[TEF]

My point is that all H8 AGM batteries are very similar whether a genuine BMW battery or not. I suspect that one can research the Ah spec. For example, I found that number for Interstate, Delco and Diehard batteries online. However, another issue might be the warranty. Most premium OEM batteries have 3 - 5 year warranties, is that the case for a BMW one ordered online?

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by TEF

My point is that all H8 AGM batteries are very similar whether a genuine BMW battery or not. I suspect that one can research the Ah spec. For example, I found that number for Interstate, Delco and Diehard batteries online. However, another issue might be the warranty. Most premium OEM batteries have 3 - 5 year warranties, is that the case for a BMW one ordered online?

Good question. I suspect it would be the 2 year BMW parts warranty.

[Captain Jack]

Hi chaps, to avoid opening another battery replacement/registration thread, I thought I'd hijack this one.



I have a 2012 X3 F25 2.0 diesel and I am getting frequent charge battery messages. At one point we had to call out AA to jump start us. The battery is original, so is 8 years old now.

The battery is 90Ah/90A/900CCA - what is the best replacement for this? Most battery sites in UK give me different options with varying specs. Some overspec, some under. This is all rather confusing.

Also, I am looking for something that's, as well as reliable and won't break the bank, easy to register (I have ISTA/D/P). Am I right in thinking that I have to code as well as register if it's not an exact original?

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by Captain Jack

Hi chaps, to avoid opening another battery replacement/registration thread, I thought I'd hijack this one.



I have a 2012 X3 F25 2.0 diesel and I am getting frequent charge battery messages. At one point we had to call out AA to jump start us. The battery is original, so is 8 years old now.

The battery is 90Ah/90A/900CCA - what is the best replacement for this? Most battery sites in UK give me different options with varying specs. Some overspec, some under. This is all rather confusing.

Also, I am looking for something that's, as well as reliable and won't break the bank, easy to register (I have ISTA/D/P). Am I right in thinking that I have to code as well as register if it's not an exact original?

You know the existing battery specs - and you can verify that info here https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select , input last 7 of your car's VIN and search 'electrical system>battery. Why not stick with the current specs and just purchase comparable battery?

There are actually not that many different battery manufacturers (at least this is true in the States); many many brands but only made by handful of manufacturers. Stick to a name brand - (First Interstate, BOSCH, etc.) and you should be fine.

You have the tools to do the 'registration' so you're set.

[Captain Jack]

Thanks for the link - handy to have!

Yes, I am trying to find the most like for like but for example, 95Ah batteries seem to have 850CCA vs 900 that's stamped on top of mine. I can't actually find any 90Ah/900CCA ones, hence the question.

Also, the price difference between various brands can be quite large. For example, Lucas, which makes a lot of OEM parts battery is £140 but the same specs Varta is £190.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by Captain Jack

Thanks for the link - handy to have!

Yes, I am trying to find the most like for like but for example, 95Ah batteries seem to have 850CCA vs 900 that's stamped on top of mine. I can't actually find any 90Ah/900CCA ones, hence the question.

Also, the price difference between various brands can be quite large. For example, Lucas, which makes a lot of OEM parts battery is £140 but the same specs Varta is £190.

I think if I were you I'd opt for a battery with slightly higher Cold Cranking Amps than the rated 850 number (eg: 900, etc.) - greatest 'load' a battery sees is when you start the car, starter motor draws a lot of current compared to operation of electrical system after car is running.

[BIG_KID]

Originally Posted by Captain Jack

Hi chaps, to avoid opening another battery replacement/registration thread, I thought I'd hijack this one.



I have a 2012 X3 F25 2.0 diesel and I am getting frequent charge battery messages. At one point we had to call out AA to jump start us. The battery is original, so is 8 years old now.

The battery is 90Ah/90A/900CCA - what is the best replacement for this? Most battery sites in UK give me different options with varying specs. Some overspec, some under. This is all rather confusing.

Also, I am looking for something that's, as well as reliable and won't break the bank, easy to register (I have ISTA/D/P). Am I right in thinking that I have to code as well as register if it's not an exact original?

I would also invest in a charger , like the one I mentioned. It works on ALL my batteries

[Captain Jack]

I wouldn't have expected to use a charger in this day and age, unless you drive very rarely and short distances.

[Bilbofraggins]

Originally Posted by Captain Jack

I wouldn't have expected to use a charger in this day and age, unless you drive very rarely and short distances.

Things seem to have gone full circle...if temperatures dip my way...then after a few days I will hook-em up to life-support.

