DIY: Voltphreaks Lithium Battery installation into M3 E92

On the fence with which battery to go with. Has anyone actually had any issues with a Voltphreaks battery? If they don't start, any issues to jump start? Other than price are there any downsides? Seems TGTBT, just want to check.

TTony wrote

On the fence with which battery to go with. Has anyone actually had any issues with a Voltphreaks battery? If they don't start, any issues to jump start? Other than price are there any downsides? Seems TGTBT, just want to check.

Me too....
I can get a Deka agm battery that weighs 23lbs for $125
The Voltphreaks is 7lbs at +$1000

I'm really struggling to justify spending an extra $875 to save that extra 16lbs

I also have the VPH900 battery. A couple of thoughts -

- VP customer support is fantastic. I had a VPH750 in my E46 M3 and VP recommends the larger VPH900 for the E92. I contacted them to confirm. They offered to upgrade my 750 to the 900 for $200 IIRC. I sent the 750 to them and they added the extra cells / replaced the cover. Then again in May of 2018 Tony with VP upgraded me to their new larger VPH1200. Again, fantastic service. I thought that was really unique as most companies would make you buy a whole new battery. I did have an issue with the battery switch as well. They fixed it with no questions asked. VP is located in CA so the turn around time was minimal.

- It's light, really light and functions just as the factory battery for the most part. I had the car coded for the smaller battery and have had zero issues. It lasts about 2 weeks without use. However I have left it far longer without any problem. The battery shuts itself off with enough juice to start the car on reserve. Turn it back on, fire up the car, and you are good.

- The auto shutoff is a great feature but can be a hassle. It's best to wire a remote switch on cars without a trunk key. You can't get your trunk open if you don't have power! The under hood charge points don't work if the battery is off. That being said, I wired a switch into the passenger compartment and all is well.

- There isn't a mount being produced for the battery. I fabricated one out of aluminum pieces I picked up from Home Depot. It turned out great but not everyone has the ability to do so. The battery is so light that zip-ties would actually be sufficient but I wanted something more robust. My mount utilizes the factory battery fasten points. It added about 1/2 lb to the battery.

- I think the cheaper batteries must be on a charger at all times and have more potential to strand you. Plus, the support is nowhere near VP in my experience. Lastly, it's the lightest thing out there. When you start pricing out options for lightening the car, you will find that it's actually a good value given the amount of weight lost and the minimal effect on the car's functionality.

Pics -

OE Battery Weight (excludes the mount) -

VPH Mount by slicerM, on Flickr

VPH Battery Weight Including Mount -

VPH Mount by slicerM, on Flickr



Mount Pics - Looking at it now, there are many ways in which I could reduce the weight of the mount -

VPH Mount by slicerM, on Flickr


VPH Mount by slicerM, on Flickr


VPH Mount by slicerM, on Flickr


VPH Mount by slicerM, on Flickr

inTgr8r wrote

Me too....
I can get a Deka agm battery that weighs 23lbs for $125
The Voltphreaks is 7lbs at +$1000

I'm really struggling to justify spending an extra $875 to save that extra 16lbs

I have previously tried a 10lb AGM on another car and in even in a warm climate I had issues.

I'm narrowed down to either the Mini battery (I like it because it is OEM on the E46 CSL and Z4M) or the Voltphreaks battery (because cool technology and super lightweight). Ultimately cost will work out if the Voltphreaks battery lasts 2-3x as long as the Mini battery (which is based off of manufacturers comments).

I lined the bottom of my vph900 with adhesive backed Velcro. Two 3x4" strips of it was perfect. I fed a Velcro strap under the oem battery tray as well. It worked out really well and it definitely isn't going anywhere. So I stuck it down and strapped it. The Velcro underneath it also reduces vibration.

TTony wrote

I have previously tried a 10lb AGM on another car and in even in a warm climate I had issues.

I'm narrowed down to either the Mini battery (I like it because it is OEM on the E46 CSL and Z4M) or the Voltphreaks battery (because cool technology and super lightweight). Ultimately cost will work out if the Voltphreaks battery lasts 2-3x as long as the Mini battery (which is based off of manufacturers comments).

Yeah, 10lb agm is way too small.
I have a 17lb Deka agm in my Z4MC and it has been no problem at all.

I really want to go to the voltphreaks..... but the wallet is really running low these days
- MCS suspension
- AP Racing
- Bushings
- TS5 Wheels
- BK harness bar, seat mounts
- Exhaust
- Euro bumper
etc. etc.......

I will likely cave in and do the Voltphreaks
I was just on the website and see that the model is vph850 now (ca900)

roastbeef wrote

I lined the bottom of my vph900 with adhesive backed Velcro. Two 3x4" strips of it was perfect. I fed a Velcro strap under the oem battery tray as well. It worked out really well and it definitely isn't going anywhere. So I stuck it down and strapped it. The Velcro underneath it also reduces vibration.

