how short is too short

nazali · 10-06-2021, 11:28 AM

New job,

millage one way 6km (3miles) (per gmaps), long way is 8km 4miles

am a bit worried that is too short, especially getting up to winter

any ideas, or is that way to short a drive

txs all

freakystyly · 10-06-2021, 11:40 AM

Put it on a trickle charger at night (or on the weekends at least) and don't redline the motor. I'd recommend still going on some longer trips to burn off condensation from your oil. See motor oil mayonnaise, mmm.

Your cabin probably wont even get up to temperature when it's that short, so heated seats / steering wheel

flypenfly · 10-06-2021, 11:44 AM

Just go for a nice longer drive twice a week. No need to worry.

Kernel Kurtz · 10-06-2021, 12:00 PM

Before I retired my drive to work was about 3 miles also. Occasional charging was definitely required, especially in winter. I did so once or twice a week year round, plus every night when it got really cold (~-30C). I recommend a CTEK charger, or the BMW branded version of same to keep your battery in top condition. Good overview of how it works here;

http://blog.streetsideauto.com/auto-...ttery-charger/

My 335 at the time actually warmed up quite fast in the cabin, I think the electric water pump help a lot in that regard, but the engine never really reached operating temperature. Heated seats are great too, but add even more drain to the battery. I have not had the 240 for a winter yet, but I expect it will be the same.

Second freakystyly that some regular long trips are a necessary thing. Also I changed my oil every spring, even if the CBS did not require it.

Sportstick · 10-06-2021, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nazali

New job,

millage one way 6km (3miles) (per gmaps), long way is 8km 4miles

am a bit worried that is too short, especially getting up to winter

any ideas, or is that way to short a drive

txs all

Perfect scenario to enjoy the Bimmer for weekend/pleasure driving and have an electric daily driver.

Otherwise, would increase oil change frequency.

albertw · 10-06-2021, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Otherwise, would increase oil change frequency.

Unless you change the oil every week or two at the most, I don't see how this will eliminate the problem of condensation in the engine.

Maybe there would be a market for an ECMO-like device that sucks the oil out, runs it through a water extraction process and returns it to the car. It would be a lot more environmentally friendly than taking a car for a longer drive every week or two just to boil off water.

Something that's becoming common among aircraft owners is opening the oil filler tube for 20 minutes or so after every flight. It's astonishing how much water vapor comes out (and is visible as a plume of "steam" on a cool day), even after a long flight that had the oil temperature high for an hour or more. I haven't tried that on a car.

leftoverture · 10-06-2021, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nazali

New job,

millage one way 6km (3miles) (per gmaps), long way is 8km 4miles

am a bit worried that is too short, especially getting up to winter

any ideas, or is that way to short a drive

txs all

The solution is very easy. Find a longer way to work. You have the Ultimate Driving Machine so get up early and enjoy a nice drive before work. And on the way home. And then go on long drives on the weekends. Our cars are meant to be enjoyed, if all we wanted were transportation tools, we would have bought Toyotas.

nazali · 10-06-2021, 02:14 PM

hi all txs for the great replies.

so, I have another gig, once a week which is around an 80km round trip, but due to covid, thats off the cards for a "month" or 2

On previous BM, which I intend to do on this one, is bi yearly oil changes (summer and winter) and mid year just an oil filter.

I do have a ctek. on previous one, I only put it on when I got the low charge warning on the car

I'm more concerned in winter using, blowers, lights, seats, wheel which will drain the battery and it won't recoup.

nazali · 10-06-2021, 02:15 PM

and yes, a weekly hoon up the hiway, for sure

Kernel Kurtz · 10-06-2021, 04:22 PM

Use the charger as often as is convenient. It is smart, you can't overdo it. My last car still had the original battery after 10 years (with admittedly low mileage) and it still worked fine.

