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This issue is notorious for BMW cars. You have to notify the ECU each time you install a new battery.

dzhiurgis 2y ago
Ahhh, "program a new battery" $400 please.
jcgrillo 2y ago
It's hard to imagine an interpretation of this behavior that doesn't involve manufacturers trying to punish independent mechanics and end users who service their own cars. Like, there's no way it's an "honest mistake", right? BTW I have an AGM ("advanced glass mat") battery in my 1995 Toyota which has a completely analog charging system, and it doesn't get cooked, so it's not because there's something special about the battery.
- HeyLaughingBoy 2y ago
  Don't attribute to malice what can easily be explained by overstressed Systems Engineers trying to resolve multiple conflicting Requirements.
  - jcgrillo 2y ago
    My point is there was absolutely no need for the System Engineers to touch the charging system. The normal analog diode rectifier variety that has been standard since the 1960s is Good Enough. No "Innovation" Needed. Take your spacecamp nerds elsewhere.
    - 4gotunameagain 2y ago
      Sure, you MUST know better than the BMW engineers who designed the feature we have zero information about.
      - Log_out_ 2y ago
        at this point anything is possible: they barely write the specs https//www.heise.de/en/news/BMW-Huge-recall-and-profit-warning-due-to-defective-Conti-brakes-9864793.html
      - whatevaa 2y ago
        Engineers often do stuff without any thought of maintenance. Just ask mechanics/maintenance personnel.
        4gotunameagain 2y ago
        Having performed repairs on a BMW motorcycle, I am quite aware. It is a good point, but I highly doubt that it would play a role in this case. There must be something there that we are missing.
    - tdullien 2y ago
      "Somebody needed to get promoted"
chiph 2y ago
That's because BMW ECUs adapt to the lower voltage as the battery ages and instruct the alternator/charger to provide more current. Replace the battery and the ECU would cause it to be overcharged unless you notify it of the replacement. Yes it's an over-engineered system, but ... German car.
- reportgunner 2y ago
  Sounds like an afterbender straightener architecture.

Ahhh, "program a new battery" $400 please.

It's hard to imagine an interpretation of this behavior that doesn't involve manufacturers trying to punish independent mechanics and end users who service their own cars. Like, there's no way it's an "honest mistake", right? BTW I have an AGM ("advanced glass mat") battery in my 1995 Toyota which has a completely analog charging system, and it doesn't get cooked, so it's not because there's something special about the battery.

HeyLaughingBoy 2y ago
Don't attribute to malice what can easily be explained by overstressed Systems Engineers trying to resolve multiple conflicting Requirements.
- jcgrillo 2y ago
  My point is there was absolutely no need for the System Engineers to touch the charging system. The normal analog diode rectifier variety that has been standard since the 1960s is Good Enough. No "Innovation" Needed. Take your spacecamp nerds elsewhere.
  - 4gotunameagain 2y ago
    Sure, you MUST know better than the BMW engineers who designed the feature we have zero information about.
    - Log_out_ 2y ago
      at this point anything is possible: they barely write the specs https//www.heise.de/en/news/BMW-Huge-recall-and-profit-warning-due-to-defective-Conti-brakes-9864793.html
    - whatevaa 2y ago
      Engineers often do stuff without any thought of maintenance. Just ask mechanics/maintenance personnel.
      - 4gotunameagain 2y ago
        Having performed repairs on a BMW motorcycle, I am quite aware. It is a good point, but I highly doubt that it would play a role in this case. There must be something there that we are missing.
  - tdullien 2y ago
    "Somebody needed to get promoted"

chiph 2y ago

That's because BMW ECUs adapt to the lower voltage as the battery ages and instruct the alternator/charger to provide more current. Replace the battery and the ECU would cause it to be overcharged unless you notify it of the replacement. Yes it's an over-engineered system, but ... German car.

reportgunner 2y ago
Sounds like an afterbender straightener architecture.