks for the theories:

On the leaving running - not possible - have comfort access and both FOBs were with me.

On the low on gas - had at least 1/4 tank - maybe even more.

On the car sitting - get that, 5 mile - 15 min trip to/from work each day - possible this put pressure on battery? And, if so would this be on me - warranty wise?

Thanks.

On the car running. It is possible. I unfortunately did it. I got out of the car,locked it and walked away. I did not realize until I came back 10 min later that it was still running. I also have comfort access. I locked it by touching the outside handle.

BEM-S4 · 10-07-2016, 05:12 PM

You can leave car running if you walk away with fob, just FYI. Was car locked when you got back to it? Them saying out of gas should be pretty easy to prove have them fill it up and see how much it takes. That's easier than trying to figure out what's still in there.

overcoil · 10-07-2016, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsmithii

Thanks for the theories:

On the leaving running - not possible - have comfort access and both FOBs were with me.

On the low on gas - had at least 1/4 tank - maybe even more.

On the car sitting - get that, 5 mile - 15 min trip to/from work each day - possible this put pressure on battery? And, if so would this be on me - warranty wise?

Thanks.

Battery really wouldn't be covered under warranty but it would have been kind of cool if the dealer cut you a break considering the mileage you have.

If one day each week you went out for an hour drive that could really improve battery performance.

Though 5 miles each way - your probably just at the threshold. If your running accessories like rear defroster, radio, lights - maybe it's putting a strain on battery.

But w/o testing the battery and not being real familiar with these cars, I'm just guessing.

Lots of times as the battery weakens if you have an automatic transmission it will act funny, had you noticed any weird transmission shifts or lack of shifts recently?

rpsmithii · 10-07-2016, 06:47 PM

Holy cow - this is indeed a revelation - then it is possible that I could have exited the car leaving it running. Do not remember but may have been on the phone or otherwise distracted.

So what you are saying is that BMW will allow a car to run if locked by door handle or FOB and the fob goes out of range.

It is smart enough to not let me lock the FOB in the trunk or the car itself - but allows it to continue to run... wow.

Frankly would be relieved if this is the case [as the mystery is solved] - BUT WHAT A HUGE design defect uh?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

You can leave car running if you walk away with fob, just FYI. Was car locked when you got back to it? Them saying out of gas should be pretty easy to prove have them fill it up and see how much it takes. That's easier than trying to figure out what's still in there.

Dackelone · 10-07-2016, 07:05 PM

Your dealer should just "do the right thing" and replace your battery under warranty. Maybe take your car somewhere else.

When run your car low on fuel(or anything else to trigger the (!) lamp) the car will store that fault. Just as would driving the car without your seat belt or low washer fluid... would make that (!)light come on, and store a fault code. Your dealer doesn't know what there are talking about. Simply running the car low on fuel won't cause the battery to die. Nor will leaving the flashers on. Probably more likely the tow truck driver left the "flashers" on.

A new battery will run about $500 installed and coded. I would think on a new car the battery is covered under warranty(five years ?).

Dackel

Elvisfan · 10-07-2016, 07:29 PM

I have had batteries replaced under warranty. Not Bmw yet. If you run a car empty and it dies,the ignition is still on. Wouldn't that eventually kill the battery?

pikcachu · 10-07-2016, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsmithii

Holy cow - this is indeed a revelation - then it is possible that I could have exited the car leaving it running. Do not remember but may have been on the phone or otherwise distracted.

So what you are saying is that BMW will allow a car to run if locked by door handle or FOB and the fob goes out of range.

It is smart enough to not let me lock the FOB in the trunk or the car itself - but allows it to continue to run... wow.

Frankly would be relieved if this is the case [as the mystery is solved] - BUT WHAT A HUGE design defect uh?

It kind of makes sense....

Let's say you are driving on the freeway and your fob battery runs out and the car senses the fob is not there anymore, it wouldn't be nice if you all of a sudden you car shuts off and you lose power steering and hydraulic brakes...

BEM-S4 · 10-08-2016, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pikcachu

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsmithii

Holy cow - this is indeed a revelation - then it is possible that I could have exited the car leaving it running. Do not remember but may have been on the phone or otherwise distracted.

So what you are saying is that BMW will allow a car to run if locked by door handle or FOB and the fob goes out of range.

