Clock losing time all of a sudden?

[jayzbird]

When I first fired up the car on Jan 2, I noticed the clock had reset. Figured maybe it was a Y22k thing or just that the battery had gone low despite starting up fine. Anyway, I set the time and all seemed well. But ever since, it’s been losing about 5 minutes a week. It kept time just fine before. Any ideas what might be the problem?

[Ximian]

I think there was an X-Files episode about this where abductees were losing track of time according to their clocks with no recollection.

Assuming you can sit down without much discomfort, that's probably not it so go to your preferred local car part retailer's web site and order a new battery.

[DirtyM3]

This has happened to me. Have you experienced when you first start your car and your trip meter is 0.00 miles or at times your indicator comes up to you putting in new dates on your calendar?

For my case, it was a sign that the battery wasn't holding its charged. In my case I got myself a new battery and bought a battery tender to keep the battery at full charged and I no longer have that problem. I don't drive the M a lot so that is why I keep it on the battery tender.

[fs34]

Similar behavior on mine before the alternator quit.

[tony093]

Time for a new battery if alternator is working

[ChiTownM]

I agree, battery is getting weak. You can extend its life with a trickle charger or get ready to replace it sooner.

[e90Dawg08]

I've had similar issues. I recently replaced my battery and was hoping that would prevent them from continuing, but when I started my e90 yesterday I noticed the trip odometer reset. I haven't had the alternator tested, but am leaning towards the need for a tender and if that doesn't resolve it, then replace the alternator.

I only drive the m3 a few times a week so I'm thinking I need a trickle charger / battery tender. I searched for battery tender in the forums and most threads were talking about preferred batteries. What should someone considering a battery tender look for when purchasing a new one? Anything specific to avoid?

[Frostynorth]

CTEK 40-206 MXS 5.0 is a nice one, been using for a few years now. Trouble free.

[jayzbird]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like the battery is nearing the end. Pandemic lack of driving likely to blame. I keep the Porsche on a tender and have used a few. They all do about the same thing, I prefer those with a condition/desulphate feature, that have some type of volt reading vs just an idiot light, and that use standard SAE connectors.

[patroklai]

It was the battery for me.

Same issue. New battery solved it.

[Mog-10]

Originally Posted by Ximian

I think there was an X-Files episode about this where abductees were losing track of time according to their clocks with no recollection.

Assuming you can sit down without much discomfort, that's probably not it so go to your preferred local car part retailer's web site and order a new battery.

🤣

[ChiTownM]

Originally Posted by e90Dawg08

I've had similar issues. I recently replaced my battery and was hoping that would prevent them from continuing, but when I started my e90 yesterday I noticed the trip odometer reset. I haven't had the alternator tested, but am leaning towards the need for a tender and if that doesn't resolve it, then replace the alternator.

I only drive the m3 a few times a week so I'm thinking I need a trickle charger / battery tender. I searched for battery tender in the forums and most threads were talking about preferred batteries. What should someone considering a battery tender look for when purchasing a new one? Anything specific to avoid?

If you drive it several times a week the battery should not need a trickle charger unless you have very short trips every time. My car sometimes doesn't move for weeks due to storage.

I pretty much went to the dealer and got the BMW trickle charger and had them apply the BMWCCA discount.