Q70 with a 5.6L engine is great and very rare these days but they are prone to engine failure caused by the catalyst in catalytic converter breakdown and those particles ending up in the combustion chamber destroying the engine. It is the same engine used in Armada and Titan. I really enjoying my new toy by the way.

 

Think that's my potential donor should my 3.7 croak before I'm ready to move on

 

That's unfortunate. I see quite a bit about that online, glad I didn't go ahead with it, and glad you're enjoying yours!

 

Thanks! I think 3.7L is more than enough for this car.

 

Replaced the battery on it again. Not being driven for a week and -35 weather killed it. On par for the time though I get about 3 years to a battery in the time I've had the car. Our weather really takes away the life of them. Super fun changing the battery outside at -30 too.

 

You need a Battery Tender (check Amazon - they have a bunch of options).

 

Have you ever gotten in the car and almost (!!!) drove away forgetting the battery tender cable was connected? I've taken to leaving a microfiber towel on windshield when I hook it up. At least a half dozen times now I've sat in the car and said, damn there's that towel, LOL.

 

I use a bright orange extension cord that runs under the windshield-side edge of the hood. The tender and all wiring are on top of the battery panel. Not ideal but it does remind me the car's plugged in.

 

I'd love to but I don't have access to a plug at work or my parking lot at home. Unfortunately batteries here are consumable items. I also have an aftermarket remote start which doesn't help with some parasitic draw either.

 

Then maybe one of these:
You'd have to reprogram your radio, but... are you really listening to the radio?

 

Truth be told it would be more effort than it's worth for a daily driven car. 30 minutes every 3 years isn't the end of the world I just haven't had to do it outside before.

 

Oh - you made it sound like you were replacing the battery more often than that. And that the car was sitting more than being driven. Given those two factors aren't an issue, then... OK I guess?

 

My baby has been asking me to dedicate time to her. I'm still dealing with the p0011 on a daily basis
I got me a BMW 325i, a car that has been in my family all it's life and so far I'm dedicating all of my time on it.
It will be used as the extra car so I can give some love to the G.

On another note I joined a E46 forum. Sucks being the newbie again especially with my background. So far I've been accused of interfering in a member's thread just because I shared my experience with the similar symptoms the OP was having in an effort of reviving the thread, getting my count up and hoping to receive updated info on his problem.

Fun times.

 

It's an annual winter ritual, cleaning the summer wheels and assessing the summer tires. Been doing it over 10 years now with these Vossens. Clean, clay bar, seal and admire.

 

I know I've mentioned this a few times and only in theory but in reality it should work really well.

30w solar panel can maintain battery charging at 1.5-2.5 amps which is the perfect trickling for long periods of sitting. Most of these today come with everything you need to adapt that power. In this case this type of tender can be hard wired in the car and used ALWAYS or whenever you want.

I too get about 2 years off my batteries but I buy reconditioned batteries and I drive this car every single day. I cannot beat $50 for great batteries. I do wonder if I had solar assistance if I would get more life out of them and if Brand New battery owners would get more than 3 years. Seems like after 3 years they're more susceptible to temp changes which sounds obvious however my wife's truck usually gives 1-1.5 years more from the same vendor.