My new car has a dealer installed DEFA charger, all hidden with just a port for the cord in the front. I think all the Canadian cars get them now. I can't see it and can't tell if it is working though, so I still use my CTEK, which is no big deal as it is always garaged.

Shovelman · 10-07-2021, 07:42 AM

Remote start is a great option.

Parking in a garage will help and give you a place to plug in a charger.

nazali · 10-07-2021, 10:28 AM

can it be fitted aftermarket to my 20 230 ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernel Kurtz

Use the charger as often as is convenient. It is smart, you can't overdo it. My last car still had the original battery after 10 years (with admittedly low mileage) and it still worked fine.

My new car has a dealer installed DEFA charger, all hidden with just a port for the cord in the front. I think all the Canadian cars get them now. I can't see it and can't tell if it is working though, so I still use my CTEK, which is no big deal as it is always garaged.

nazali · 10-07-2021, 10:29 AM

no remote start, but I don't think that is going to help and no garage space, although I can run a a cable from the garage to the car, does work, but have to worry about wet conditions, but in snow no problems

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shovelman

Remote start is a great option.

Parking in a garage will help and give you a place to plug in a charger.

Kernel Kurtz · 10-07-2021, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nazali

can it be fitted aftermarket to my 20 230 ?

More than likely, ask your dealer.

https://forums.beyond.ca/threads/387...t-in-Defa-Plug

There is also apparently an available inline coolant heater, but mine only has the charger. Port to attach the cable is the only outward sign it is there (beside the license plate, though I have also seen them poking out of the lower side grilles on some cars).

nazali · 10-07-2021, 09:04 PM

and this morning the car died, fuq
was fine yesterday, parked up, OH moaned about not being able to park the D/GCV
so went out moved it 4 inches, got out stopped
thies afternoon, car would not start, lights on flickering
checked the voltage, 11. somthing
so put my ctek trickle charger on it, about 5-10 minutes, and it started up,
gave the "discharge" alarms, so took it for a drive, 90km round trip got home,
stopped, started fine, but got, "battery discharge while stopped"
DVM showed 12.50 ish something can't remember now
put a charger on, for a few hours, had t take her out, up the road, fine,
got back same error message, same volatge, but starts nicely#put it on a charger,
got the battery volts up to 13+ volts error message went
have it on maintainer

idrive kept switching off saying to conserve power or some such

went into idrive and phone, turned off as much crap as I could think of, wifi hotspot.
external welcome lights, switched off the bluetooth, switched off my other BMW connections via wifi

God knows whats happening, the battery, shows good in ista, (or rather it did) past 5 days or so, all in the 80%>90% range, no current issues, again in ista

I need a car that will start reliably in the morning,

God after doing a 100km round trip got the "battery discharged while stopped" message
untill I had the car fully charged

God only knows what's going to happen in proper winter

nazali · 10-07-2021, 09:06 PM

no dashcam or other 3rd party crap on it, disconnected the DC, while I was monitoring it

nazali · 10-07-2021, 09:08 PM

I seem to feel like this all started after my dashcam setting was on the wrong voltage (set to 11.3v cut off or something) and it totally drained my battery (while on parking mode), after a charge with the ctek, it all started to work, but since then, I don't know

but no errors in ISTA for battery, battery shows good,

maybe I'll get the autoclub to do a battery test

BTW, where do I get them to test the battery at the posts or on the battery itself ?
cheers

nazali · 10-07-2021, 09:22 PM

lol SNAP

Kernel Kurtz · 10-07-2021, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nazali

I seem to feel like this all started after my dashcam setting was on the wrong voltage (set to 11.3v cut off or something) and it totally drained my battery (while on parking mode), after a charge with the ctek, it all started to work, but since then, I don't know

Letting the battery run completely down is bad for it.

Are you letting the CTEK run all the way through until step 7 lights up green (step 8 only comes on in long term storage)?

nazali · 10-07-2021, 11:07 PM

yes that's one thing I'm afraid may have happened, but ista says' otherwise, but as said I may get a battery test on the system

the ctek, yes run's through all 7 steps, stays on 7, don't thing I've seen 8,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernel Kurtz

Letting the battery run completely down is bad for it.