It is smart enough to not let me lock the FOB in the trunk or the car itself - but allows it to continue to run... wow.

Frankly would be relieved if this is the case [as the mystery is solved] - BUT WHAT A HUGE design defect uh?

It kind of makes sense....

Let's say you are driving on the freeway and your fob battery runs out and the car senses the fob is not there anymore, it wouldn't be nice if you all of a sudden you car shuts off and you lose power steering and hydraulic brakes...

They all work the same. Dropped my cousin off in his Audi avant and took it to get gas while he was doing whatever you do with kids when they start freaking out. Got there, realized he still had the fob with him. Pumped with engine running, not ideal I know but the needle was buried and it said 5 miles til empty. Anyway I was out and about driving for at least 30 mins, no key within miles.

rich8566 · 10-08-2016, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsmithii

Holy cow - this is indeed a revelation - then it is possible that I could have exited the car leaving it running. Do not remember but may have been on the phone or otherwise distracted.

So what you are saying is that BMW will allow a car to run if locked by door handle or FOB and the fob goes out of range.

It is smart enough to not let me lock the FOB in the trunk or the car itself - but allows it to continue to run... wow.

Frankly would be relieved if this is the case [as the mystery is solved] - BUT WHAT A HUGE design defect uh?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

You can leave car running if you walk away with fob, just FYI. Was car locked when you got back to it? Them saying out of gas should be pretty easy to prove have them fill it up and see how much it takes. That's easier than trying to figure out what's still in there.

I use the "lock while running" feature many times in the summer to keep the interior cool when I'm just dashing into a store quickly. I'd say it is a great feature rather than a defect.

rpsmithii · 10-08-2016, 07:56 AM

Thanks everyone. I very much appreciate the comments and now have a sensible conclusion:

I must have parked, left, locked and walked away leaving the car running with about 1/4 tank of gas. Somehow the flashers were going as well. And my security patrols did not notice or decided to inform me of this situation. This drained the gas and the battery.

Further, intentional vehicle design allows the car to be left running:

in park
while locked
no one in driver's seat to trip seatbelt warning
FOB out of range

2 design benefits are:

safety [e.g. FOB battery dies while driving making FOB look out of range] or
convenience to deliberately leave car running while locked and FOB out of range - [e.g. warming up the vehicle]

Under these circumstances, I am the negligent party therefore not qualifying for BMW warranty action.

I very much appreciate this forum and everyone's help. I feel for those with similar circumstances without the ability to discuss their situation with other enthusiasts.

I hope this thread has enough term triggers for others to find if they have similar questions.

Bob.

RoundelM3 · 10-08-2016, 12:40 PM

Maybe I missed something here, but since when does a "drained battery" require replacement rather than just charging it to full capacity? Has that been tried yet? I know for a fact you can't jump-start these newer BMWs, but unless the battery itself has a dead cell or cells, you should be able to put it on a charger. If it won't charge or won't hold a charge, then the battery will need replacing.

BMW batteries usually last anywhere from 3-5 years. My 2013 335i is still on its original battery after 3.5 years and 21.5K miles, although my wife's previous 2011 128i convertible's battery went completely dead after 3 years (and that was in the hot TX climate at the time) and it was replaced under warranty. My previous 2007 E92 335i had a battery fail after 4 years, and it cost under $300 to replace and code at the dealership (with a 20% BMW CCA discount).

BEM-S4 · 10-08-2016, 12:49 PM

You're just lucky you were in a big parking garage and not a house with enclosed garage. Out at the family farm for instance the bedroom my niece and nephew sleep in is directly above the garage. Things could have been much worse for you leaving the car running I suppose.

Solarphil · 10-11-2016, 10:55 PM

This could be related to the auto-stop/start. You mentioned you might have been on the phone, if you pulled up and parked while distracted and walked away while it was active but not running, it could restart a few minutes later.

Running a battery flat certainly isn't good for it, but it doesn't destroy it if you get it back on a charge soon. Repeated excessive deep discharges will turn it into scrap lead quickly, but you can usually get away with it once on an otherwise healthy battery. However if you've already sprung for the replacement you might not want to hear that ;-)

Polo08816 · 10-12-2016, 06:06 AM

Can anyone make sense of why the original 92Ah battery must be replaced by a 90Ah battery according to RealOEM?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=61_2815

Quote:

Attention:
The installed 92Ah AGM battery must be
replaced
by the 90Ah AGM battery!

