65 - 70 mA battery drain

[conchiko]

Has anyone experienced a very slow battery drain of about 65-70 mA? I have been having battery drain issues for the past year or so and since I don't drive my car very often and can't throw a trickle charge on it every now and then since I park on the street my battery dies about 3 times a year. It is quite annoying, and I have tried pulling a few of the fuses to no avail. Granted I haven't done an all out investigation looking at every fuse. Any ideas y'all have would be helpful.

I have been having issues with my secondary air pump throwing codes, could that be the culprit?

[TheAngryBear]

The SAS circuit could be at fault if the relay is sticking or you have a short. Low on overall probability though.
Finding that drain is going to be fun as you are near target...
Do you have any aftermarket items installed?


2001 750iL DD74441
E65 fan & clutch, E65 headrests, Front First Aid Kit, Ultimate Cup holder

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[conchiko]

I did have an aftermarket subwoofer and radar detector hardwire, but I checked the wire splice areas today and made sure they were insulated/taped up so I don't think those are causing issues.

[rslifkin]

Is that 65-70 ma measured after the car goes to sleep?

[Timm]

70mA sounds like a tracker is fitted somewhere - but is not the cause of your batteries going flat. You are just not putting enough charge into them due to your usage pattern. And once a battery has been flat for any length of time they are permanently damaged and should be replaced. More info here:

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/E38_Battery_Drain.htm

[jclausen]

It's not a matter if the splice is ok, it's the mater of the bus system not liking the system tap, I would start by removing the aftermarket connections then see what happens also if the car is not going to sleep or being woken up the p park light. On the shifter plate will lift up.

[conchiko]

Yep, this is measured after the car is asleep (16 min) per the meeknet protocol. I have removed all of the taps, but i could check the park light as you suggested. As far as charging, I agree, if I were driving the car regularily I probably wouldnt notice. I did recently replace the battery but that didn’t help much. Perhaps I just need to move to a place where I can set up the battery on a trickle charge when the car is sitting.