Battery Recommendations?

1chanc3 · 05-04-2015, 10:53 AM

My battery is finally starting to go. I get the battery symbol if i leave my radio on for a couple minutes without the ignition being on.

Went to my dealership (new Century) and they wanted $377 JUST for the battery. Nope. Called another dealership and they wanted $325. Nope lol.

Looking into getting an aftermarket battery now. What battery brands and models do you guys recommend that I should get keeping the same specifications as the OEM one so I don't have to code (non-AGM). I have heard some mixed reviews about NAPA batteries and Duralast. I was told that Excide, who makes the OEM BMW batteries, also makes the NAPA ones?

Any input is welcome.

(FYI, I have BT cable so I can register the battery myself)

ctuna · 05-04-2015, 11:04 AM

I have an Interstate 49/H8 for a couple of years
so far so good.

bender rodriguez · 05-04-2015, 11:33 AM

Cheap.. They are all made by 3 companies.. If you order online and store pick up you can get 50 dollars off of your battery from advance auto..

For those interested Advance Auto Parts deal this week:

$50 off an order of $125 or more (usual exclusions apply)

The coupon will also yield the following discounts:
$10 off $25+
$20 off $50+
$30 off $75+
$40 off $100+

with code WD518

djjasper · 05-04-2015, 11:44 AM

Here's what I ended up using a couple years ago (non-AGM). It's been strong and was strong all through last winter which was freaking brutal here in Philly:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=931443

drilla2212 · 05-04-2015, 11:45 AM

If you have a pep boys near you ask about the Bosch oem battery, I've replaced about 50 bmw battery's at my shop in the last few years, always using the oem bosch battery from pepboys. Usually it runs me about $150 plus core. Your price might be a little higher because your not a shop but still cheaper than most places. Never had a battery fail and it comes with a 5 year warranty. You won't even have to register it because it is a h8 gel battery

Longdoggy · 05-04-2015, 11:54 AM

Are optima batteries still a good choice?

Ali-E90 · 05-04-2015, 12:44 PM

If you don't want to code, you'll want to make sure you get a battery with the same AH. It'll be written on the label of your current battery.

I've seen many cheap batteries that boast high CCAs, but their RC / AH was crap.

Anytime you change the AH, or battery type (AGM vs. non-AGM), you'll want to code the car.

I ended up getting a great deal on an AGM, with better specs than my outgoing, at a forum-friendly dealer here in Canada.

1chanc3 · 05-04-2015, 01:40 PM

Does anyone know what size battery I should get? Thanks in advanced.

EDIT: I just saw getbmwparts which has the OEM battery for $183, shipped. Should I just get that instead?

AzureHaze · 05-04-2015, 01:59 PM

My trusty mod shop just slapped an Interstate battery that he had in stock less than a month ago and so far so good. Only paid $150 including a register, even though I had the tool to do it myself. I believe mine is the MT5-48/H6 with 760 CCA.

bender rodriguez · 05-04-2015, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1chanc3

Does anyone know what size battery I should get? Thanks in advanced.

EDIT: I just saw getbmwparts which has the OEM battery for $183, shipped. Should I just get that instead?

Why???

If you get it from advance auto it would be an 80 dollar battery instead made by the same company.

1chanc3 · 05-04-2015, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bender rodriguez

Why???

If you get it from advance auto it would be an 80 dollar battery instead made by the same company.

Because I don't have a AAP 50 miles of me....

Ali-E90 · 05-04-2015, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1chanc3

Does anyone know what size battery I should get? Thanks in advanced.

EDIT: I just saw getbmwparts which has the OEM battery for $183, shipped. Should I just get that instead?

You may not have luck checking out your online order, and may need to buy locally. Many won't deliver/ship.

I live in Canada (cold winters) and have an aftermarket stereo, so I got the biggest OEM available (850 CCA, 185 RC, 92 AH). Of course had to code it accordingly.

If you don't have to worry about these issues, you can go with something smaller. My original OEM was 640 CCA, 140 RC, 60 AH.

You'll have to match the AH figure to avoid coding (not RC as I mistakenly said in a previous post).

VTECaddict · 05-04-2015, 03:52 PM

I got one from Autozone 2-3 years ago for about $100 and its been fine.

msjt · 05-04-2015, 04:06 PM

You still have to register the battery to reset the charging cycle regardless. Get an agm battery.

bmw325i · 05-04-2015, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1chanc3

Does anyone know what size battery I should get? Thanks in advanced.

