E92 M3 - Battery charge very low on I drive screen

[Andrew Coates]

I keep getting the message at the top of the idrive screen saying "Battery Charge very low" even through the car starts fine. It also shows the orange battery symbol in the main dashboard display. Also, the whole thing shuts down after a couple of minutes if the car is not started.

See photos:

[crazy about cars]

I've been getting that recently too! 2010 M3.

I don't do many miles so that could be that cause. I find hooking up my CTEK overnight helps but the problem seem to come back few weeks after. Perhaps it could be a new time for a battery.

[Lignumopus]

Andrew Coates said:

I keep getting the message at the top of the idrive screen saying "Battery Charge very low" even through the car starts fine. It also shows the orange battery symbol in the main dashboard display. Also, the whole thing shuts down after a couple of minutes if the car is not started.

1. Is battery >8 years old? May be on the way out.
2. Get battery tested by qualified auto-electrician
AND/OR
3. Get one of these. http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/ctek-mxs5.0.php This model IS suitable for Advanced Glass Mat Batteries (important, as I believe BMW batteries are now AGM).
It is a brilliant battery tender/charger - AND - it has a battery test facility built-in.TA-DA.
4. Get qualified auto-electrician to test for an unexpected battery drain after switch-off

[krisdelta]

This sounds very much like it needing a new battery, low charge / ability to hold charge can cause mayhem with the electronics and sensor reads.

[t8cmf]

Another big thumbs up for the Ctek MXS 5.0.

These cars don't like to be left sitting. My 2007 E92 M3 battery is still going strong but then I plug mine into my Ctek every few weeks to keep it topped up.

[Lost soul]

Do M3's have the BMW smart charge system ?