The dash os dead and the car wont start

[JM_128]

I have a 128i and it happened that i was going to buy wings for the nba finals. I got out of the car saw the long line on the wing store and walked back to my car, maybe 4 minutes after turning it off. When i tried to start it it was dead. The lights, locks, doors, sunroof and seat were working fine but the car wasnt able to start. I took it to the dealership an they are saying that it was because some electrical check that they do says i left the ignition on and that the warranty wont cover. The car was perfectly fine prior to this, i always have the lights on Automode so i know is not that i left the lights on, and my car doesnt have the keyless entry so in order for my car to be on my keys need to be on the slot. What could it be? I called BMWNA and they said that they back up the dealer thats some BS if you ask me! Any ideas?

[TheSt|G]

Lawyer up if they aren't listening.

[JM_128]

Now they are saying that there is a $200 installation fee for a battery, and that they program the battery to the car to make it last longer? Is this even true?

[cheshirecat79]

Originally Posted by JM_128

Now they are saying that there is a $200 installation fee for a battery, and that they program the battery to the car to make it last longer? Is this even true?

Yes. The new battery has to be registered with the vehicle, as the alternator is "smart" and sends different amounts of current at different times depending on the condition of the battery.

[Zeros and ones]

Originally Posted by cheshirecat79

Yes. The new battery has to be registered with the vehicle, as the alternator is "smart" and sends different amounts of current at different times depending on the condition of the battery.

so than what happens when you get your own battery for the car? Say one that is not a BMW battery?

[cheshirecat79]

Originally Posted by Zeros and ones

so than what happens when you get your own battery for the car? Say one that is not a BMW battery?

you have to bring it to the dealer to have it coded or have someone with the proper software code it for you. the charging system in the car is calibrated for a certain type of battery (both in capacity and cranking amps).

just the way the car works.

[vertebra]

It was just the battery?

[Zeros and ones]

Originally Posted by cheshirecat79

you have to bring it to the dealer to have it coded or have someone with the proper software code it for you. the charging system in the car is calibrated for a certain type of battery (both in capacity and cranking amps).

just the way the car works.

I doubt the dealer would code a non certified BMW battery but I can see going to an independent.

However, it is just plane BS that bmw is doing this with the battery. I can understand why they do this but if a person can not 'properly' replace a battery in their own car they shouldn't do it.

Oh how times have changed from the old days when you can just put in your own battery in your car without getting it coded.

[bbbbmw]

A couple if thoughts:

-did you have the battery recall done? Could it be related?

-I rented a 328i several months ago. The key slot was broken, and you could remove the key fob and the car would keep running. Perhaps your key slot is defective?