What is the reason of poor battery mileage in the 225XE? and guidance, please.

[SilentSpanner]

I want your guidance on the most appropriate next action, please.

My 1966 model 225XE, with 58,000 miles, has begun to display drivetrain faults. I remember that this issue occurred after a driver's airbag recall last November.


My electric mileage has decreased from about 12 to under 1.It appears to achieve a complete charge, and the blue electric range indicates 12 or 13 miles; however, upon commencing driving, within approximately half a mile of standard street driving (not on the motorway), it transitions from electric mode to the petrol engine, resulting in the blue electric range depleting to zero.

I am certain that this issue did not exist before my vehicle was serviced at BMW for the airbag recall. However, after consulting with them, they guarantee that the new airbag associated with this recall could not have caused any high voltage problems.

I requested any data on the vehicle's condition before to and after the airbag replacement for comparative analysis; however, they informed me that no pre- and post-replacement data exists, since their sole action was to remove and replace the airbag. They said that their actions would not result in any high voltage complications, either inside the batteries or other high voltage components.

I own a BMW extended warranty; nevertheless, I was informed that it does not include any battery-related difficulties, which I anticipated, to be fair.

May I enquire whether others have had an airbag recall, and may it perhaps correlate with the high voltage concerns I am encountering, or is it really coincidental that both problems began concurrently?

Should I proceed with a diagnostic assessment at my own cost (about £200) to ascertain the results?

Can somebody provide further choices or recommendations? Is this a common problem for a 225XE Hybrid?

Thank you for your assistance!

Thank you.

[Nekomp]

It must be accurately diagnosed. In my opinion, do not consult a primary dealer, since they are not always well-informed and tend to be rather costly. Locate an independent expert. I have no affiliation with this business, but I have heard it is trustworthy. I cannot get how an airbag recall may impact the HV, but I am not an authority on the subject.

[Nekomp]

https://cedarelectric.co.uk/electric-and-hybrid-battery-repairs/

[SilentSpanner]

I appreciate your prompt response and assistance.I will contact the local BMW expert to see whether they can identify the issue; but, I assume that if it pertains to a high voltage battery problem, their options may be somewhat limited.

It is amusing because Cedar, the firm I contacted this morning, requires me to transport my vehicle to their location, which is sadly too far.However, they seemed rather favourable for this particular situation.


As you said, without a diagnosis, we cannot ascertain the nature of the issue, thus I will attempt to schedule an appointment locally in Scotland next week.

[Kiddokt]

I suspect that one or two cells in the battery have died, and I believe yours is now out of warranty.

[SilentSpanner]

I share the same sentiment, which is regrettable, since it is not justifiable to invest £7-£8K on a battery replacement for a vehicle valued at about £8K.

This is one of the two primary reasons I opposed adopting electric vehicles nine years ago, since I am now stuck with a 1.5L petrol car.However, it remains operational.


I intend to get it diagnosed for clarity, although it is really an absurd scenario that BMW's only solution for one or two defective cells is an exorbitantly priced complete battery replacement. Replacing just the defective cells would incur a little cost.Even if they replaced simply the defective module inside the battery, it may be a cost-effective solution; but, their proposal for a whole battery replacement is too excessive. Welcome to the realm of large enterprises!

Thank you.

[Grundysp]

One or two experts are emerging who provide battery refurbishments at around half the cost of a new battery. Conduct a Google search to see whether there is one in your vicinity.

[Nekomp]

Why not transform it into a holiday and go to Cedar? Initiate a telephone conversation to assess their helpfulness. If they can repair it at a lower cost, the trip there is justified.

[Kiddokt]

I have seen individuals discussing the organisation of sales, but I am uncertain of the specifics.
I hope my diesel vehicles will last me, since I will never go to electric.

[Dudeta]

I am aware that my M4's standard battery can be repaired without necessitating cell replacement. An individual on eBay refurbishes them by disassembling the battery and recharging the cells, a method that deviates from the conventional approach involving the lead turrets atop the battery. The cost for a new battery is £800, while refurbishment is priced at £300. I have viewed a video of this individual performing the repairs; he appears to be Polish. Numerous Polish sellers on eBay offer BMW parts and possess extensive expertise, repairing head units and similar components at a fraction of the cost in this country

[Kiddokt]

I have seen an individual on this platform having cells changed, but I have recently searched and cannot locate it.
I will search more diligently later.