[cloud8r]

It sounds like there is an assumption amongst those pro-registration that the alternator's "intelligent recharging algorithm" stops being intelligent when the battery is replaced. If this "feature" does exist, then it should be monitoring the condition of the new battery just as it had the previous battery and continue to turn on/off the charging as needed. This features strikes me as something akin to the dct/auto tranny's adaptation where it would be ideal to reset/register but not absolutely necessary since it would eventually adjust. Sorry, I just cannot fathom there wouldn't be a basic battery charge level test, charge if volts < x, and if there isn't then BMW is responsible if not negligent for a huge design flaw. At minimum, similar to the motor oil, there should be a big WARNING tag on the battery stating that it must be serviced by BMW and that installing any other battery can cause serious damage.

So it just doesn't seem realistic to me that the cause of any of these exploding battery issues are related to any possible non-registration.