BMW is quietly changing batteries at every oil change for the N63 turbo V8 engines?

Babs · 05-13-2015, 11:49 AM

You are right WilliCO. I think BMW will go the way of higher output I6 engines in non M cars. In addition to the higher standards car manufacturers have to meet in better gas mileage and emissions from regulators, it only makes logical sense. One thing I don't get is why the V8 variant (N63 and maybe the N63tu?) in BMWs have this 'interesting' design. I wonder if it's the same situation with the other German car manufacturers (Audi, Mercedes Benz and Porsche) with similar (hp and torque) V8 engines. Just thinking out loud here and not trying to start an unnecessary comparison or discussion that is probably not apples to apples.

Terp335 · 05-13-2015, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babs

You are right WilliCO. I think BMW will go the way of higher output I6 engines in non M cars. In addition to the higher standards car manufacturers have to meet in better gas mileage and emissions from regulators, it only makes logical sense. One thing I don't get is why the V8 variant (N63 and maybe the N63tu?) in BMWs have this 'interesting' design. I wonder if it's the same situation with the other German car manufacturers (Audi, Mercedes Benz and Porsche) with similar (hp and torque) V8 engines. Just thinking out loud here and not trying to start an unnecessary comparison or discussion that is probably not apples to apples.

It's a reasonable thought that I have wondered as well and would certainly impact my buying decision. I test drove the x5 5.0 and 2016 cayenne GTS (a turbo 6 now in 2016) a few weeks ago and both were amazingly fast. The X5 did fill faster although not as nimble even with dhp. Fwiw, I haven't heard of similar engine issues in the Porsche, but I'm not on those forums as much either.

Socaldriver · 07-23-2015, 01:08 PM

I'm reading about the X5 F15 problems online. Are the problems really that bad? I'm in the market for a mid-size luxury SUV and my choices are the new X5, Lexus GX 460, ML (GLE coming soon), Audi Q7 or Acurs MDX. My 1st choice are either an X5 or GX 460. Any advice? I'm a person that keeps their cars 5+ years or more and is sort of a car mechanic. Thanks.

Gh0st0 · 07-23-2015, 07:36 PM

Kind of a bummer, i liked the v8

Terp335 · 07-23-2015, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socaldriver

I'm reading about the X5 F15 problems online. Are the problems really that bad? I'm in the market for a mid-size luxury SUV and my choices are the new X5, Lexus GX 460, ML (GLE coming soon), Audi Q7 or Acurs MDX. My 1st choice are either an X5 or GX 460. Any advice? I'm a person that keeps their cars 5+ years or more and is sort of a car mechanic. Thanks.

The V8 may not be a good engine to buy which is why I went diesel. If you're going to lease, I'd lease the V8. The 35i has he N55 engine which has been around for 4 yrs, going on 5, and had a great record of reliability. I wouldn't hesitate to get the 35i and be worried about reliability.

dr.waxman · 07-24-2015, 12:20 AM

Funny that, dealer swapped out my original factory fitted battery for beefier version on my old E70. On trade-in, the baterry light was repeatedly showing up with little drain used. Let's hope my F85 does not repeat this perfromance. It has two batteries I believe re cooling fans need.

Xeno · 07-24-2015, 10:52 AM

I took in my X5 50i earlier this week for the 10K mile service, and the SA said there was no SIB suggesting that my battery should be replaced. I was asked if it was giving me problems and I replied that I had not noticed such.

barcelona · 07-24-2015, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xeno

I took in my X5 50i earlier this week for the 10K mile service, and the SA said there was no SIB suggesting that my battery should be replaced. I was asked if it was giving me problems and I replied that I had not noticed such.

See Kewl X5 post, for SIB #.
I had service in May, the battery will be replaced in Nov. Ask for a print out of your CBS from key FOB.

Xeno · 07-24-2015, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barcelona

See Kewl X5 post, for SIB #.
I had service in May, the battery will be replaced in Nov. Ask for a print out of your CBS from key FOB.

I gave them the SIB # posted upthread. I printed out a pdf with relevant data from perhaps Bimmerfest.

