Check your BMW's battery health

BMWs with an intelligent battery sensor (IBS) on the battery keep track of how it's doing. AutoLingo for BMW reads that from the car's power management: how charged the battery is, how well it can still start the engine, and its capacity.

It's a quick way to tell a flat battery from a worn-out one before you buy a new one.

Which BMWs

BMWs with an intelligent battery sensor (IBS), which most BMWs from the mid-2000s on have. The app lists the check only on cars that have one.

Before you start

  • The AutoLingo for BMW adapter plugged in and connected.
  • Ignition on.

Step by step

  1. Open the Service tab. The app reads the car's service data when the tab opens.
  2. Under “Battery health”, tap Read next to “Read battery health”.
  3. Read the result: the charge (state of charge), starting capability, capacity and battery temperature, and a verdict: the battery looks healthy, is a bit low on charge, or is weak and may struggle to start the car.

Good to know

  • Nothing is changed on the car: it's a read.
  • A battery that's only low on charge usually comes back after a longer drive or a night on a charger. If it's weak and doesn't recover after charging, have it tested or replaced.
  • After fitting a new battery, the car's power management has to be told about it (battery registration). That comes in a free update once we've confirmed it on real cars.

More how-tos: Check if your BMW is ready for an emissions inspection · Read and reset your BMW's service intervals (CBS) · Open your BMW's electric parking brake for a rear brake job