I've been having a rather occasional problem (only happened twice so far) with my M3. The DSC, Oil, EML, and Battery lights come on and limp mode ensues. It then starts to have trouble maintaining idle. This last time, the engine died. If I turn the car off and back on, it runs fine. I didn't find any new codes.
I've read that a dying battery or bad alternator can cause such issues. I'm hoping it's the battery. It's a BMW battery (who knows how old it might be at this point?) and it's showing black in the porthole so it doesn't have sufficient charge. I did the OBC check and the voltage was at 11.7. Turned on the car and voltage read at 14.0+-0.1 (which I believe is in the lower portion of normal range). With all accessories and the headlights on it would drop to 13.9+-0.1. When I turned it back off, the battery started to drain rather quickly (about 0.1 per 45 seconds until it hit 12.5 or so, with accessories off). So, I'm thinking I definitely need a new battery regardless.
Both times limp mode came on I was driving in cold, wet weather so I had my heater, headlights, and heated seats on plus the radio. When I hit the throttle for heavier acceleration, the limp mode occurred. Exactly the same, both times. As hard as I tried, I couldn't repeat the issue on other (warmer, brighter) days.
I'm thinking a new battery might save the day. Anyone else concur or disagree? Also, should I get a new BMW battery or will an equivalent battery from AutoZone or WalMart do the trick?
Much obliged.
I've read that a dying battery or bad alternator can cause such issues. I'm hoping it's the battery. It's a BMW battery (who knows how old it might be at this point?) and it's showing black in the porthole so it doesn't have sufficient charge. I did the OBC check and the voltage was at 11.7. Turned on the car and voltage read at 14.0+-0.1 (which I believe is in the lower portion of normal range). With all accessories and the headlights on it would drop to 13.9+-0.1. When I turned it back off, the battery started to drain rather quickly (about 0.1 per 45 seconds until it hit 12.5 or so, with accessories off). So, I'm thinking I definitely need a new battery regardless.
Both times limp mode came on I was driving in cold, wet weather so I had my heater, headlights, and heated seats on plus the radio. When I hit the throttle for heavier acceleration, the limp mode occurred. Exactly the same, both times. As hard as I tried, I couldn't repeat the issue on other (warmer, brighter) days.
I'm thinking a new battery might save the day. Anyone else concur or disagree? Also, should I get a new BMW battery or will an equivalent battery from AutoZone or WalMart do the trick?
Much obliged.