Sorry but I do not what the "CBS" is from my key.

barcelona · 07-24-2015, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xeno

I gave them the SIB # posted upthread. I printed out a pdf with relevant data from perhaps Bimmerfest.

Sorry but I do not what the "CBS" is from my key.

Try another dealer or contact BMW USA. It appears to be covered by some US dealers and my Canadian dealer. I have no problem with my battery yet. Post warranty, I guess we are all out of pocket. Too bad they wont provide extended coverage like they did for Fuel Pump.

Condition based service CBS, is when the dealer reads your key fob to learn about your driving habits and determines the maintenance required at specific milestones.
Items, like oil change, air filter, brakes, brake fluids, spark plugs. I believe it is time or distance based.

Kewl X5 · 07-24-2015, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xeno

I took in my X5 50i earlier this week for the 10K mile service, and the SA said there was no SIB suggesting that my battery should be replaced. I was asked if it was giving me problems and I replied that I had not noticed such.

For F15 X5, battery change is at every 2nd oil service. You are at your first oil service.

Nkbm82 · 07-25-2015, 01:37 AM

Last week at my service appt they changed the battery at 17k miles.

kanvas · 11-10-2015, 06:44 PM

That's a bummer. I purchased the 50i and planning on keeping it long-term (near 10 years). I missed my E53 4.4i V8 and purchased the 50i in hopes of rekindling the memories of the past.

I should head over to the stealership to purchase an Extended Warranty

Kewl X5 · 11-10-2015, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kanvas

That's a bummer. I purchased the 50i and planning on keeping it long-term (near 10 years). I missed my E53 4.4i V8 and purchased the 50i in hopes of rekindling the memories of the past.

I should head over to the stealership to purchase an Extended Warranty

And if you got the 35i, you still have to change the battery every 2nd oil change. This applies to all X5 regardless of engine type.

Bigtop · 11-12-2015, 09:55 AM

I just had my second service at 18,000 miles. They changed the battery. Everything seem fine to me.

I have never had any problems with the two 5.0i turboed V8 X5s I have owned. Very reliable.

stewy604 · 11-12-2015, 10:08 AM

I sure wish I would have known this when I purchased this vehicle. Or I would have at least extended the prepaid maintenance pack.

Jimmie48 · 11-12-2015, 10:27 AM

They changed mine at my 2nd oil change 19k miles and all hell broke loose. Had the warnings go haywire, traction, pedestrian, everything on my ride home. Took it back they said they had to reset the computer...his words not mine. Also the turn signal indicator would not turn off after a turn. He told me they had to reinitialize the steering....his words again. All was well after my return trip, and they gave me new floor mats because one of them had lost its velcro. Nice touch but I will be getting some rubber ones.

MY SA told me to look out for a 500 dollar battery swap when I run out of warranty. He told me the way to charge it is to take a long drive every once in a while and coast as much as possible. Apparently this charges and decharges the battery which will extend its life...his words again.

MysticBlue · 11-12-2015, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmie48

They changed mine at my 2nd oil change 19k miles and all hell broke loose. Had the warnings go haywire, traction, pedestrian, everything on my ride home. Took it back they said they had to reset the computer...his words not mine. Also the turn signal indicator would not turn off after a turn. He told me they had to reinitialize the steering....his words again. All was well after my return trip, and they gave me new floor mats because one of them had lost its velcro. Nice touch but I will be getting some rubber ones.

MY SA told me to look out for a 500 dollar battery swap when I run out of warranty. He told me the way to charge it is to take a long drive every once in a while and coast as much as possible. Apparently this charges and decharges the battery which will extend its life...his words again.