An X6M garaged all winter...was left out one night...-10C or so..the next morning a little slow to turn over, and an "Increased battery discharge" advisory.

The battery (OEM) was new Nov 18.

[Captain Jack]

Blimey - but we don't get those temps in the UK. My battery was original from 2012, so it was expected to go.

In the end I just replaced with an official BMW battery as it wasn't much more expensive than a good brand equivalent. All OK so far and stop/start started working too!

[RedRaiderDavid]

Originally Posted by Riick

Deka/East Penn AGM

Second this, I thought for sure after 7 years the battery in my 335 was on it's last leg but a year later it's still going. Was going to replace with a Deka, as I have a hook up to get them at cost. Plus have heard nothing but good, they are very popular in the Corvette community and very close to BMW battery specs.

[Bilbofraggins]

Originally Posted by Captain Jack

Blimey - but we don't get those temps in the UK. My battery was original from 2012, so it was expected to go.

In the end I just replaced with an official BMW battery as it wasn't much more expensive than a good brand equivalent. All OK so far and stop/start started working too!

-10C should not be a problem...but a few days outside -20-35C could be...that's where the NOCO onboard chargers come-in....at least on my drive...for vehicles that sit outside...

[balaOo]

Hi all,
going to replace my 2014 x3 35i 7 years old battery, how is COSTCO'S Interstate battery:
https://costco.interstatebatteries.c...189&Country=US
It's capacity: 100 Amp Hours (Ah) @ 10 Hr
My car's original battery capacity: 105 Ah
So a question: BMW battery capacity is '@ 10 Hr' OR '@ 20 Hr' ?

[evilchargerfan]

Originally Posted by balaOo

Hi all,
going to replace my 2014 x3 35i 7 years old battery, how is COSTCO'S Interstate battery:
https://costco.interstatebatteries.c...189&Country=US

that costco battery seems kinda pricey. I believe you can get an oem one for mid 150s

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...ca-61212353814


if you want something local, pepboys is doing a 25% off sale on most agm batteries. I recently bought , installed, and registered this one:

$149.99
https://www.pepboys.com/champion-agm...roduct/2071679

[TEF]

Is physically fitting a non-BMW branded battery an issue? I note that some in this thread suggest an H9 battery while others mention an H8. The dimensions of these differ from one another and also with the BMW battery. The mounting brackets would accommodate fractions of an inch in every direction, but has there been any problems bolting in an H8 or H9 battery?

As I recall, a 2001 Volvo V70 I once owned also had an odd sized battery, but a standard sized one could be substituted if the bottom mounting bracket was drilled out (so as to secure the smaller battery case). Would a similar mod be necessary in the BMW?

[evilchargerfan]

I'm guessing as long as its not larger .... anything could technically fit.


I had 0 issues with a champion brand battery:

[TEF]

Is your Champion an H8 battery? Also, from the side-by-side photo, the new battery appears slightly wider and longer (and possible taller), however, that might just be perspective. Nevertheless, it does seem to fit very well. Thanks

[evilchargerfan]

it is an h8

the battery was identical to the oem in size. the camera angle does make it appear larger.


link to the actual batt:
https://www.pepboys.com/champion-agm...roduct/2071679
(as of today, $149.99 due to 25% off sale)

[383vett]

Originally Posted by evilchargerfan

if you want something local, pepboys is doing a 25% off sale on most agm batteries. I recently bought , installed, and registered this one:

$149.99
https://www.pepboys.com/champion-agm...roduct/2071679

I bought and installed this Pep Boys battery last year and registered it with a hand held code reader. Works just fine.

[balaOo]

Originally Posted by evilchargerfan

that costco battery seems kinda pricey. I believe you can get an oem one for mid 150s

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...ca-61212353814


if you want something local, pepboys is doing a 25% off sale on most agm batteries. I recently bought , installed, and registered this one:

$149.99
https://www.pepboys.com/champion-agm...roduct/2071679

Yes, COSTCO's little pricey. Bought a 95Ah, no 105Ah available.

Haven't installed it, am thinking about registering this 95Ah as 105Ah without coding:
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh....php?t=1372943

[FranzX3M]

FYI in Canada I bought my 105 Ah AGM battery at Canadian Tire of all places. Only place I could find it other than from the stealer.
The 105 Ah battery is about 50% longer. Its the biggest car battery I have ever seen.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by 383vett

I bought and installed this Pep Boys battery last year and registered it with a hand held code reader. Works just fine.

That 150 buck Pep Boys price looks good. Had them put AGM battery in my X3 a year ago - $210 out the door, Pep Boys did the registration too.