$500 for a new battery??

[tvieso]

Original warranty just ran out a few months back on my 2007 335i. Car wouldn't start this morning. It was jumped and taken to the dealer. Dealer is saying 500 bones for a new battery. Is this legit? Am I better off using a CTEK 7002 to try to "recondition" the battery?

Thanks for any help!

-Travis

[tvieso]

Screw it. I just ordered the charger. If it doesn't save the battery, it's only an extra 100 bones that I'm paying. Worth a shot anyway. I'll post an update on what happens.

[THE TECH]

Yeah, I hear that that's the going rate.

[mark896]

Might be a smidge high.. When I first bought my car the prior driver NEVER drove it and I got a battery malfunction during the test drive. Dealer replaced the battery before I purchased and told me BMW warranty didn't cover it so they had to come out of their own pocket $400. The battery is expensive, and then they have to reprogram the car or some shit like that.

[tibra1]

Yes that is the price..get yourself a BT tool and change it and register it yourself. BT tool is a must for any BMW owner

[pbonsalb]

Battery is $150 at Autozone (for the AGM spec), so find someone to code it for you or put the difference towards something like the Bavarian Technic disgnostic and coding system. The less expensive versions don't code as I understand.

[tvieso]

Originally Posted by tibra1

Yes that is the price..get yourself a BT tool and change it and register it yourself. BT tool is a must for any BMW owner

A diagnostic tool? Can you point me in the right direction for one?

[tvieso]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Battery is $150 at Autozone (for the AGM spec), so find someone to code it for you or put the difference towards something like the Bavarian Technic disgnostic and coding system. The less expensive versions don't code as I understand.

This guy right here --> http://www.bavariantechnic.com/ ?

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by tvieso

A diagnostic tool? Can you point me in the right direction for one?

Yes its called Bavarian Technic tool. The enthusiast version can be used for up to 3 different VIN numbers. I purchased mine used with 2 VIN #s remaining off someone here in the forums

One side plugs into your OBD port the other side is a USB and plugs into you laptop. You download the software for free off their website.
Click Here

Besides diagnosing codes, and setting and resetting service intervals (i.e., oil, brakes etc), you can you use the tool to do whats called command functions...one of them is registering the battery.

When you install a new battery you must register it so the alternator will charge the battery ..registering it with the BT tool is super easy.

You go to

Engine Module> Commands > Battery Replacement Adaption> Click Send Button> DONE (Battery is now registered)

[tvieso]

Originally Posted by tibra1

Yes its called Bavarian Technic tool. The enthusiast version can be used for up to 3 different VIN numbers. I purchased mine used with 2 VIN #s remaining off someone here in the forums

One side plugs into your OBD port the other side is a USB and plugs into you laptop. You download the software for free off their website.
Click Here

Besides diagnosing codes, and setting and resetting service intervals (i.e., oil, brakes etc), you can you use the tool to do whats called command functions...one of them is registering the battery.

When you install a new battery you must register it so the alternator will charge the battery ..registering it with the BT tool is super easy.

You go to

Engine Module> Commands > Battery Replacement Adaption> Click Send Button> DONE (Battery is now registered)

Awesome info! Thanks very much. I'm gonna pick one of these up soon.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by tibra1

Yes its called Bavarian Technic tool. The enthusiast version can be used for up to 3 different VIN numbers. I purchased mine used with 2 VIN #s remaining off someone here in the forums

One side plugs into your OBD port the other side is a USB and plugs into you laptop. You download the software for free off their website.
Click Here

Besides diagnosing codes, and setting and resetting service intervals (i.e., oil, brakes etc), you can you use the tool to do whats called command functions...one of them is registering the battery.

When you install a new battery you must register it so the alternator will charge the battery ..registering it with the BT tool is super easy.

You go to

Engine Module> Commands > Battery Replacement Adaption> Click Send Button> DONE (Battery is now registered)

So the $287 Enthusiast kit codes the battery. No need to buy the $700 Professional kit.

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

So the $287 Enthusiast kit codes the battery. No need to buy the $700 Professional kit.

Nope the professional has unlimited VIN #s..the enthusiast is 3 vin #s..

If you want to save some money you can check out the forums (e90 post guys use them) I bought one used with 2 VIn #s left for $170

[Mahzari]

If it helps at all, my dealer told it would cost $300 for a new battery, luckily I was still under warranty when I had mine replaced

[Singletrack]

Rather than going the BT route, you can also do a google search for "bmw coding" to find more info. You can buy a cable made in China, download some software, and use factory tools to register the battery. Of course, I wouldn't recommend this unless you are semi-geekish and looking for a little project ; )

[tvieso]

I ended up ordering the CTEK 7002 and it refreshed the battery very well. Car has been starting and running great. I highly recommend one of these chargers.

[Mack211]

Sorry for bringing up an old post but this is great information.

Can anyone point me to where I can order a new OEM battery? I plan to do the install and registering myself (using the enthusiast kit listed here)

I'm trying to avoid the dealer at all costs. Pretty pissed off at the moment because I just bought the extended maintenance for an ungodly amount of money only to have my battery fail 2 weeks later and not be covered by it. My car is telling me my battery is dieing and the dealer wants to charge me $120 to tell me the same thing....

-Mack

[mosx]

Originally Posted by Mack211

Sorry for bringing up an old post but this is great information.

Can anyone point me to where I can order a new OEM battery? I plan to do the install and registering myself (using the enthusiast kit listed here)

I'm trying to avoid the dealer at all costs. Pretty pissed off at the moment because I just bought the extended maintenance for an ungodly amount of money only to have my battery fail 2 weeks later and not be covered by it. My car is telling me my battery is dieing and the dealer wants to charge me $120 to tell me the same thing....

-Mack

As long as you get the same size and cold cranking amps you can use any brand of battery. Just register it once installed. I've had a NAPA battery in my car for a year with no problems. Also be sure to hook up the vent tube to the new battery so it doesn't catch fire in the trunk.

[Mack211]

Originally Posted by mosx

As long as you get the same size and cold cranking amps you can use any brand of battery. Just register it once installed. I've had a NAPA battery in my car for a year with no problems. Also be sure to hook up the vent tube to the new battery so it doesn't catch fire in the trunk.

That's great to know, thanks!

Any idea where I can order a OEM batter though? Just curious on looking into that as well.

-Mack

[djantlive]

you have to program the car to recognize the battery?

my 2003 E46 doesn't need any programming. none of my cars do. never heard of this

[mark896]

Originally Posted by djantlive

you have to program the car to recognize the battery?

my 2003 E46 doesn't need any programming. none of my cars do. never heard of this

Yep, you have to program the car once the new battery is installed. Don't ask why, I have no idea, but I got a battery replaced under warranty and asked if the dealer HAD to reprogram and they said yes. Might be just another way of getting paid but I didn't pay anything for it. I guess the warranty did.

[///M Power-Belgium]

I have the CTEK MULTI XS 7000 battery charger,and there is a cable with two O-rings
for the + and - poles that come together in a central plug, and is always ready to
charge in my trunk....it's verry easy.
So...... one click and put the CTEK in recond. mode ones every 10 dayes overnight,
and my battery is always in TOP-condition !!!

[pbonsalb]

The car's electrical system is sensitive so the alternator charges the battery variably as it ages to keep just the right voltage and to prevent over or undercharging. New and old batteries charge differently. All the BMWs from about 2008 are like this. I think they are also AGM.