Going on vacation for 4 weeks, do I need a battery tender?

[jms_w]

Since the search option on this forum has been broken since this afternoon, will I need to worry about the battery if I let the car sit for 4-5 weeks, doors locked, comfort access, no alarm? Thanks in advance.

[nick3753]

Originally Posted by jms_w

Since the search option on this forum has been broken since this afternoon, will I need to worry about the battery if I let the car sit for 4-5 weeks, doors locked, no alarm? Thanks in advance.

What's your address?



Jk, don't know the answer sorry.

[jms_w]

Originally Posted by nick3753

What's your address?

Jk, don't know the answer sorry.

Very funny. Well, since you asked, it's

1600 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC

[ES_TRADER]

Originally Posted by jms_w

Since the search option on this forum has been broken since this afternoon, will I need to worry about the battery if I let the car sit for 4-5 weeks, doors locked, no alarm? Thanks in advance.

No. It will be fine. Mine sat for 6 weeks still works fine

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by jms_w

Very funny. Well, since you asked, it's

1600 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC

Wow you must be loaded
That house is valued at 260 million dollars
Too old for me though,
Built in 1972?
no thanks!

[Poppin Fresh]

No need for a battery tender. I would although advice you to drive around for a while the night before because you will be missing driving it for four weeks. It's like crack and you're gonna have withdrawals.

[calintexas]

A battery tender is always good. Given that your car is a 2008 and assuming that the battery is the original, a battery tender is a very good idea. The Deltran Battery Tender Plus is around $50. on Amazon.

If you are out of time, take your car on a good long highway drive (say an hour), and cross your fingers.

[schnell325]

Yes, for the price of a batt. tender, best to get one and not have to worry.

[jms_w]

Originally Posted by calintexas

A battery tender is always good. Given that your car is a 2008 and assuming that the battery is the original, a battery tender is a very good idea. The Deltran Battery Tender Plus is around $50. on Amazon.

If you are out of time, take your car on a good long highway drive (say an hour), and cross your fingers.

Thanks, I think I have time to order one. But if the battery does go, wouldn't it be covered under warranty? I still have a year left. I'll definitely get one after the warranty period.

[schnell325]

Even if it is covered, imagine the headache and hassle you'd experience when you came home!!

[klammer]

Originally Posted by schnell325

Even if it is covered, imagine the headache and hassle you'd experience when you came home!!

zach
lee

[FStop7]

You probably don't need one but I still say get one. You can get a BT junior from Amazon for $30. That's a a lot less than the cost of a replacement battery and less hassle than getting a jump or a tow.

[immiketoo]

I always use one even if its just for a week. Because of all the battery level programming, the opportunities for chaos make me want to keep the battery fresh. I KNOW it isn't really necessary, but I do it all the same.

[vfour]

My 335i sat in my garage for 4 months each year while I was in Florida for the winter, with no battery tender. It always started up immediately, no problem. This coming winter will be the first with my M3 but I do not anticipate any problems.

[immiketoo]

Be prepared for some electrical unpleasantness. You will likely see some systems shut down while you are gone.

[JusCruzin]

I would recommend using a tender. BMW will sometimes refuse to replace the battery under warranty if they think the cause is driver profile (ie, not driving the car enough) rather than the battery itself. If you are in a hurry, you can get the Deltran tender from your local BMW dealer, although they will mark it up to about $70.

[Mace]

Originally Posted by kmarei

Wow you must be loaded
That house is valued at 260 million dollars
Too old for me though,
Built in 1972?
no thanks!

I think you mean 1792. Overall though it's not bad as public housing goes.

As for the car, I have an '08 also and have lots of business travel which means the car sits at the airport quite a bit, typically for about a week at a time although it's been there as long as three weeks and I've never had any problems. On the other hand, we ask a lot of the battery given all the electronics and stuff like parked car ventilation. Since a battery's typical life is about three years I'd definently get the trickle charger as insurance.

[_Jono_]

You wont need one even if you havent driven for 2 months lol.

[drvai]

Originally Posted by jms_w

Since the search option on this forum has been broken since this afternoon, will I need to worry about the battery if I let the car sit for 4-5 weeks, doors locked, comfort access, no alarm? Thanks in advance.

No need, unless you haven't been using the car a lot.
Should be fine.

[drvai]

Originally Posted by Mace

Since a battery's typical life is about three years I'd definently get the trickle charger as insurance.

You know for a fact this battery lasts for 3 years?
They usually go on for 5!

[donovan]

Mine is at a damn port...and I cant get it until mid sept.

[Mace]

Originally Posted by drvai

You know for a fact this battery lasts for 3 years?
They usually go on for 5!

Three to four is far more typical for the average battery based on years and years of experience. I seriously doubt you have any "facts" that back up your five year claim.