Are you letting the CTEK run all the way through until step 7 lights up green (step 8 only comes on in long term storage)?

Kernel Kurtz · 10-08-2021, 12:28 PM

Yeah, probably be worthwhile to have the battery tested. If it is OK and you continue having problems then the obvious things to look at are anything non-factory that are connected to a power source - dash cam, audio equipment, aftermarket gauges, lighting, etc.

nazali · 10-08-2021, 04:11 PM

the car started fine this morning after an overnight with the ctek, I'm going to keep an eye on it, may get autoclub out tomorrow just to give it a check, but driving didnt put a charge in it, been learning about bloody new BMW's, nothing even remotely relevant about this new eco- charging crap, apparently a good long drive up the hi-way does jack LOL

10-06-2021, 11:28 AM	#1
nazali Major 1310 Rep 1,146 Posts Drives: 230 2020 vert F23 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Total Wack Job iTrader: (0)	how short is too short New job, millage one way 6km (3miles) (per gmaps), long way is 8km 4miles am a bit worried that is too short, especially getting up to winter any ideas, or is that way to short a drive txs all
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10-06-2021, 11:40 AM	#2
freakystyly Lieutenant Colonel 2994 Rep 1,797 Posts Drives: F22 B58 6MT Join Date: May 2016 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Put it on a trickle charger at night (or on the weekends at least) and don't redline the motor. I'd recommend still going on some longer trips to burn off condensation from your oil. See motor oil mayonnaise, mmm. Your cabin probably wont even get up to temperature when it's that short, so heated seats / steering wheel
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10-06-2021, 11:44 AM	#3
flypenfly Private First Class 43 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 2020 Cayenne, 2015 Msport 228i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	Just go for a nice longer drive twice a week. No need to worry.
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10-06-2021, 12:00 PM	#4
Kernel Kurtz Major 345 Rep 1,014 Posts Drives: 2020 M240i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Canada iTrader: (0)	Before I retired my drive to work was about 3 miles also. Occasional charging was definitely required, especially in winter. I did so once or twice a week year round, plus every night when it got really cold (~-30C). I recommend a CTEK charger, or the BMW branded version of same to keep your battery in top condition. Good overview of how it works here; http://blog.streetsideauto.com/auto-...ttery-charger/ My 335 at the time actually warmed up quite fast in the cabin, I think the electric water pump help a lot in that regard, but the engine never really reached operating temperature. Heated seats are great too, but add even more drain to the battery. I have not had the 240 for a winter yet, but I expect it will be the same. Second freakystyly that some regular long trips are a necessary thing. Also I changed my oil every spring, even if the CBS did not require it.
	Appreciate 1 nazali1309.50 Quote