You are correct in that nobody should have any trouble unless their use of the vehicle involves lots of short trips and/or long periods of time (like 2 or more weeks) in between uses. Once in awhile that shouldn't be a problem, but if you let it sit for 2 weeks, drive it 2 miles down to the tastee freeze, shut it off, start it up and drive it 2 miles back home, then let it sit for another week or two before you drive it again, and this is a regular routine, then eventually that battery is going to degrade because it is never getting fully charged. Same thing with lots of short trips. If it is getting shut down and started up again on a regular basis without getting fully charged, the battery just isn't going to last more than 2 or 3 years. It really needs to get fully charged, partially because there are so many elecrical loads on the battery both before the vehicle is started and after it is shut down. I wouldn't worry much about if you were planning on keeping the car after warranty, (as I probably am) other than be aware of it, and if you drive the vehicle like I described above, then maybe get a battery tender and plug it in once or twice a month to make sure it is getting fully charged. I have two battery tenders in my garage, one for each side. When the weather is nice and I am driving my M3, the X5 can easily sit for a week or two without getting driven. I just throw the battery tender on it and it'll be fine. Same thing with the M3. If the weather is bad, it can sit for weeks at a time, or even a month or two in the winter. On goes the battery tender, and it's never been a problem. As far as jimmie48's problems, that is completely and totally a function of the dealer screwing up the battery change. They do have to tell the software that a new battery has been installed. Normally it's not a big deal, but apparently, they managed to mess it up somehow. That is not the normal experience to expect when getting a battery changed. And yes, because of the time involved and the software reset, a BMW battery change at a dealer can be several hundred dollars or more.

Rewted · 11-13-2015, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socaldriver

I'm reading about the X5 F15 problems online. Are the problems really that bad? I'm in the market for a mid-size luxury SUV and my choices are the new X5, Lexus GX 460, ML (GLE coming soon), Audi Q7 or Acurs MDX. My 1st choice are either an X5 or GX 460. Any advice? I'm a person that keeps their cars 5+ years or more and is sort of a car mechanic. Thanks.

What are these problems you speak of, including source?

Rewted · 11-13-2015, 09:25 AM

Was seriously considering the X5 M or X5 50i..... but having seconds thoughts after reading this. Especially since I will be 6 hours from the closest dealership if an event were to arise.

stewy604 · 11-13-2015, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rewted

...Especially since I will be 6 hours from the closest dealership if an event were to arise.

That would scare me as a BMW owner.

alphaod · 11-13-2015, 12:54 PM

I'm curious for this programming that needs to done with the battery change, can I do it with the Esys setup I already have or is it some other software? Because AGM batteries don't cost $500 if you don't buy from the dealer. The sell them at Autozone, Pep Boys, etc. for like $200... I've replaced AGM batteries on my old E70 and a Porsche and both did not have issues with these store bought batteries.

My car is new right now, but once it's out of warranty I would just replace the battery when it gets bad (rather than during every oil change) and keep my coding laptop in the trunk...

05-13-2015, 11:49 AM	#23
Babs Private First Class 51 Rep 157 Posts Drives: BMW X5 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	You are right WilliCO. I think BMW will go the way of higher output I6 engines in non M cars. In addition to the higher standards car manufacturers have to meet in better gas mileage and emissions from regulators, it only makes logical sense. One thing I don't get is why the V8 variant (N63 and maybe the N63tu?) in BMWs have this 'interesting' design. I wonder if it's the same situation with the other German car manufacturers (Audi, Mercedes Benz and Porsche) with similar (hp and torque) V8 engines. Just thinking out loud here and not trying to start an unnecessary comparison or discussion that is probably not apples to apples.
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07-23-2015, 01:08 PM	#25
Socaldriver Private 115 Rep 89 Posts Drives: BMW G05 hybrid Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	Advice on mid-size SUV I'm reading about the X5 F15 problems online. Are the problems really that bad? I'm in the market for a mid-size luxury SUV and my choices are the new X5, Lexus GX 460, ML (GLE coming soon), Audi Q7 or Acurs MDX. My 1st choice are either an X5 or GX 460. Any advice? I'm a person that keeps their cars 5+ years or more and is sort of a car mechanic. Thanks.
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07-23-2015, 07:36 PM	#26
Gh0st0 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 30 Posts Drives: soon Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	Kind of a bummer, i liked the v8
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07-24-2015, 12:20 AM	#28
dr.waxman Private First Class 18 Rep 142 Posts Drives: X5M Join Date: May 2015 Location: Auckland NZ iTrader: (0)	Funny that, dealer swapped out my original factory fitted battery for beefier version on my old E70. On trade-in, the baterry light was repeatedly showing up with little drain used. Let's hope my F85 does not repeat this perfromance. It has two batteries I believe re cooling fans need.
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07-24-2015, 10:52 AM	#29
Xeno Major 313 Rep 1,448 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 M Sport 5.0i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I took in my X5 50i earlier this week for the 10K mile service, and the SA said there was no SIB suggesting that my battery should be replaced. I was asked if it was giving me problems and I replied that I had not noticed such. __________________ 2019 BMW X5 xDrive 50i M Sport: ZD8/ZLS/ZMP/ZP2/ZPK/ZPX/337/ZX7/2NH 2015 BMW X5 xDrive 50i/XL/CW/DA+/EP/LP/FVS retired; 2008 X5 4.8i; 2012 X5 5.0i retired, 2004 X5 4.4i retired R360c + EL, V1G2 + V1Driver, Uniden R8
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
BMW is quietly changing batteries at every oil change for the N63 turbo V8 engines?

