11-14-2013, 09:48 AM | #1 |
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Unfavorable Driving Profile?
Hi all,
I am in a bit of a bind and would like to get your input / advice. Recently, I took my 2011 X3 (F25 ?) into the dealership for a "low battery" warning. They informed me that the battery needed to be replaced and it would not be covered under warranty because of my "Unfavorable Driving Profile". Parts, Labor, Fees would be around $600. I drive it about 50-60 miles / week, and drive it for about 4-5/7 days per week. They said that I needed to drive it about 20 miles / day for it to be covered under warranty. When I asked where in any of the papers or manuals it said this, they told me "it is in there" but was not able to provide me with the information. BMW NA directed me to the relevant section in the Service Warranty. Code:
"If your X3 is driven only for short distances of less than 10 miles over a prolonged period of time, without an occasional drive at highway speeds, the engine’s charging system will not maintain the battery. Insufficient use of the SAV could result in short term starting problems and in the long term could damage the battery." "In case the SAV is not operated for more than four weeks, it is advisable to: consider using a proper trickle charger" I am currently using a battery tender, and the charge battery warning appears after a few days of not charging. I am considering increasing the miles / week on the vehicle by letting friends and family drive it (which is completely ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!). I have complained the BMW NA, but they just repeated what the dealership said. I have never heard of Toytas, Nissans, Subarus, Benz or Lexus having these issues (own these, or know people who do). It is almost like telling me "don't buy a BMW if you drive less than 6000 miles / year". What are my options? I cannot complain to the BBB because BMW has a F and gave up in that department. Thanks for your time. |
11-14-2013, 09:53 AM | #2 |
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I drove my 135i for 7mi each way to work for three years and never had an issue like that. However, I did drive longer distances on the weekends. They are off the hook by putting it in the manual but I do agree that it's ridiculous.
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11-14-2013, 10:17 AM | #3 | |
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Anyone know if getting the battery replaced by a 3rd party voids the standard 4 year warranty? I can get it done for a fraction of the quoted price ($600). |
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11-14-2013, 11:03 AM | #6 | |
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If you push back enough, you will get what you want. Let them know that you are contacting the BBB, yahoo, google, and yelp reviews if they don't cover it. If you can find out the email address of the owner of the dealership, that could also work to your advantage. I just did something very similar when we got our Grand Cherokee and was successful (it was also for a heck of a lot more than $600). |
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11-14-2013, 01:32 PM | #7 | |
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11-14-2013, 07:49 PM | #12 |
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Knock on wood, our '13 X3 usually sits idle most of the week, or quick 5km trips to Walmart twice a week, then a 100km trek to the inlaws (each way).. its been good for the last 9 months.
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11-14-2013, 10:02 PM | #14 |
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11-15-2013, 05:30 AM | #16 |
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The bmw needs one of those glass mat batteries which take low level quick bursts of charging... a function of only alternator delivering a charge when off throttle
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11-15-2013, 07:53 AM | #17 |
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I drive mainly just 9km per day, on weekdays AND in winter time.
Still no problems with the battery (knock on the wood). That is 5,6 miles to work in the morning and 5,6 miles back. Of course sometimes during weekends I drive longer distances, about once a month over 100 miles to my parents'. But still, during winter time with -20 celsius and short trips and no problem. I have heard that some Finns have had problems as the cold battery doesn't take too much charging in it and it doesn't warm up as it is in the trunk rather than next to engine. |
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11-15-2013, 09:45 AM | #18 |
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My wife drives her X3 1 mile to work and 1 mile back, and maybe another 20 miles on the weekend, never had a battery problem. I would suggust maybe letting the car coast a little more wheile you are driving to charge the battery or have someone put a ampere meter on the car and see how much power the car is drawing when it is off.
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11-15-2013, 11:52 AM | #19 |
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Assuming there is nothing wrong in the electrical system draining current, or user added consumers like cameras, etc., not switching down correctly, we have to admit driving profile can play a part in battery charge.
We've bought into the latest "efficient dynamics", which is not the same for charging batteries as older electrical systems. Plus our consumer loads are so much higher these days. I know from my own perspective, that keeping an eye on what is used will have a part to play in whether I need to use a smart charger/tender, to keep my battery in good condition. We now have alternators with over 200 amp capacity, and still we need power management to clock and control what functions can run and what must be rationed. The reality, there is massive load on the system these days and we add options like heated steering wheels and still expect enough charge on short runs and from cold starts. Not at all surprised driving profile is now being scrutinised. I scrutinise my own profile, as I only drive 8k miles a year in my 5-series. HighlandPete |
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11-15-2013, 12:10 PM | #20 |
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Sears sells an Absorbent Glass Mat battery for the X3 for $190.
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11-15-2013, 12:39 PM | #21 |
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Ahh, no wonder there is that blue gauge on the dash showing when the battery is charging, always wondered. Somehow I missed the reason for it while reading the 300 page manual and looking through mountains of literature.
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11-15-2013, 01:25 PM | #22 |
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