10-06-2021, 02:14 PM	#8
nazali Major 1310 Rep 1,146 Posts Drives: 230 2020 vert F23 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Total Wack Job iTrader: (0)	hi all txs for the great replies. so, I have another gig, once a week which is around an 80km round trip, but due to covid, thats off the cards for a "month" or 2 On previous BM, which I intend to do on this one, is bi yearly oil changes (summer and winter) and mid year just an oil filter. I do have a ctek. on previous one, I only put it on when I got the low charge warning on the car I'm more concerned in winter using, blowers, lights, seats, wheel which will drain the battery and it won't recoup.
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10-06-2021, 02:15 PM	#9
nazali Major 1310 Rep 1,146 Posts Drives: 230 2020 vert F23 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Total Wack Job iTrader: (0)	and yes, a weekly hoon up the hiway, for sure
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10-06-2021, 04:22 PM	#10
Kernel Kurtz Major 345 Rep 1,014 Posts Drives: 2020 M240i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Canada iTrader: (0)	Use the charger as often as is convenient. It is smart, you can't overdo it. My last car still had the original battery after 10 years (with admittedly low mileage) and it still worked fine. My new car has a dealer installed DEFA charger, all hidden with just a port for the cord in the front. I think all the Canadian cars get them now. I can't see it and can't tell if it is working though, so I still use my CTEK, which is no big deal as it is always garaged.
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10-07-2021, 07:42 AM	#11
Shovelman Lieutenant 244 Rep 525 Posts Drives: 2017 230i Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	Remote start is a great option. Parking in a garage will help and give you a place to plug in a charger.
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10-07-2021, 09:04 PM	#15
nazali Major 1310 Rep 1,146 Posts Drives: 230 2020 vert F23 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Total Wack Job iTrader: (0)	and this morning the car died, fuq was fine yesterday, parked up, OH moaned about not being able to park the D/GCV so went out moved it 4 inches, got out stopped thies afternoon, car would not start, lights on flickering checked the voltage, 11. somthing so put my ctek trickle charger on it, about 5-10 minutes, and it started up, gave the "discharge" alarms, so took it for a drive, 90km round trip got home, stopped, started fine, but got, "battery discharge while stopped" DVM showed 12.50 ish something can't remember now put a charger on, for a few hours, had t take her out, up the road, fine, got back same error message, same volatge, but starts nicely#put it on a charger, got the battery volts up to 13+ volts error message went have it on maintainer idrive kept switching off saying to conserve power or some such went into idrive and phone, turned off as much crap as I could think of, wifi hotspot. external welcome lights, switched off the bluetooth, switched off my other BMW connections via wifi God knows whats happening, the battery, shows good in ista, (or rather it did) past 5 days or so, all in the 80%>90% range, no current issues, again in ista I need a car that will start reliably in the morning, God after doing a 100km round trip got the "battery discharged while stopped" message untill I had the car fully charged God only knows what's going to happen in proper winter
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10-07-2021, 09:06 PM	#16
nazali Major 1310 Rep 1,146 Posts Drives: 230 2020 vert F23 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Total Wack Job iTrader: (0)	no dashcam or other 3rd party crap on it, disconnected the DC, while I was monitoring it
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10-07-2021, 09:08 PM	#17
nazali Major 1310 Rep 1,146 Posts Drives: 230 2020 vert F23 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Total Wack Job iTrader: (0)	I seem to feel like this all started after my dashcam setting was on the wrong voltage (set to 11.3v cut off or something) and it totally drained my battery (while on parking mode), after a charge with the ctek, it all started to work, but since then, I don't know but no errors in ISTA for battery, battery shows good, maybe I'll get the autoclub to do a battery test BTW, where do I get them to test the battery at the posts or on the battery itself ? cheers
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10-07-2021, 09:22 PM	#18
nazali Major 1310 Rep 1,146 Posts Drives: 230 2020 vert F23 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Total Wack Job iTrader: (0)	lol SNAP Attached Images
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10-08-2021, 12:28 PM	#21
Kernel Kurtz Major 345 Rep 1,014 Posts Drives: 2020 M240i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Canada iTrader: (0)	Yeah, probably be worthwhile to have the battery tested. If it is OK and you continue having problems then the obvious things to look at are anything non-factory that are connected to a power source - dash cam, audio equipment, aftermarket gauges, lighting, etc. Last edited by Kernel Kurtz; 10-08-2021 at 04:12 PM..
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10-08-2021, 04:11 PM	#22
nazali Major 1310 Rep 1,146 Posts Drives: 230 2020 vert F23 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Total Wack Job iTrader: (0)	the car started fine this morning after an overnight with the ctek, I'm going to keep an eye on it, may get autoclub out tomorrow just to give it a check, but driving didnt put a charge in it, been learning about bloody new BMW's, nothing even remotely relevant about this new eco- charging crap, apparently a good long drive up the hi-way does jack LOL
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