Lightweight 50 amp BMW N.A. battery

ortho281 · 01-09-2015, 06:50 PM

My current 90 amp battery was in constant need of recharging, so I decided to find a lower weight alternative. I considered using a Braile battery but decided against this after speaking with the service manager at my dealership. He recommended using a lower amp BMW battery which would be a drop in fit and could be registered to function and recharge properly like intended.

The smallest replacement battery for current BMW automobiles is a 70 amp battery which would work fine, but not be much in weight savings. Luckily I was able to find a BMW N.A. 50 amp battery at the dealer which would save aprox. 20 lbs, fit perfectly and still be able to be registered. I have included a pic of the label with the part # if anyone is interested.

///M Ryder · 01-09-2015, 06:57 PM

Nice find doc......how much was it?........Phil

ortho281 · 01-09-2015, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M Ryder

Nice find doc......how much was it?........Phil

Thanks Phil! It lists for $171.61 but I paid $145.87 after discounts.

bigjae1976 · 01-11-2015, 09:39 AM

I would think a lead acid battery would be inferior to an AGM battery. An AGM battery is safer since there is less free liquid internally and have an internal safety valve. Most have a lower internal resistance which means you can start the car with a smaller battery.

I'm sure BMW doesn't like AGMs because of the idle current draw and the issues with recharging an AGM battery. You can go with a light battery and keep the car on a battery maintainer or go with a slightly bigger battery and not have any issues.

Look into the car audio market. I'd look at a Deka Intimidator from Car Quest or Kinetic HC batteries. A Kinetic HC800 can start a car, costs $150ish, and weighs about 18lbs IIRC. I have a 39lb AGM Deka battery which is 6 years old. The car has sat for months...still starts every time.

aus · 01-11-2015, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I would think a lead acid battery would be inferior to an AGM battery. An AGM battery is safer since there is less free liquid internally and have an internal safety valve. Most have a lower internal resistance which means you can start the car with a smaller battery.

I'm sure BMW doesn't like AGMs because of the idle current draw and the issues with recharging an AGM battery. You can go with a light battery and keep the car on a battery maintainer or go with a slightly bigger battery and not have any issues.

Look into the car audio market. I'd look at a Deka Intimidator from Car Quest or Kinetic HC batteries. A Kinetic HC800 can start a car, costs $150ish, and weighs about 18lbs IIRC. I have a 39lb AGM Deka battery which is 6 years old. The car has sat for months...still starts every time.

Thanks for the info.

I remember some people were running a Mini battery too that's a direct bolt in.

.

ortho281 · 01-11-2015, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I would think a lead acid battery would be inferior to an AGM battery. An AGM battery is safer since there is less free liquid internally and have an internal safety valve. Most have a lower internal resistance which means you can start the car with a smaller battery.

I'm sure BMW doesn't like AGMs because of the idle current draw and the issues with recharging an AGM battery. You can go with a light battery and keep the car on a battery maintainer or go with a slightly bigger battery and not have any issues.

Look into the car audio market. I'd look at a Deka Intimidator from Car Quest or Kinetic HC batteries. A Kinetic HC800 can start a car, costs $150ish, and weighs about 18lbs IIRC. I have a 39lb AGM Deka battery which is 6 years old. The car has sat for months...still starts every time.

Thanks James! I looked into switching to a lightweight AGM, but decided I needed something that required less maintainance. I was able to shave 20 lbs with this replacement, and should not need to maintain on a charger. Hopefully this battery works out?

bigjae1976 · 01-11-2015, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ortho281

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I would think a lead acid battery would be inferior to an AGM battery. An AGM battery is safer since there is less free liquid internally and have an internal safety valve. Most have a lower internal resistance which means you can start the car with a smaller battery.

I'm sure BMW doesn't like AGMs because of the idle current draw and the issues with recharging an AGM battery. You can go with a light battery and keep the car on a battery maintainer or go with a slightly bigger battery and not have any issues.

Look into the car audio market. I'd look at a Deka Intimidator from Car Quest or Kinetic HC batteries. A Kinetic HC800 can start a car, costs $150ish, and weighs about 18lbs IIRC. I have a 39lb AGM Deka battery which is 6 years old. The car has sat for months...still starts every time.

Thanks James! I looked into switching to a lightweight AGM, but decided I needed something that required less maintainance. I was able to shave 20 lbs with this replacement, and should not need to maintain on a charger. Hopefully this battery work out?

Kind of looks like a mini battery...interested to see your results.

ortho281 · 01-11-2015, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Kind of looks like a mini battery...interested to see your results.

It might be the similar? I believe the Mini battery is 55 amps and this one is 50 amps. I'll post updates after a few months.

MasterP · 01-17-2015, 11:24 PM

I switched to a R57 Mini Battery in mine. No issues so far. I do keep it on a charger since it sits so much.

ortho281 · 01-17-2015, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrakBch

I switched to a R57 Mini Battery in mine. No issues so far. I do keep it on a charger since it sits so much.

Good to know! I thought I would go a couple weeks first without charging to see how it holds up and then report back. Then I will also keep mine on a charger, since mine also sits for weeks at a time. Thanks!