Sounds like a good way to go.

What is the connection between Voltphreaks and Rennline?
I see vph 900 listed on Rennline, but its vph850 on Voltphreaks

inTgr8r wrote

What is the connection between Voltphreaks and Rennline?
I see vph 900 listed on Rennline, but its vph850 on Voltphreaks

No connection as far as I know. Rennline just makes Porsche specific mounts for them and also sells the batteries.

Post deleted as the BMW doesnt like the Anti Gravity RS-20 Battery

inTgr8r wrote

I will likely cave in and do the Voltphreaks
I was just on the website and see that the model is vph850 now (ca900)

I was thinking to do the vph1200. 2-4 weeks without needing to start. I like a safety factor. Only a 2.5lb difference between it and the VPH850.

From the website:
"To help choose between the VPH850/VPR-P6 or the VPH1200, here are some things to help you decide. If you want the lightest possible weight, get the VPH850/VPR-P6. If you'll be starting the car when it's extremely cold often, get the VPH1200. If you want the car to last a few weeks parked, get the higher capacity VPH1200. If the main purpose of the car is as a track car, get the VPH850/VPR-P6."

TTony wrote

I was thinking to do the vph1200. 2-4 weeks without needing to start. I like a safety factor. Only a 2.5lb difference between it and the VPH850.

mine is stored in winter and is not a DD, so the vph850 is plenty.

eternallx wrote

Thought I would share my experience with an alternative.

Anti Gravity RS-20 is $550 @ 10lbs.
Ran this on my Lexus ISF for a year. DD (thru north east winters too) and weekend track. Never died on me or any hiccups.

Just transferred it to the M3 and it fits perfect with stock battery tie down.
....
The positive terminal on the battery is a tad on the small side, even with the cable as tight as i can turn it; it can be pulled off with some force.

So I screwed these plastic things that came with the battery back to the top of the terminals to make sure it stays connected. ( Had to do the same with ISF)

.....

Thanks:thumbsup:

Are the posts screw on?
Could you not just use a different post?
Most of them are just bolted on with an M6

Also on this one, do you know what type of Li-Ion it is?
I couldn't find anything on the website

To be honest, I've gone three weeks without starting my car. Not ideal, I know, but it started up like nothing happened.

inTgr8r wrote

Thanks:thumbsup:

Are the posts screw on?
Could you not just use a different post?
Most of them are just bolted on with an M6

Also on this one, do you know what type of Li-Ion it is?
I couldn't find anything on the website

The posts are built into the battery unfortunately.

Anti Gravity uses Cylindric Lifepo4 type of Li-Ion.
More details can be found on their FAQ.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.racerpartswholesale.com/downloads/AntiGravityBatteriesFAQ.pdf

eternallx wrote

Thought I would share my experience with an alternative.

Anti Gravity RS-20 is $550 @ 10lbs.
Ran this on my Lexus ISF for a year. DD (thru north east winters too) and weekend track. Never died on me or any hiccups.

Just transferred it to the M3 and it fits perfect with stock battery tie down.

IMG_20180301_190820 by idskyline, on Flickr

I zip tied the red box to the handle.

IMG_20180301_192026 by idskyline, on Flickr

The positive terminal on the battery is a tad on the small side, even with the cable as tight as i can turn it; it can be pulled off with some force.

So I screwed these plastic things that came with the battery back to the top of the terminals to make sure it stays connected. ( Had to do the same with ISF)

IMG_20180301_192048 by idskyline, on Flickr

All mounted.

IMG_20180301_193114 by idskyline, on Flickr

i tried the rs-20, and unfortunately, i was plagued with problems. this battery would have been great since it is priced right, but i had a hell of a time getting the oem cables to hookup to the supplied SAE posts.
worked fine and i was happy until a few days later when the car would randomly not have any power. i was at the track when i started having problems with the car cutting power for a second and upshifting all the way to 7th gear.
they are a stand-up company with great customer service, but i don't think our car's battery management system likes these batteries.
my posts were too small for the oem cable, but mine did unscrew and i modified their SAE posts with a longer bolt to secure them as the original posts do from the factory.

^thanks, good to know.
BMW electrical systems are definitely finicky and can drive you crazy.
The vph has had a great track record with many on here and is one of the main reasons I'll likely go with the vph

They have a 1200 version, I wonder why people aren't buying that.

The-Traveler wrote

They have a 1200 version, I wonder why people aren't buying that.

Depends on how you are using the car.
If cold weather starting, it would make sense.

Otherwise save the extra $$ and weight.

yea, i didn't feel the need to buy more than i needed.

i just took a look at their website, and it looks like they have an 850 and a 1200 for "high performance street cars", and the 900 is listed under "drag" cars on their site. looks like the 900 is marked down to $995. if it is the same as the vph900, its a good buy!

Yeah, I saw that one but the drag battery is 16v

Aaaah I see.