2000, W reg, 530i SE electrical issues

[cramman]

Me mate is having a load of issues with a 530i, the car has done about 80K miles, but isn’t used a great deal, which is possibly part of the problem as it does sit unused at times.

The issue started a while back with the sat nav unit dying. This was removed as he didn’t use it.

Then, the battery started to die a lot, this was replaced but didn’t solve the problem.

Recently, the TV went off and the battery went again, took it in to an auto electrician and water was found in the loom and around the contacts, TV was then disconnected, again, no big deal.

Now, it’s dead again. Not enough power to unlock the boot or anything.

My question then; is there a standard issue with the electrics in these cars? Anything else to check?

The battery is off for a charge at the minute, once it’s on we are going to check the alternator. What voltage should we be seeing across the battery with the engine running (ie alternator charging)
Cheers,

Cramman.

[Fox-]

The final stage resistor for the climate control causes battery drain issues when it fails. Have you checked this?

Also what actually is this car - 2000/W E39's are all prefacelift models, and the 530i was not available until after the facelift.

Is it a 530d? Or a 528i?

[Denis O]

As Fox says, good chance it's one of these

[cramman]

Thanks, I did a quick google and came up with that resistor problem. Will be checking about for a guide on it somewhere.
From the very brief reading I done sounded fairly simple, but everything on the net does.

Also, it's defo a petrol so would point towards the 2.8i.