Spydeputy · 10-12-2016, 08:42 AM

Why do they have to replace the battery. I ran mine dead a few months ago working on my 2015 M235i, and just recharged it and was good to go.

DanG · 10-12-2016, 06:10 PM

As far as I remember batteries and tires are excluded from warranty and maintenance.

rpsmithii · 12-23-2016, 09:50 PM

Been over 2 months and thanks to all - had the dealer charge up the battery and all is well - so far. Think I am over the hump. Thanks again for all of the advice.

Bob.

Maynard · 12-24-2016, 05:02 PM

Our dealership cautions me to lock the car, even in the garage. This (locking) apparently shuts down all the background accessories that would otherwise run on for another 10-15min. They say it will help with battery longevity, and that it could promote full drain if you also only drive short distances. Glad to hear they don't have some 'feature' that automatically kills them after full drain, so you were able to recharge it.

10-07-2016, 03:21 PM	#1
rpsmithii New Member 7 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 14 F22 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Advice Please: Dead Battery Could really use some advice please. original owner 2014 228i base 15k mi - bone stock - no accessories - not even an iPhone plugged in. Car dead after a few days sit. No energy at all - had to get into car with emergency key. Tried to jump but nothing at all. BMW roadside assistance fetched it with special rigs because it was my parking garage and flatbed could not get in. SA called me today - claimed computer showing "out of gas" and "flasher left on" which drained the battery disqualifying it as warranty. I explained can't understand this and to please elaborate: He posed that my car ran out of gas and I left on the side of the road w/ the flashers on running the battery down. I explained that BMW itself noted my car on the 4th level of a parking garage - quite impossible to fuel starve the engine going up ramps, right? As for flashers - 2 points - (1) my hi-rise has security patrolling every 1/2 hour - had my flashers been on - I would have been contacted. (2) even if the flashers were somehow left on - doesn't the car have some type of fail safe cut off that eliminates just that killing the battery? Was put off enough to end the conversation and called BMW customer assistance who has opened up a file for me. While this sorts out - I would really like advice on my chances of this turning to a warranty action and/or just how much I should press this. This mixture of frustration and the way I was treated has left me quite confused and not too rational. Thanks very much Bob
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10-07-2016, 04:15 PM	#2
overcoil Major General 3074 Rep 5,577 Posts Drives: M235i 6spd Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	If your gas were to be rather low doesn't it turn on a warning icon on your dash (triangle with exclamation mark inside) Were you low on gas ? As for the dead battery, if the car sits a lot that can be destructive for a battery Last edited by overcoil; 12-24-2016 at 12:07 PM..
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10-07-2016, 04:55 PM	#3
Elvisfan Major 516 Rep 1,452 Posts Drives: 2018 430ix convertible MGM Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	Perhaps you didn't turn the car off and it ran out of fuel.
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10-07-2016, 05:02 PM	#4
rpsmithii New Member 7 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 14 F22 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the theories: On the leaving running - not possible - have comfort access and both FOBs were with me. On the low on gas - had at least 1/4 tank - maybe even more. On the car sitting - get that, 5 mile - 15 min trip to/from work each day - possible this put pressure on battery? And, if so would this be on me - warranty wise? Thanks.
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10-07-2016, 05:12 PM	#6
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	You can leave car running if you walk away with fob, just FYI. Was car locked when you got back to it? Them saying out of gas should be pretty easy to prove have them fill it up and see how much it takes. That's easier than trying to figure out what's still in there. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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10-07-2016, 07:05 PM	#9
Dackelone European Editor 10589 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Your dealer should just "do the right thing" and replace your battery under warranty. Maybe take your car somewhere else. When run your car low on fuel(or anything else to trigger the (!) lamp) the car will store that fault. Just as would driving the car without your seat belt or low washer fluid... would make that (!)light come on, and store a fault code. Your dealer doesn't know what there are talking about. Simply running the car low on fuel won't cause the battery to die. Nor will leaving the flashers on. Probably more likely the tow truck driver left the "flashers" on. A new battery will run about $500 installed and coded. I would think on a new car the battery is covered under warranty(five years ?). Dackel __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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10-07-2016, 07:29 PM	#10
Elvisfan Major 516 Rep 1,452 Posts Drives: 2018 430ix convertible MGM Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	I have had batteries replaced under warranty. Not Bmw yet. If you run a car empty and it dies,the ignition is still on. Wouldn't that eventually kill the battery?
