[rawrzors]

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.

"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"

The X3 has never been left idle for more than a few days. Most of my commute is spent going 60 MPH , with a bit of stop and go traffic. I have never had any problems starting my car either, and take 2+ hour round trips (100+ miles) every other month. Moreover, it does not enumerate a threshold needed to be covered by warranty. If I drove 200 miles a week, what is to stop the dealership from requiring 201 miles / week? It seems so shady.

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.

[KingOfJericho]

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.

[rawrzors]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

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.

Unless I am missing something, it really is not included in the manual. It just says: not driven for over 4 weeks and driven short distances (<10 miles) without any highway speeds.

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).

[floydarogers]

Have you tried your state's consumer protection agency?

[F32]

That's a load of bullshit. Raise hell.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by rawrzors

Unless I am missing something, it really is not included in the manual. It just says: not driven for over 4 weeks and driven short distances (<10 miles) without any highway speeds.

If you drive over 10mi trips, you should be in the clear and should point that out.


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).

[rawrzors]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

If you drive over 10mi trips, you should be in the clear and should point that out.


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).

I pointed that out over the phone with the Service Department Manager at the dealership. He said that at best he can get me a discount, and I still totaled less than the 140 ish miles / week that they required. The most recent response from BMW NA is that the warranty covers defects in the product, and the dealership determined that my driving habits damaged the battery.

[007_e350]

Garbage! go to another dealer

Just get a battery tender

[1987E30M3]

Replace your own battery and get a battery tender

[rawrzors]

I am already using a Battery Tender, I'm pretty sure other dealers would say the same thing as "Unfavorable Driving Profile" is apparently a thing.

[pokerface]

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.

[02420X3]

Replacing the battery yourself may still require a trip to the dealer to reset some software settings. The phrase that comes to mind is "register battery change".

[pokerface]

post #76 may help you

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showth...=615601&page=4

[HighPlainsCruiser]

$600 for a new battery? Try Sears.

[pokerface]

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

[Rodion]

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.

[The X Men]

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.

[HighlandPete]

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

[colson79]

Originally Posted by pokerface

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

Sears sells an Absorbent Glass Mat battery for the X3 for $190.

[HighPlainsCruiser]

Originally Posted by pokerface

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

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.

[lbjgh]

1. Buy this and put a sign on it reading "BMW standby battery charger".
   
2. Take a picture of it beside your fancy BMW with a set of booster cables.
   
3. Send picture to BMW NA