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Question

My BMW 520 d automatic 2005 had a flat battery, and had to have it jumped started.When driving it home it came up with drive with moderation, then transmission fault, then DBC failure. The headlights were flashing on and off also. When I stoped the car I couldn't get it out of park, When I switched it off it was dead, the battery is still flat, is there a connection with the faults and the flat battery?

Submitted: 31 days and 11 hours ago.
Category: BMW
Value: $21
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Year: 2005
Make: BMW
Model: 520 Diesel
Engine: Diesel

Already Tried:
Nothing it's dead!

Posted by Auto LKN 31 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer

Hello! It sounds as though the battery has a dead cell. Your other symptoms you listed are typical of low system voltage. When voltage drops too low, the data-bus (communication system) stops functioning. Normally, the charging system puts out 13V+, but if the battery has a dead cell, it can cause the charging system to undercharge and once shut off, will not restart.

 

Long story short, you will need a new battery, and then to be safe, once its drivable, have the charging system checked, to make sure the failed battery didn't damage the alternator.

31 days and 11 hours ago.

Reply

Thanks for your reply,where is the battery located? I would like to charge it up first to see if that works, as the car had been sitting around for a long time.

Posted by Auto LKN 31 days and 8 hours ago.

Answer

Sorry for the delay! The battery is in the trunk on the passenger side, behind the trunk panel. Remove the spare tire cover, then remove the right side panel and you should see it. If the battery has a dead cell like I suspect, charging will not help it, but its worth a try!

30 days and 13 hours ago.

Reply

Thanks again, I found it this afternoon! Eventually! I'm in the UK so the right hand side over here is the drivers side!

Doesn't look like it's holding a charge so I will buy a new one, will the car need setting up by a BMW dealer when I put the battery in or will it all return to normal do you know?

Thanks again.

Accepted Answer

Typically, everything will still function and shouldn't require a trip to the dealer.

 

Don't forget to have the charging system checked once you replace the battery!

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Expert: Auto LKN
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/23/2009

Shop Owner/Technician

ASE Certified Master Technician, Owner of a European specialty shop

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