1MOREMOD · 01-18-2015, 12:27 AM

I went with agm braille battery that is 17 lbs. Charging isn't an issue since car sits most of time hooked up.

ortho281 · 01-18-2015, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

I went with agm braille battery that is 17 lbs. Charging isn't an issue since car sits most of time hooked up.

I was really bad about keeping my old OEM battery on charger, and so decided to go with something a little lighter but requiring less maintenance than the braille batteries.

1MOREMOD · 01-18-2015, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ortho281

I was really bad about keeping my old OEM battery on charger, and so decided to go with something a little lighter but requiring less maintenance than the braille batteries.

first one i have had. hope i dont run into any issues. on trickle charger except when at the track.

AP3X_FTW · 01-20-2015, 12:14 AM

Good info, thanks OP. Having had many e46 M3's in the past, I too am familiar with the Mini / CSL battery mod. Once my battery calls it quits, I will likely grab one for my E92 M3.

ortho281 · 01-20-2015, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AP3X_FTW

Good info, thanks OP. Having had many e46 M3's in the past, I too am familiar with the Mini / CSL battery mod. Once my battery calls it quits, I will likely grab one for my E92 M3.

NP! I will report back this weekend on how the battery held up after 2 weeks of not charging.

BobS · 02-15-2015, 03:47 PM

How is it holding up so far?

ortho281 · 02-16-2015, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobS

How is it holding up so far?

Great! I have not had to put on charger and no low voltage warnings!

01-09-2015, 06:50 PM	#1
ortho281 Major 203 Rep 1,164 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Katy, TX iTrader: (1)	Lightweight 50 amp BMW N.A. battery My current 90 amp battery was in constant need of recharging, so I decided to find a lower weight alternative. I considered using a Braile battery but decided against this after speaking with the service manager at my dealership. He recommended using a lower amp BMW battery which would be a drop in fit and could be registered to function and recharge properly like intended. The smallest replacement battery for current BMW automobiles is a 70 amp battery which would work fine, but not be much in weight savings. Luckily I was able to find a BMW N.A. 50 amp battery at the dealer which would save aprox. 20 lbs, fit perfectly and still be able to be registered. I have included a pic of the label with the part # if anyone is interested. Attached Images __________________ Akra GT4 / MS Stage 2 / MS UDP / BPM Tune / KW CS / H&R Sways / TMS Delrin / ST 380/355 BBK / Cantrell 2.5" Ducts / SR34 Pads / Apex Arc-8 / Hoosier R7's / Mode GT4 Splitter / GT4 Canards / APR GT-250 Wing / Cantrell Half Cage / Recaro Pro Racer / Schroth Profi II-6 / BMW Alcantera Wheel / Cool Shirt / ESS Fire Supp / Solo DL
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01-09-2015, 06:57 PM	#2
///M Ryder Grown Azz Man 429 Rep 3,021 Posts Drives: GT4 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (8)	Nice find doc......how much was it?........Phil __________________ 2016 GT4.....Sapphire Blue Metallic, Platinum stitch Leather/Alcantara interior, Carbon Fiber Trim, PCM w/Nav, Guards Red Belts, 2 Zone Climate, Sport Chrono, LWB, Smokers Pack, Big Gas Tank, Light Design Pack, Bi-Xenon w/PDL, Auto Dim Mirror, Clear Side Markers, GTS Clear Taillights
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01-11-2015, 09:39 AM	#4
bigjae1976 Major General 1571 Rep 8,076 Posts Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW M3 [4.50] 2011 BMW E90 M3 [5.25] 2013 BMW 328i [5.00]	I would think a lead acid battery would be inferior to an AGM battery. An AGM battery is safer since there is less free liquid internally and have an internal safety valve. Most have a lower internal resistance which means you can start the car with a smaller battery. I'm sure BMW doesn't like AGMs because of the idle current draw and the issues with recharging an AGM battery. You can go with a light battery and keep the car on a battery maintainer or go with a slightly bigger battery and not have any issues. Look into the car audio market. I'd look at a Deka Intimidator from Car Quest or Kinetic HC batteries. A Kinetic HC800 can start a car, costs $150ish, and weighs about 18lbs IIRC. I have a 39lb AGM Deka battery which is 6 years old. The car has sat for months...still starts every time. __________________ 2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red 2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue 2004 E46 M3 Imola Red 2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
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01-17-2015, 11:24 PM	#9
MasterP Colonel 721 Rep 2,342 Posts Drives: All the M's Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Where do you want me? iTrader: (8)	I switched to a R57 Mini Battery in mine. No issues so far. I do keep it on a charger since it sits so much.
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01-18-2015, 12:27 AM	#11
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	I went with agm braille battery that is 17 lbs. Charging isn't an issue since car sits most of time hooked up. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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01-20-2015, 12:14 AM	#14
AP3X_FTW Captain 216 Rep 982 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: OC iTrader: (15)	Good info, thanks OP. Having had many e46 M3's in the past, I too am familiar with the Mini / CSL battery mod. Once my battery calls it quits, I will likely grab one for my E92 M3. __________________ E46 ///M3 Race Car F15 X5 ///Msport For Sale - E92 M3 Full Black Interior Part Out
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02-15-2015, 03:47 PM	#16
BobS Colonel 97 Rep 2,002 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern NJ iTrader: (0)	How is it holding up so far? __________________ ESS 650 ACM-R Upgrades
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