07-25-2015, 01:37 AM	#34
Nkbm82 Private First Class 74 Rep 196 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW 750i Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Newport Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	Last week at my service appt they changed the battery at 17k miles.
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11-10-2015, 06:44 PM	#35
kanvas Major 649 Rep 1,170 Posts Drives: V8 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	That's a bummer. I purchased the 50i and planning on keeping it long-term (near 10 years). I missed my E53 4.4i V8 and purchased the 50i in hopes of rekindling the memories of the past. I should head over to the stealership to purchase an Extended Warranty __________________ 2001 X5 4.4i - sold but never forgotten! 2014 X5 xDrive50i
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11-12-2015, 09:55 AM	#37
Bigtop Private First Class 41 Rep 159 Posts Drives: 2020 G05 M50i Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Camelot iTrader: (0)	I just had my second service at 18,000 miles. They changed the battery. Everything seem fine to me. I have never had any problems with the two 5.0i turboed V8 X5s I have owned. Very reliable.
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11-12-2015, 10:08 AM	#38
stewy604 Lieutenant Colonel 290 Rep 1,547 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 35d M Sport Join Date: May 2014 Location: Vancouver, B.C. iTrader: (0)	I sure wish I would have known this when I purchased this vehicle. Or I would have at least extended the prepaid maintenance pack. __________________ 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 35d M Sport Mineral White 2011 BMW 135i M Sport Space Grey 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 750
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11-12-2015, 10:27 AM	#39
Jimmie48 Private 12 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 2014 X5 Xdrive35D Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Dallas iTrader: (0)	They changed mine at my 2nd oil change 19k miles and all hell broke loose. Had the warnings go haywire, traction, pedestrian, everything on my ride home. Took it back they said they had to reset the computer...his words not mine. Also the turn signal indicator would not turn off after a turn. He told me they had to reinitialize the steering....his words again. All was well after my return trip, and they gave me new floor mats because one of them had lost its velcro. Nice touch but I will be getting some rubber ones. MY SA told me to look out for a 500 dollar battery swap when I run out of warranty. He told me the way to charge it is to take a long drive every once in a while and coast as much as possible. Apparently this charges and decharges the battery which will extend its life...his words again.
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11-13-2015, 09:25 AM	#42
Rewted Captain 313 Rep 909 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Was seriously considering the X5 M or X5 50i..... but having seconds thoughts after reading this. Especially since I will be 6 hours from the closest dealership if an event were to arise.
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11-13-2015, 12:54 PM	#44
alphaod Mmmmm… 1150 Rep 2,426 Posts Drives: F15 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW X5 xDrive50i [10.00]	I'm curious for this programming that needs to done with the battery change, can I do it with the Esys setup I already have or is it some other software? Because AGM batteries don't cost $500 if you don't buy from the dealer. The sell them at Autozone, Pep Boys, etc. for like $200... I've replaced AGM batteries on my old E70 and a Porsche and both did not have issues with these store bought batteries. My car is new right now, but once it's out of warranty I would just replace the battery when it gets bad (rather than during every oil change) and keep my coding laptop in the trunk...
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