Battery

[serranot]

So, 2011 car built in July of 2010. Still has the original battery.

This time of year, I always get the increased battery discharge because I don’t drive the car as often. But I put the battery tender on it overnight and it’s fine again.

If you were me, would you proactively replace the battery? Almost 10 good years on it. Or would you wait for evidence of failure?

My normal inclination is to replace. But it’s been a good run. Thoughts?

[pbonsalb]

You bought the car new and are sure no dealer service during the warranty period replaced it? 9 years might be a record for an original battery in one of these cars. I’d replace it, unless you want to see how long it lasts and don’t mind getting stranded. You might not get stranded — you could jump a dead battery (with a strong enough jumper) and then the car will run off the alternator to get you home.

[serranot]

I bought the car with 3K miles in January 2011. I’m certain it’s the original battery.

[GotV8?]

imo, avoid the hassle of getting stranded and just get the new battery, I just had mine Replaced a 2nd time last year toward the end of November when I found out that the battery was dying slowly. They are usually good 3-4 years. its 2020 and for yours to last 9 years is definitely a great run.

[serranot]

Interesting. The part number is 61217575327. It's an AGM 900CCA 160RC battery. That's pretty legit. No wonder it lasted so long. It's really not working all that hard in this car.

[SkiFly01]

2011 model here with an april 2010 build date, still on the original battery as well with zero issues.

[SWOT1]

2009 E93 M3, 31k miles... original battery!! (been using a battery tender for the past 5+ years... obviously, that helps!)

*but thinking it's been a good run, time to replace.

[GRUESOM3]

I have an 08 with original battery still. On trickle charger for 7 years, not constantly but let's say every 2 weeks I top it off.
My 09 e90 328 daily, battery was just replaced late last year which was 10 years old at the time so it's very possible.

Insually rotate trickle chargers once in a while on all cars that sit but never keep it on. Seems to work.

[serranot]

So the battery is done. Got the increased discharge message again. Bought the AutoCraft Platinum H8 from Advance Auto. With the 25% promotion I got it for $150. The battery case, handles, vent, and ratings are all identical to the stock battery; they must be the same manufacturer. I could not get Carly to properly register the battery though so I will have to get someone to do that. I hope it lasts another 9+ years.

[CalgaryX3]

My 2011 E90 still has the original battery. Uber-low mileage, and always on a tender when parked.

[kyippee]

Replace every 5 years is my rule

[amrazM]

Change the battery, itll show no signs until it just dies.

[Agent-GHQ]

My 2013 still has the original battery and I don’t even use the battery tender. But I do go for long hwy wy drives. Now I’m just getting that batter discharge light. Guess it’s about that time

[serranot]

To beat a dead horse a little more, I could not register the battery with Carly. When I sent them a help ticket, they closed the ticket and assured me that if the app said the battery was registered, it worked despite what the app said when it read out the battery.

To put a fine point on the comment, it's completely untrue. I went and paid $75 to have a shop do it. Here are the before and after pics of Carly reading the battery. Clearly the app doesn't do squat. At least for me.

[shimmy23]

I just replaced my battery last night. original battery on my daily driven 2008.

[mrspecter]

I think if it's just showing that discharge light on occassion then there really isn't a need to replace it proactively. But upon the first sign of failure i would probably replace due to it's age

[Captain Starbucks]

What's with the registration of a new battery? Being new to BMW, I have not been able to figure out why you can't just install a new battery?

[serranot]

Originally Posted by Captain Starbucks

What's with the registration of a new battery? Being new to BMW, I have not been able to figure out why you can't just install a new battery?

You could just do that and it will work. However, there is so-called intelligent battery management circuitry built into the electrical system that maintains and charges the battery differently, depending on the age and type of battery.