Although not launched as a stand-alone Efficient Dynamics model until 2011, the BMW 5 Series incorporated Efficient Dynamics technology, including the company’s Start-Stop system, from as early as 2007.
As these early examples are well within reach of the independent sector, workshops and the technicians undertaking service and repair work on these variants, need to bear in mind that they are not fitted with traditional lead-acid starter batteries. Instead these models use an AGM battery such as a VARTA Silver Dynamic AGM and will therefore require specialist knowledge and equipment to ensure the correct removal and installation process is followed.
In addition, as the battery in the system is integrated with the vehicle’s battery management system and its ECU, thorough diagnosis is required to discover whether the battery needs to be replaced or if there is an underlying cause that might have led to its premature failure.
Having the ability to cancel and reset the fault codes that may be required for associated components like the alternator and starter motor, as well as the Start-Stop system, means that workshops would be wise to invest in the necessary tooling and training to allow them to tackle these issues.
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