jenksy0198

OK to close this out, batteries have a life and it looks like mine, which was purchased in 2019, has run out. Because the majority of journeys in the E64 are relatively short it looks like the cycling and cranking draw on the battery is taking its toll. The non cranking experience has continued so will invest in a new battery and put some regular longer runs in. Hopefully that will sort the issue I have had.

Now that is a good idea. Will check it out

HI all, I have been suffering a slow discharge from the battery which has resulted in low cranking amps. Car isn't doing that many miles so put it down to low charging so set up a regular charge up practice. I think something is drawing on the battery. After a closer inspection I think it is the glove box light...why? I am assuming the glove box light is activated when the opener is released and the two sprung clips release from the bars located in the opening part. I am assuming this as I can't see any other sprung clip that activates the glove box light. However, when I press these sprung clips in by hand, either together or separately, the light stays on. This would explain why I am experiencing this slow draw on the battery. Does this sound correct or is there some other sensor that controls the light on/off in the glove box. Seems my only solution would be to remove the bulb in the glove box which is no big deal.

For anyone else, found a great youtube footage on a fix for this, which is to use a self adhesive foam pushed between the 'eyebrow' and headlight which seals that route for water. You can then get lamps out use hairdryer to dry light out an a wire rid with cloth to clean the inside of the lens before putting headlight bulb back and back into service. Looks like a good fix, needs patience but best I have seen. Here is the link.

all good boys and thanks for the advice. Seems I am not alone. Will take a look and plan a method and report back.

Hi all, looking for advice on this matter. Just noticed this am that I have a condensation build up inside of the headlight unit on my E64. Have not noticed it before. I am assuming I have to replace the entire unit or is there a way to just replace the lens part and seal it up. Neither can I see any cracks or dings in the lens that would allow water ingress, so Im a bit stumped. Appreciate any advice. Paul

Can anyone advise on best place to obtain new full pile replacement mats for my E64. Just had a bad experience on ebay so they are going back, totally missold. Just need a nice set in black with the velcro pads already fitted as per BMW spec.

Hi all, time for me to change my front discs on the E64. Has anyone got any experience on discs manufacturer and things to avoid. I am just going for plain vented discs as per standard spec on the vehicle. Advice always welcome

Hi Rob, yes I did get it sorted and it was the Bi xenon set up that Greydog alluded to in the earlier post. It was just my understanding of how the beam worked which was causing me the confusion. Apologies as should have responded quicker.

so 4 months on and still no comment from BMW. I will certainly look to change this filter holder each 30K miles. Seems good practice to do so. Hopefully BMW will think it courteous at a minimum to actually provide some guidance on this matter.

OK, update on slow water leak. An inspection found that the bottom main hose had developed a leak through a sensor which sits on top of it. Only became apparent when under pressure. All other sources are visibly clear, water pump gasketing etc etc , which is good news for me. Spring cleaning coming up and canvas roof to be done. Just working away bits of green algae with my trusted tooth brush first before recolouring and proofing the roof.

Confirm repeated goes. The algae is usually quite deeply engrained so the hot soap and water does need to be used regularly with the said tooth brush. Once lifted you can also go over with a proprietary cleaner, I use the Renovo products and have done for 6 years now, cleaner followed by the colour and then the waterproofer. There are other products but these ones have worked for me. Do the roof twice a year and still I get some green spots so it is just one of those things running a canvas roof. Mind you using a cover in the winter probably does'nt help things but there you go.

No starting issues to report since the relay was changed. Looking like a solid fix.

Thanks Dave, it is intermittent to be fair which could be explained by the caliper observation. Ill give them an overhaul in the spring and see if that changes anything and report back.

HI all, my 650i seems to now be pulling to the right under braking. Bit of a new phenomena this. Is there a recommendation on checking braking balance or is this likely to vary over time. I am just trying to better appreciate the likely cause and what it is I am asking for with regards to work and measurement. Thanks.

OK, further installment. Many thanks to Greydog for the input. Non cranking has been getting worse and I ordered the BMW part to replace the defective relay as noted above. It was located exactly where you said it was but....... When you open the flap to access the fuses box area at the back of the glove box you first need to lift out the raised plate that sits on the glove box tray to the rear of the glove box. This allows said flap to fully lower. I had a little play and found a press/pull up slat on the back side of said plate, located exactly in the middle. This releases the plate and allows the fuse box flap to lower fully providing access. Changing the relays is just a pull out/press in fitting. There are two lugs on the sides of the relay, one lower and one higher, which correspond to the guides in the fuse box itself so you cant put it in the wrong way around. Typical BMW........... Car started straight away and I am hoping that is the matter sorted. A £16.85 fix and a bit of research to boot. This really is a very good forum to be part of.

Top job, thank you.

Hi Dave, after looking through the various fuse and relay diagrams and notations for E63/E64 (2006), there does not appear to be a specific ignition relay mentioned. I am then assuming it is coupled with something else. Can you shed any light on relay location please and what it is most likely called ?

Thanks Dave, you are so right about the proper BMW bit. It could well be with the sticking relay as I can hear it clicking when I press the start button but nowt happens. Certainly obvious after damp conditions. I'll look the relay piece up see where I get to and if a mere novice can change that out for a new one. Paul

This is a weird one. In the winter months (UK) I use a weather cover on my E46(2006), more to protect the soft top over the winter months than anything else. The cover isnt fully waterproof. Recently I have noticed that when I take the cover off, the car refuses to even crank over. Clock is on, radio ok, no discharge warning, nothing that would lead me to suspect a battery problem. When I then leave the car for 1 hour it cranks over no problem. Almost as if humidity or moisture somewhere is the cause but once the cover is off this clears. Other info, there is no damp or water ingress in the boot/trunk areas, all battery terminals are clean and tight. Ive checked key fob etc - tried two different keys etc., all good. Can anyone shed any light on this?

got to endorse Chris's comment. All about agitation and repeated use of cleaner. The green algae discolouration in particular is stubborn and you just need to have repeated goes with a toothbrush over a few days and it will lift.

Yes, I think that is the way to go. Whilst it is open, change the lot.

Hi Greydog, well it seems that the water pump may be the culprit. Looks like I have a weeping from the front of the pump on to a lower hose and the floor pan. Im suspecting a gasket has gone so hopefully just a gasket replace but will report back. Any other thoughts welcome as cant get pics from above will need to go from below to get pics. Chances of water pump being U/S?

As an add on, it looks like Ive got some visible scaling onthe floor pan , visible from the top of the engine down through the belts. This might be an indication of a bottom hose on way out. Will advise if I find out more, will also take some pics.

Hi Staff, always good to get some kind of consistency. Yes a valid advisory to all to be vigilant as you approach MOT time, especially if running tyres on low mileage.