Best Battery Replacement?

MaverickNemesis · 01-25-2014, 02:12 AM

Getting the dreaded increased battery discharged and I think its time to replace my 4-5 year old battery. Anyone have recommendations as to which alternatives to go with? Thanks

pbonsalb · 01-25-2014, 06:14 AM

I changed mine last year, using a same size AGM battery from Autozone that cost about $160. The BMW battery is reportedly made by East Penn Deka, and the same company makes the corresponding Autozone battery based on my research. Does not mean they are identical, but I am hoping they are pretty close. There are only 2 or 3 battery companies in the US.

In a recent consumer reports test, the brand that did the best in the most group sizes was the wal mart battery. Not sure if that brand offers the BMW size in AGM.

fuddman · 01-25-2014, 09:14 AM

Interstate batteries. I don't think there is anything better.
I read on this forum that there is an on-board computer system requirement when you change batteries. You might want to do a search on the subject, just to be on the safe side.

osteome · 01-25-2014, 09:32 AM

If you go with Autozone, there is a $50.00 off coupon that is valid thru Sunday. It is MISSU3132.

You can do a store pick up on the battery and with the code the price is more than 25% off.

happos2 · 01-25-2014, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuddman

Interstate batteries. I don't think there is anything better.
I read on this forum that there is an on-board computer system requirement when you change batteries. You might want to do a search on the subject, just to be on the safe side.

You are speaking about having to tell the car that you changed batteries. If you know how to code then you can do this yourself. If you don't, then find someone in the area or go to a Indy shop that can.

happos2 · 01-25-2014, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaverickNemesis

Getting the dreaded increased battery discharged and I think its time to replace my 4-5 year old battery. Anyone have recommendations as to which alternatives to go with? Thanks

And a similar thread that might help is down in the technical sections:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=694913

pbonsalb · 01-25-2014, 09:42 AM

You need to reset battery adaption if using the same spec battery. This is also called registering the new battery. The BMW negative cable has some sort of device in it that regulates charging as the battery ages, so it has to be told the battery is now new. If changing to a different spec battery, the car has to be recoded to the new spec, which is slightly more involved. A good independent shop that does late model BMWs should be able to do this. There are also some forum members who can do it, so you could reach out to local enthusiasts. Unfortunately, Autozone or Sears or most battery sellers cannot help you with this part of the replacement.

01-25-2014, 02:12 AM	#1
MaverickNemesis Captain 49 Rep 807 Posts Drives: Your Girl Crazy Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gotham City, New York iTrader: (3)	Best Battery Replacement? Getting the dreaded increased battery discharged and I think its time to replace my 4-5 year old battery. Anyone have recommendations as to which alternatives to go with? Thanks
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01-25-2014, 06:14 AM	#2
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5234 Rep 10,616 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	I changed mine last year, using a same size AGM battery from Autozone that cost about $160. The BMW battery is reportedly made by East Penn Deka, and the same company makes the corresponding Autozone battery based on my research. Does not mean they are identical, but I am hoping they are pretty close. There are only 2 or 3 battery companies in the US. In a recent consumer reports test, the brand that did the best in the most group sizes was the wal mart battery. Not sure if that brand offers the BMW size in AGM.
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01-25-2014, 09:14 AM	#3
fuddman Major 354 Rep 1,405 Posts Drives: 528-maybe Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Interstate batteries. I don't think there is anything better. I read on this forum that there is an on-board computer system requirement when you change batteries. You might want to do a search on the subject, just to be on the safe side.
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01-25-2014, 09:32 AM	#4
osteome Major 195 Rep 1,275 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Germany iTrader: (4)	If you go with Autozone, there is a $50.00 off coupon that is valid thru Sunday. It is MISSU3132. You can do a store pick up on the battery and with the code the price is more than 25% off. __________________ 2022 M4 Competition ConvertibleDravit / Tartufo Full / Carbon Fiber Exterior...loaded 2020 X5:MW/Coffee Extended Merino, M Sport, B&W....loaded 2007 X3: Sapphire Black / Black loaded 6 speed Gone: M3 E93 Silverstone II over Bamboo
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01-25-2014, 09:42 AM	#7
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5234 Rep 10,616 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	You need to reset battery adaption if using the same spec battery. This is also called registering the new battery. The BMW negative cable has some sort of device in it that regulates charging as the battery ages, so it has to be told the battery is now new. If changing to a different spec battery, the car has to be recoded to the new spec, which is slightly more involved. A good independent shop that does late model BMWs should be able to do this. There are also some forum members who can do it, so you could reach out to local enthusiasts. Unfortunately, Autozone or Sears or most battery sellers cannot help you with this part of the replacement.
	Appreciate 0 Quote