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Re: 86 325es BATTERY EATER (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 3-series (E30) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by mike on October 22, 2000 at 23:44:25:

In Reply to: 86 325es BATTERY EATER posted by ryan on October 22, 2000 at 23:31:08:


the past two years, my wife's bmw has drained two (advanced auto parts) batteries in under 12 months...where do i start looking?

you need a multimeter with current measurung capability to ck current draw. allowable draw is 50ma. you may, if you have a big enough draw, be able to do it redneck style with a test light. this is not the best way, but may help you. unhook positve post, disconnect trunk light switch, and hook up test light in between cable and pos post. most popular battery draws on this model are the power antenna and the cluster. actually, if you look at cluster with key off, and you have a service light led on with key off, that is your draw. i don't like to use a test light to ck this, but may do if it is the cluster or antenna. simply disconnect one or the other and see if the test light goes out, or at least gets alot dimmer.also, fuse 21 is the source of power for almost all battery draws on this model. also, is a cassette is stuck in the tape deck, it will cause a draw. good luck. if you are unable to trace, ask again, or take to dealer. it should not take more than an hour to diagnose, if whoever works on it is familair with e30's.


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