Please guys, can I get some info regarding this power discharge software update???

[Sammydtd]

My dealer is clueless, and I've gone through two different batteries already! Has anyone done anything regarding this issue? I also have the ipod connected through the y cable at all times, does this drain power?

[Suzie's Dad]

Weird.

#1: If the battery is going down while the car is not in use, obviously you either have a short or something that should switch off isn't switching off. It should take your dealer about 30 seconds to test the iPod Y-cable when the ignition is off. I doubt it is live without the ignition, though. (Simple test: Unplug it and see if the battery still drains. Doh.)

#2: Intermittent electrical drains like this are, unfortunately, not that uncommon in BMWs. If the cause isn't obvious, diagnosing them can be a pig. The dealer doesn't want to do it because BMW pays him by the job, not by the hour. Any extended diagnosis is on his nickel. However, that should be his problem, not yours. I would be inclined to leave the car at the dealer, take a loaner, and say you don't want the X6 back until it is fixed.

#3: Even if your battery is draining, you shouldn't need a new battery. Twice. If it was just once, I would suspect a faulty battery. But not twice.

Good luck. There are few things more frustrating than this type of problem, both for you and for the dealer.

[dmlgc]

Originally Posted by Sammydtd

My dealer is clueless, and I've gone through two different batteries already! Has anyone done anything regarding this issue? I also have the ipod connected through the y cable at all times, does this drain power?

I have my ipod connected all the time and no discharge. It has been connected continuously for about 2 months.

[Anteater]

Originally Posted by dmlgc

I have my ipod connected all the time and no discharge. It has been connected continuously for about 2 months.

+2. I've had the iPod connected for over 4 months - ever since I got the X6. I only disconnect occasionally when I go to the gym. I've not experienced any issues related to power. As Suzie's Dad says - these issues can be a real pain to fix, but the dealer should be able to test all the usual suspects by using an ampmeter to check battery output whilst disconnecting each possible option.... there should not be too many systems to check - most likely are iDrive, HiFi and Navi. The only other option to consider is whether the problem is actually the Alternator or other part of the charging system - therefore causing the battery to discharge through normal use but not to be recharged.

Cheers, Anteater

[chuck92103]

Originally Posted by Sammydtd

My dealer is clueless, and I've gone through two different batteries already! Has anyone done anything regarding this issue? I also have the ipod connected through the y cable at all times, does this drain power?

Have you requested the BMW area rep visit your dealer while your X6 is there? This does not sound like the software power drain issue that came up a few years ago. More than likely a one off issue since no one else is reporting it.

[akraptor]

Since you are living in Syria, I guess you are a heavy air-con user. I know this is causing trouble to car batteries. I used to drive a Ford once (well. . ) in Kansas in mid summer and the air-con was almost at max. Over 38 deg. Celsius outside. And the engine just died. In the middle of the f. street. While driving. It just died.

So if you use air con at high level, have lights turned on, Navi is on, music is on, you recharge your cel phone and also have a refrigerator hooked up to the cigarette lighter socket. . I guess it can happen to drain your battery.

[rockmed]

Do a quick inspection to make sure you don't have glove compartment, roof lights, etc. that are on. I remember once with an Audi the battery kept draining due to a fault in the glove compartment light which was continuously on.

[shenard]

Originally Posted by dmlgc

I have my ipod connected all the time and no discharge. It has been connected continuously for about 2 months.

Me too. Mine is always connected.

[Suzie's Dad]

Originally Posted by Anteater

The only other option to consider is whether the problem is actually the Alternator or other part of the charging system - therefore causing the battery to discharge through normal use but not to be recharged.

+1. You can check this easily with a simple $10 voltmeter. Just measure the voltage each time you switch off. (The X5 has a positive terminal in the engine compartment on the front of the firewall. I imagine the X6 does too.) A fully charged battery should read about 13 volts. If it drops with each measurement, you may be on track to find the problem. 10 volts is fully discharged.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by Suzie's Dad

Weird.

#1: If the battery is going down while the car is not in use, obviously you either have a short or something that should switch off isn't switching off. It should take your dealer about 30 seconds to test the iPod Y-cable when the ignition is off. I doubt it is live without the ignition, though. (Simple test: Unplug it and see if the battery still drains. Doh.)

#2: Intermittent electrical drains like this are, unfortunately, not that uncommon in BMWs. If the cause isn't obvious, diagnosing them can be a pig. The dealer doesn't want to do it because BMW pays him by the job, not by the hour. Any extended diagnosis is on his nickel. However, that should be his problem, not yours. I would be inclined to leave the car at the dealer, take a loaner, and say you don't want the X6 back until it is fixed.

#3: Even if your battery is draining, you shouldn't need a new battery. Twice. If it was just once, I would suspect a faulty battery. But not twice.

Good luck. There are few things more frustrating than this type of problem, both for you and for the dealer.

Good sound advise, I agree.

[drrosnrosn]

I agree with Anteater, sounds suspicious for a faulty alternator. Make sure they take a look at that while under the hood.

[Sammydtd]

Wow, thanks guys! That's a lot of responses, and a ton of great advice. I will have them look at the alternator and measure the battery volts at several intervals. So I assume no one has had their x6's software upgraded for this particular issue?

Since I got back from my trip almost two weeks ago, I haven't had a problem, barring for a morning when my clock had reset. I'll also try to look for some lights which might be on continuously.

Thanks guys!

[Deda]

good luck!