EDIT: I just saw getbmwparts which has the OEM battery for $183, shipped. Should I just get that instead?

The stock battery is a group 48 you can get a battery at any parts store and code it yourself if you know how.

I use xs power batteries not exactly cheap but its the best you can get for car audio. The only other company that can compare is Northstar IMO.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...wer-D4800.html
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...Power-580.html

http://buy.northstarbattery.com/p/nsb-agm48-l3-battery

1chanc3 · 05-04-2015, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw325i

The stock battery is a group 48 you can get a battery at any parts store and code it yourself if you know how.

I use xs power batteries not exactly cheap but its the best you can get for car audio. The only other company that can compare is Northstar IMO.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...wer-D4800.html
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...Power-580.html

http://buy.northstarbattery.com/p/nsb-agm48-l3-battery

Sorry for the noob questions, but the only sizes I see from AutoZone are H8, H8 and 94R, all of which show up when I input my make/model/year of my car.
So what does group48 correlate to?

I'm running 80 Ah, 140RC, 640CCA battery on my car now.

Man, can they not make finding a battery more complex?? lol

bmw325i · 05-04-2015, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1chanc3

Sorry for the noob questions, but the only sizes I see from AutoZone are H8, H8 and 94R, all of which show up when I input my make/model/year of my car.
So what does group48 correlate to?

I'm running 80 Ah, 140RC, 640CCA battery on my car now.

Man, can they not make finding a battery more complex?? lol

Here is a chart, group 48 would be H6. This info is not for an e90, but it shows the different sizes. The sizes you listed are slightly larger but most likely would fit.
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...2#post28330262

1chanc3 · 05-04-2015, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw325i

Here is a chart, group 48 would be H6. This info is not for an e90, but it shows the different sizes. The sizes you listed are slightly larger but most likely would fit.
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...2#post28330262

Thank you for your help. Greatly appreciate it.

Looks like I'm going with Napa battery as it is the closest RC to my stock: http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...448_0427818968

Cant they just make a site where they give you the exact battery needed? lol

bender rodriguez · 05-04-2015, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msjt

You still have to register the battery to reset the charging cycle regardless. Get an agm battery.

Register and code are not the same thing. You have to change the change the checkmark to AGM if you use agm.

#Tee · 05-04-2015, 05:11 PM

http://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-...ttery/16782659

paid 117 about over a year ago. i didnt even register it, cause i dont play by the rules. everything is fine and im loving life right now.

Nitrousbird · 05-04-2015, 05:17 PM

Group 49 Lead Acid. Duracell's at Sam's Club are pretty much the best bang for the buck, made by Deka.

AGM's are actually a bad idea IMO:
- Heavier for same group size
- Less output for same group size
- Cost more
- Typically more prone to having issues (not that common but still happens)

You aren't rock crawling, leaving the battery in an open passenger compartment, off-roading, or other things that warrant an AGM. You basically spend more to get a heavier and lower performing battery. Why do that?

1chanc3 · 05-04-2015, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #Tee

http://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-...ttery/16782659

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw325i

Here is a chart, group 48 would be H6. This info is not for an e90, but it shows the different sizes. The sizes you listed are slightly larger but most likely would fit.
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...2#post28330262

So is my battery H6 or H8? The one Tee posted is H8. My buddy also has a H8 size battery. But bmw325i says its H6.... I'm confused again.

Is there a way for me to definitively find out? Does it say somewhere on the battery or anywhere?

