BMW: Increased Battery Discharge Warning And How To Fix It

Many BMW owners call us when they see a "battery discharged" message on their dashboard. In this case, the vehicle is telling you that your battery is getting low and it needs time to recharge before you shut it off again.

You can also get increased BMW battery discharge when stationary. If you see this error message on your dashboard, some electronic components (such as heated seats, power functions, fan, door locks, interior lighting, comfort access, etc.) may turn off automatically in order to save battery.

When you see this message, remove any chargers or adapters from the cigarette socket. Continue to drive your BMW for at least 30 minutes to charge the battery. If the problem persists, the next step is to verify that the battery is in good condition and that it is charging properly. Perform a charging system test and, if necessary, charge the battery manually by connecting a 12-volt trickle battery charger to the battery terminals.

Don’t worry if several parts stop working, including windows, folding mirrors, seats, sunroof, etc. It doesn’t mean that something is wrong with these systems. Your BMW attempts to conserve energy to allow the car to charge the main battery. Normal operation should return once the battery is charged.

Symptoms

• Increased battery discharge error message
• BMW cannot start
• Electrical malfunctions
• The car can stop while driving or idling
• The warning goes away once you start the car
• Battery charge warning
• Check engine light
• Increased battery discharge when stopped

Error Messages

The error message may vary from one BMW model to another. Here are some mistakes that we often see.

● Battery discharged when stopped. Switch off, unnecessary electrical consumers. Reset the date and time if necessary. If this problem recurs, have the system checked by a mechanic.

● Increased battery discharge when stopped. Electrical consumers have been temporarily deactivated.

● The battery discharges when stopped. Electrical appliances were temporarily turned off.

● Low vehicle battery charge. Charge while driving longer or use an external charger. Functions requiring a battery will be disabled.

How To Check The Bmw Battery Drain Problem?

Check that the error message remains. Access the Vehicle Status check on your iDrive / multimedia screen. Go to the main menu – Vehicle information – Vehicle status – Check – Increased battery discharge.

Also Read: How To Tell If Engine Is Damaged From No Oil

Possible Causes Of Bmw Battery Drain Problem

Several issues can cause increased battery discharge, the most common of which is an old battery, a faulty IBS (Intelligent Battery Sensor), or a poor ground connection.

• The battery is over 5 years old. Do not hold a charge
• High electrical demand by one module
• Loose battery contact
• Defective IBS sensor
• Electronic devices plugged into the 12-volt outlet
• Defective junction box
• DME (digital motor electronics) / DDE defective
• A faulty EDC module in the trunk is drawing excessive current
• Defective CA (Comfort Access) module
• A scanner connected to the OBD2 port

1- Battery Age

BMW batteries typically last between 4 and 6 years. If your battery does not hold a charge, you may get the increased battery discharge warning when starting or while driving. If the battery fails, you usually receive several other warnings.

A simple check you can perform is to examine the low or high beams (the engine should be off) and determine if they look weak. If they are slightly dark or the car has trouble starting, the battery may be the cause. It is not uncommon for a BMW battery to fail, even at two years, due to a bad cell.

Note that the battery may run out overnight or not charge properly. If your BMW battery keeps dying while parked, make sure the smart key is not too close to the car.

2- IBS Sensor

A faulty IBS sensor could be the culprit. The IBS sensor is installed on the negative terminal of the battery.

3- Bad Connection

Improper connection of the battery cable can also cause the warning message “increased battery discharge”. Check the battery terminals to make sure they are not loose.

Especially if you receive this error message after replacing the battery. If the battery terminals are not loose, remove them and clean them with a battery terminal brush.

They can corrode causing the increased battery drain error message. Make sure to check and clean the IBS sensor cable also connected to the negative battery cable. Other possible problems include a faulty alternator not charging the battery properly.

4- Short Trips

If you use your BMW for short trips, you are not giving your battery time to charge properly. It may reduce the battery charge. If so, you can connect a trickle charger overnight to the battery or take longer trips (at least 30 min by car) once a week.

You don’t have to drive on the freeway to let the battery charge, city driving also works. Keep electronic consumption to a minimum, such as heated seats. Also, keep the daytime running lights off. This will allow the battery to charge faster

5- Cigarette Lighter Socket

An electronic device or a high-power charger plugged into the cigarette outlet can use up enough power to trigger this error message. Be sure to unplug phone chargers or GPS units from the 12-volt cigarette outlet. Don’t forget to check the rear socket if you have one.

6- Cold Temperature

In cold weather, battery performance decreases. In addition to that, you are more likely to turn on multiple consumers such as heated seats, defrosters, wipers, etc. If you have an old car battery on your BMW, there is a good chance that you will get the battery drain error.

Quick Tips for Addressing Increased Battery Discharge

If an accessory is directly connected to the negative battery terminal, disconnect it and use a ground point on the body instead.

1. Unplug Devices: Remove chargers, GPS units, or any other devices from 12-volt outlets.

2. Check Battery Age : Replace the battery if it’s over five years old.

3. Ensure Proper Coding: Confirm that the new or recently replaced battery is correctly coded for your vehicle.

4. Fully Charge the Battery: Use a charger or drive your car for at least 30 minutes.

5. Measure Battery Voltage: Use a digital multimeter
a) Engine off: Battery should show at least 12 volts.
b) Ignition on: Voltage should stay above 12 volts.
c) Engine running: Voltage should be between 13-14.5 volts.

6. System Scan and Error Codes: Use a BMW OBD2 scanner to read error codes from the DME module.
Check other modules for excessive current draw (e.g., amplifier, EDC module).

7. Disconnect Faulty Accessories

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