I have 2010 E90 which I have owned since new. It now has 110k and all services done thru dealer and exceeded BMW recommendations. Oil changes every 7000 miles. When vehicle is cold, around here 32 degrees, it does start but "labors" or strains for about 4 seconds. The cars always starts. The vehicles has 3 year old battery, this battery was installed by the dealer and registered, the car has new spark plugs, I have a battery tender which I use about every 2 weeks. I use the tender due to the short driving. I drive about 15 miles per day. The battery glass is green. When checked cold is shows exactly 12 volts on a volt meter. I was planning to replace the battery, but does this make sense? Will new battery have same problem in about a month or so. Due to short driving.
A fully charged battery will read 12.6 volts and battery reading 12v is actually quite low and can cause cold starting issues. If you take it to any auto store they can test the battery to see how it does with loads applied to it. But at 3 years with a normal lead acid battery it's getting towards the end of life especially is the vehicle is short tripped a lot. I'm not sure how hard it is laboring to start but battery is always the first spot to start checking and can cause this.
Thanks for insight. When warm or driven vehicle starts instantly. When parked for two days or more vehicle labors to start. Sounds like I should replace battery.
Ditto what Charlson says, load test battery so you know you're on the right track and find you've put out $$$ on a battery only to find you have to throw more $$$ towards something else, if it happens that the battery isn't the problem.
Due to the tight space around the battery terminals, Autozone could not test with the battery in the car. So, I did have it replaced, I found it had very slightly less than 12 volts after sitting over night. My Club membership saved me about $70 on the replacement. I had it done at dealer so it is registered.
Thanks for the good word. I just did want to wait for it to fail. I have two BMWs and love this 2010 3 series. I runs great and feels great when it pulls into traffic. It is a basic car with sport package, leather and sunroof. Thanks