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10-08-2016, 07:56 AM	#14
rpsmithii New Member 7 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 14 F22 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Thanks everyone. I very much appreciate the comments and now have a sensible conclusion: I must have parked, left, locked and walked away leaving the car running with about 1/4 tank of gas. Somehow the flashers were going as well. And my security patrols did not notice or decided to inform me of this situation. This drained the gas and the battery. Further, intentional vehicle design allows the car to be left running: in park while locked no one in driver's seat to trip seatbelt warning FOB out of range 2 design benefits are: safety [e.g. FOB battery dies while driving making FOB look out of range] or convenience to deliberately leave car running while locked and FOB out of range - [e.g. warming up the vehicle] Under these circumstances, I am the negligent party therefore not qualifying for BMW warranty action. I very much appreciate this forum and everyone's help. I feel for those with similar circumstances without the ability to discuss their situation with other enthusiasts. I hope this thread has enough term triggers for others to find if they have similar questions. Bob.
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10-08-2016, 12:40 PM	#15
RoundelM3 Major General 1837 Rep 6,990 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	Maybe I missed something here, but since when does a "drained battery" require replacement rather than just charging it to full capacity? Has that been tried yet? I know for a fact you can't jump-start these newer BMWs, but unless the battery itself has a dead cell or cells, you should be able to put it on a charger. If it won't charge or won't hold a charge, then the battery will need replacing. BMW batteries usually last anywhere from 3-5 years. My 2013 335i is still on its original battery after 3.5 years and 21.5K miles, although my wife's previous 2011 128i convertible's battery went completely dead after 3 years (and that was in the hot TX climate at the time) and it was replaced under warranty. My previous 2007 E92 335i had a battery fail after 4 years, and it cost under $300 to replace and code at the dealership (with a 20% BMW CCA discount). __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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10-08-2016, 12:49 PM	#16
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	You're just lucky you were in a big parking garage and not a house with enclosed garage. Out at the family farm for instance the bedroom my niece and nephew sleep in is directly above the garage. Things could have been much worse for you leaving the car running I suppose. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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10-11-2016, 10:55 PM	#17
Solarphil Private 71 Rep 80 Posts Drives: Nickole - MG & CR M235i Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	This could be related to the auto-stop/start. You mentioned you might have been on the phone, if you pulled up and parked while distracted and walked away while it was active but not running, it could restart a few minutes later. Running a battery flat certainly isn't good for it, but it doesn't destroy it if you get it back on a charge soon. Repeated excessive deep discharges will turn it into scrap lead quickly, but you can usually get away with it once on an otherwise healthy battery. However if you've already sprung for the replacement you might not want to hear that ;-)
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10-12-2016, 08:42 AM	#19
Spydeputy Brigadier General 205 Rep 3,523 Posts Drives: 2015 F23 M235i/2008,E90,335xi Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The County, Maryland iTrader: (19) Garage List 2017 X5 M Sport Pac ... [0.00] 2015 M235i, F23 [0.00]	Replace It? Why do they have to replace the battery. I ran mine dead a few months ago working on my 2015 M235i, and just recharged it and was good to go.
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10-12-2016, 06:10 PM	#20
DanG Major General 10661 Rep 6,937 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 AW DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [7.68]	As far as I remember batteries and tires are excluded from warranty and maintenance.
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12-23-2016, 09:50 PM	#21
rpsmithii New Member 7 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 14 F22 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	DEBRIEF Been over 2 months and thanks to all - had the dealer charge up the battery and all is well - so far. Think I am over the hump. Thanks again for all of the advice. Bob.
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12-24-2016, 05:02 PM	#22
Maynard Colonel 3848 Rep 2,873 Posts Drives: 228iX & M2C Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (1)	Our dealership cautions me to lock the car, even in the garage. This (locking) apparently shuts down all the background accessories that would otherwise run on for another 10-15min. They say it will help with battery longevity, and that it could promote full drain if you also only drive short distances. Glad to hear they don't have some 'feature' that automatically kills them after full drain, so you were able to recharge it.
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