Battery recommendation for 3.0sd 7 seater?

[celica]

Battery recommendation for 3.0sd 7 seater

Is it a plug and play job or is it needing diagnostic computer for checks , sync up etc.?

Had a few times saying battery is discharging
Given it a few good runs and seemed to help in interim but it's back

Don't think it's been changed on a 2008 80k example, is it normal?

[Graeme]

My car was made in Aug 2007, I bought it as an ex management car from the local BMW dealer in 2008, 7 years ago. After about 1 year I had all the signs of a battery not holding its charge during a period of very short runs.  The first explanation was that it takes about 15mins to put back the charge used by the car with all its electric gizmos that run for ages when the car is switched off - and opening a door wakes it all up again.

After tests and several recharges by the dealer, to no avail, they decided to have a look at the actual battery and found the one fitted by the factory to be the wrong type - much smaller than it should have been as the car is a 7 seater 3.0 d.  It took a couple of days for a new one to come from Germany and it's been OK since, except last summer when a period of short runs again led to the same problems - first sign is the clock and computer all go back to 0.  In short my replacement battery is about 6 years old and the car has done 100000 miles in that period.  It's not the mileage, but the number of short journeys that matter, and in particular the number of times it's locked and unlocked, and doors/boot lid opened and closed when it's standing still, especially beside the caravan when we're on holiday!

I understand it's not just a simple swap job - the car must be kept connected to a 12v source when it's changed and the new one coded to the car otherwise the charging regulator circuits will act as though the old one was still in place.  Others on the forum may be able to explain more fully the ins and outs of changing - just be sure to get the right model battery for the car!

Best wishes,

Graeme

[mark hamster 28]

I had new battery on mine earlier this year. As i like my car and plan on keeping it for a while i decided to take it to BMW Derby where it has been maintained from new and feel they will do the job correctly as its not just a take out and replace job. Yes it might cost a few more bob but you no its going to be done correct and should you have any problems they will sort it out.!! Was a real bonus for me as when i went to pick it up and pay, as it had there warranty as an approved used car, its was done for free which i wasn't expecting   

[X5Sport]

It is not a plug and play.  You need to 'pair' the battery with the car as the intelligent charging system has to be 'told' a new battery is fitted or you may get under/over charging.

I think you need a 90Ah AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) type battery.  Only one type is shown for the EU market.  AGM batteries have different charging profiles to Calcium or flooded cell (wet) batteries.  Have a check of the physical measurements to get the correct battery 'form'.  It might be a 110 size.

A lot of folks on here have used Bosch S4/5/6 series batteries in the past.  The number indicates the warranty length and performance of the battery.

[app_master]

I did a self battery replacement recently --- I have 2008 7seat 30d. Having similar signs of the battery not cutting it anymore (i.e. losing date/time, low battery charge warning when using the with doors open but not running, short trips etc). Had been using a battery charger-conditioner (Ctek mxs5.0 charger) connected to bring it up when needed, but it was becoming far too often, sometime a couple of times a week, when should be once every 2 months for maintenance only.

Replaced --- Finally bought an Austral Euro Plus s60038 branded battery, this is a local name badge, but equivalent would be something like a Bosch S5. It is a silver calcium 12v 100ah 800cca (not AGM). Has been good so far (about a month...) but if I get 3+ years from this new one I'll be happy with value/cost. It replaced the old fitted BMW flooded type 90ah (also not AGM) that was BMW dealer fitted and shy of 3 years/40000km old, not very good value there!

Battery Registration pairing --- I used the carly bmw android app to do my battery registration, it also allows you to fit different battery types and ah sizes when needed. PS...I have also used this app to code and fault scan, it has become an invaluable tool (for me) with an aging BMW and as a bonus it is easy to use too!

[celica]

Thanks

Will ring around

But what happens if its a roadside aa/ RAC scenario?
They must be able to change?

[celica]

Useful posts above
Quick ring to a specialist said AGM battery £150 and non about £90
If going AGM then about £200 ish fitted

Apart from above first I've heard of AGM

Mines a 7 seater so can get to it easy but will see if any visible signs on model

Otherwise bosch are okay from this list?

http://www.eurocarparts.com/mobile/car-battery

[X5Sport]

Not getting the list?  AGM tech is replacing the old wet batteries because it's safer (far less acid) in the event of a crash.  The downside is that they are far less tolerant of abuse such as going flat regularly.

[celica]

[quote="X5Sport"]
Not getting the list?  AGM tech is replacing the old wet batteries because it's safer (far less acid) in the event of a crash.  The downside is that they are far less tolerant of abuse such as going flat regularly.
[/quote]

The specialist BMW said to me the AGM was for stop start cars and were more powerful in that usage

If AGM goes flat more regularly then probably in our case for shorter drive usage not as good?

Reminds me will go check now as wife is back with the car lol

[celica]

Failed!

I thought it would be a simple access

Took three screws off thinking the plastic would come out but looks like there are plastic lug things holding it in place and with pushchair in the way and in the dark, decided to try another day

[X5Sport]

If you use a conditioner to keep the battery topped up that will help.  My X6 isn't stop start, but the battery is an AGM type.  It may however be due to the high non-running current these cars draw - 60A on mine - with the ignition in 'radio ready' mode.  The battery warning comes on in less than 20 minutes.

[celica]

Bosch batteries would be my go to

But looking on eurocarparts they don't list as AGM

[celica]

Eurocarparts chat recommended bosch s3
But looking at s4 looks more powerful
http://www.eurocarparts.com/mobile/ecp/ ... 1d5&000020
At about £100

I asked them about AGM and said only if fitted with one

If I gain access would it state whether its AGM or not?

Had another Bmw specialist quote £275!
Seems pricey!

Just asking an independent garage I use to see if he can code in new battery?

Does it mean a RAC/ aa person won't be able to change on roadside?

[Barney]

Just had mine replaced at a main dealer for £274 fitted and coded
Mines a 2010 40d, I phoned a couple of local independents and they didn't come in far short of this so I thought sod it, at least it's the proper BMW AGM jobbie.

[X5Sport]

Battery type is normally stated on the case.  Mine say AGM on them for the Skoda and X6.