Battery dying regularly

[z4m]

Hi All -

GF bought a 2012 Cooper a month and half ago, and the battery has died 4 times already.

The first time was after 3 weeks, and when diagnostics were run, dealer said the error code said lights were left on overnight. I find this strange since the lights turn off automatically.

Anyway, the battery was charged and the same problem occurred 3 weeks later. This time we jumped the car using jumper cables; the battery pack jump start would work - we tried my personal pack as well as the road side assistant's pack. I'm taking the battery was drained completely.

A couple days later, the same thing, and a day later again. This time we sent it back to the dealer. He says the car isn't driven much and says this problem will continue to persist.

FYI, the car has been driven 1020 miles in 6-7 weeks. Her daily work commute is 4-5 miles one way and it takes her 20-30 minutes due to traffic. The dealer attributed this driving style to batter drainage. Also, he keeps on pointing that there have been 88 trips of 2 miles or less, which causes the battery to drain. Also, he pointed out the progressive device on the OBD2 port could be the cause; I had him take the current and it came back with 20mA which is way under 80mA threshold, and then he confirmed that's not the case.

I'm don't agree with the reasons stated above, and wanted to get your take on it, and also if anyone had any suggestions.

Thanks much!

[bluefox280]

FYI, the car has been driven 1020 miles in 6-7 weeks. Her daily work commute is 4-5 miles one way and it takes her 20-30 minutes due to traffic. The dealer attributed this driving style to batter drainage.
Correct; since the trip is relatively short and the RPMs aren't getting high enough to generate constant charging power from the alternator, the battery is suffering.


Also, he keeps on pointing that there have been 88 trips of 2 miles or less, which causes the battery to drain.
Also correct; the car never sees a long-enough charge (or even to have the engine warm up, which is a whole other issue for long-term ownership).


I'm don't agree with the reasons stated above, and wanted to get your take on it, and also if anyone had any suggestions.
Before owning my Clubman, the previous owner thought the same you did; short trips shouldn't reduce battery life.
However, shortly after taking possession, my battery died and wouldn't hold a charge as it was never properly cycled with a good holding charge.

Do get the car out and drive it properly, giving higher RPMs (once the engine is to running temp) and holding them.
If you're planning on short trips, grab a battery tender.
Otherwise you will have premature battery failure because of insufficient charging.
I've been there and have changed my habits for the better...

- Erik

[SilverBeam]

I suggest you pick up a trickle charger or take the car out on the weekends to see if that solves the problem. My mom has similar issues with batteries because of short trips. She replaced the battery in her last car three times in five years.

By the way 5 miles in 30 minutes? It would be faster to bike!

[z4m]

I suggest you pick up a trickle charger or take the car out on the weekends to see if that solves the problem. My mom has similar issues with batteries because of short trips. She replaced the battery in her last car three times in five years.

By the way 5 miles in 30 minutes? It would be faster to bike!

Believe me, that too on North Central Expressway here in Dallas, despite of 4 lanes; rush-hour traffic sucks.

Other that the office commute which is about 200 miles a month, she drives 600 miles normally.

[MiniRy]

Just bought my first mini, a 1 owner 2008 cooper S and it is having the same issue with the battery draining. The onboard computer even states "increased battery drainage" I however, have a 60 mile drive to work on the highway with limited traffic, so almost 2 hours a day of 60 mph plus driving and my batter was still draining. Call the dealer I bought the mini from and they replaced my battery for free.

So I got a new battery. 2 days later, same warning: increased battery drainage. Now I checked the voltage reading on the day the new battery was installed and it ready 13.65 volts. Now it is reading 12.3 volts. So I bought and trickel charge to put on the battery at night and this seems to fix the issue.

Problem is, this should not be happening at all. I have owned many cars in my life time and I have never had a car suck so much power from a battery just sitting in my garage. And if you search the web, this is common problem with many BMW vehicles.

Disappointing to say the least!

[SilverBeam]

Just bought my first mini, a 1 owner 2008 cooper S and it is having the same issue with the battery draining. The onboard computer even states "increased battery drainage" I however, have a 60 mile drive to work on the highway with limited traffic, so almost 2 hours a day of 60 mph plus driving and my batter was still draining. Call the dealer I bought the mini from and they replaced my battery for free.

So I got a new battery. 2 days later, same warning: increased battery drainage. Now I checked the voltage reading on the day the new battery was installed and it ready 13.65 volts. Now it is reading 12.3 volts. So I bought and trickel charge to put on the battery at night and this seems to fix the issue.

Problem is, this should not be happening at all. I have owned many cars in my life time and I have never had a car suck so much power from a battery just sitting in my garage. And if you search the web, this is common problem with many BMW vehicles.

Disappointing to say the least!

No, it is not a common problem. Something is obviously draining your battery. Instead of complaining to strangers, I suggest you bring your car back in so they can fix what ever is causing the draw.

[MiniRy]

As a new user the forum, seemed like a good ice breaker; so now that I read what I posted, it is a little winey. I just wanted to share my experience with it.

Car is going to the shop for the water pump recall, so I will ask them to check it out.