2003 530i Battery problems

[ML]

We have a 2003 530i E39 style with sport and premium packages and xeon lights. We'd like to know if anyone has problems with their battery dying after not driving for 3 days? We bought a new one in September of 2003 and within the first 3 months, the battery was dead. We brought it for servicing and they gave us a new battery. Since then, the battery has died at least 3 times and each time the service dept said there is nothing wrong and that the battery is fully charged. We have spoken to the service reps back east and they are giving us the run around - that we don't drive it enough or get a trickle charger. A car of this calibre should not have dead battery problems. We're wondering if it is just our car or are there others out there with the same problem. Thanks.

[Viv]

I've let it sit for a week without use. I have the same packages as you do, and I haven't added anything else electrical to the car since I purchased it. No AMPS or anything like that.
Viv
Sacramento, CA
2003 530i Steel Blue Metallic /Gray leather
AT/PP/SP/CWP/Xenon/Folding Rear Seats/Ultimate Cup Holders/Stongard Headlamp Covers/Stealth rear signal bulbs/50% tint/Saab trunk lid handle/BMWCCA Member/With a Pink Panther on the mirror/E34('91 525i) retired

[acos]

Check with the dealership. We had the same problem, and found out that the dome light sensor was draining the battery. It was fixed and no more problems.

[mhafizi]

I have the same battery problem with my 2002 BMW 530I. The service department can't find the problem. They replaced the battery once. Recently I have been having problem with the radio not working intermittently. I don't know if it is related to the radio.

[salsero]

Can you tell me exactly what they did to the dome light? My 2003 525I keeps getting a dead battery after sitting for 3 days too! Did they replace the dome light or was it a different switch faulty? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[2002 530i]

I have the same problem as you do. If my car sits for just a day my battery will drain and car wont start at all. Some peole have said it is the alternator. But the thing is after jump starting the car and then driving it for a short distance battery will come back to normal. Some say it is vantilation fan. I guess the fan continue to run after the car is off. They suggest to replace the final stage unit. I am not sure whats going on. I did repalce the battery twice with interstate NTP-93. I think one of the electrical component is drawing power after car is off. I will try to change my Final Stage Unit and see if that helps.

[[Oops!] Miller]

[[Oops!] Miller]

I have an 03 530i that I let sit for two weeks and it started right up.

[dl foster]

hello, i understand your frustration with the dead battery, it is very frustrating to own such a nice car and be inconvienenced with such a problem. I own a 2002 530i and am having the exact problems and i am pretty sure that the final stage unit is your problem this is what regulates the fan blower on the car and if you notice that your blower is going in and out and off and on while driving and then when the car is off you can hear the blower kick on and off from the hood this seems to be the problem and a quick fix do it yourself solution! i have found a step by step repair guide and parts place that is of great help!! the part is only around $60 and takes less than an hour to replace yourself!! they say that even the qualified specialists have a hard time diagnosing the problem?? this is probabally because they want to get as much$$ out of your pocket as possible and end up replacing unnecessary parts!!go to http://www.[Oops!].com/forums/showthread.php?t=143393 and see if this helps!! good luck!! i am getting ready to order this part and try it myself!! bye for now!!

[Sid]

I am having a similar probs battery dying within a day.
replacing final stage unit, did it solve your problems and how easy was do it yourself.
I can not get in to site you suggested.
Sid

[oscar]

did changing the final stage unit fix the problem.

[willyb]

Do you have a cd changer in the trunk? I once had a battery drain that nobody could figure out. Eventually out of frustration I disconnected the cd changer (which was stuck in an eject mode) and it solved the problem (One battery and one alternator later)

[Michael]

My 2002 has now been through 3 alternators and batteries. Battery light refuses to go out, and the battery now dies after sitting for a day. I have experienced (at times) intermittent fan blowing. Sometimes it won't come on and then while I'm driving it kicks on.

Other miscellaneous electrical issues could be the problem. My instrument cluster is dimming, and some of the lights are out. Same with the clock on the radio.

It is incredibly frustrating. I'm taking it to the dealership Wednesday and telling them to replace the final stage unit, the dome light sensor, and see if that might get to it.

Any other ideas are welcomed.

Michael

[nweekes]

I hear ALL of you! I'm a car dealer with a 2003 530i as my daily driver. The battery dies all the time and I have to permanently keep a jumperbox in the trunk.
Listen to this:
1 out of every 3 times I turn the ignition the battery light will remain on on the dash. If the car is driven with the battery light, then the car will completely die within 10 miles. If you simply restart the 530i, the battery light usually turns off and you can drive it across the country if needed. What in the world is this? If it sits for a few days there is a decent chance the battery will be dead.
HELP