05-04-2015, 10:53 AM	#1
1chanc3 Major 148 Rep 1,100 Posts Drives: 2010 e92 335i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Battery Recommendations? My battery is finally starting to go. I get the battery symbol if i leave my radio on for a couple minutes without the ignition being on. Went to my dealership (new Century) and they wanted $377 JUST for the battery. Nope. Called another dealership and they wanted $325. Nope lol. Looking into getting an aftermarket battery now. What battery brands and models do you guys recommend that I should get keeping the same specifications as the OEM one so I don't have to code (non-AGM). I have heard some mixed reviews about NAPA batteries and Duralast. I was told that Excide, who makes the OEM BMW batteries, also makes the NAPA ones? Any input is welcome. (FYI, I have BT cable so I can register the battery myself) __________________ 2010 335i Coupe- Monaco Blue Metallic
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05-04-2015, 11:04 AM	#2
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	I have an Interstate 49/H8 for a couple of years I have an Interstate 49/H8 for a couple of years so far so good.
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05-04-2015, 11:33 AM	#3
bender rodriguez Banned 149 Rep 1,995 Posts Drives: Audi Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (1)	Cheap.. They are all made by 3 companies.. If you order online and store pick up you can get 50 dollars off of your battery from advance auto.. For those interested Advance Auto Parts deal this week: $50 off an order of $125 or more (usual exclusions apply) The coupon will also yield the following discounts: $10 off $25+ $20 off $50+ $30 off $75+ $40 off $100+ with code WD518
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-04-2015, 11:44 AM	#4
djjasper Lieutenant 41 Rep 557 Posts Drives: 2015 435i 6MT Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: CO iTrader: (0)	Here's what I ended up using a couple years ago (non-AGM). It's been strong and was strong all through last winter which was freaking brutal here in Philly: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=931443
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-04-2015, 11:45 AM	#5
drilla2212 Private 0 Rep 90 Posts Drives: e92 328i, z4, e46 m3 Join Date: May 2014 Location: dfw iTrader: (0)	If you have a pep boys near you ask about the Bosch oem battery, I've replaced about 50 bmw battery's at my shop in the last few years, always using the oem bosch battery from pepboys. Usually it runs me about $150 plus core. Your price might be a little higher because your not a shop but still cheaper than most places. Never had a battery fail and it comes with a 5 year warranty. You won't even have to register it because it is a h8 gel battery
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-04-2015, 11:54 AM	#6
Longdoggy Master Bates 80 Rep 495 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M340 xDrive Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Are optima batteries still a good choice? __________________ CURRENT: 2020 G20 M340 xDrive — Carbahn Tune RETIRED: 2011 E90 335i xDrive — Cobb AP3, PE Exhaust, Alpina TCU Flash, VRSF Charge Pipe 2017 Estoril Blue X1 M Sport — JB4
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05-04-2015, 12:44 PM	#7
Ali-E90 Colonel 379 Rep 2,365 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 323i (Cdn) Join Date: May 2013 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [8.00] 2007 BMW 323i [8.50]	If you don't want to code, you'll want to make sure you get a battery with the same AH. It'll be written on the label of your current battery. I've seen many cheap batteries that boast high CCAs, but their RC / AH was crap. Anytime you change the AH, or battery type (AGM vs. non-AGM), you'll want to code the car. I ended up getting a great deal on an AGM, with better specs than my outgoing, at a forum-friendly dealer here in Canada. __________________ Check out my Mod Thread Here
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05-04-2015, 01:40 PM	#8
1chanc3 Major 148 Rep 1,100 Posts Drives: 2010 e92 335i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Does anyone know what size battery I should get? Thanks in advanced. EDIT: I just saw getbmwparts which has the OEM battery for $183, shipped. Should I just get that instead? __________________ 2010 335i Coupe- Monaco Blue Metallic Last edited by 1chanc3; 05-04-2015 at 01:54 PM..
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05-04-2015, 01:59 PM	#9
AzureHaze Lieutenant Colonel 69 Rep 1,766 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Sport Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	My trusty mod shop just slapped an Interstate battery that he had in stock less than a month ago and so far so good. Only paid $150 including a register, even though I had the tool to do it myself. I believe mine is the MT5-48/H6 with 760 CCA. __________________ JBD @ 100% \| KW ST Coilovers \| M3 rep. front bumper \| 888Concepts AE Upgrade \| GP Thunder 7500k fogs \| Cyba 4" carbon tips \| BSW Stage 1 \| APEX ARC-8 W/ Michelin PSS \| Ziza LED interior \| Weisslicht LED side lenses \| Sprint Booster \| Euro side mirrors \| M-Sport semi-conversion \| Coded \| LOTS of carbon fiber
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05-04-2015, 03:52 PM	#13
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 481 Rep 6,067 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	I got one from Autozone 2-3 years ago for about $100 and its been fine. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
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05-04-2015, 04:06 PM	#14
msjt First Lieutenant 160 Rep 305 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: queens, nyc iTrader: (0)	You still have to register the battery to reset the charging cycle regardless. Get an agm battery.
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05-04-2015, 05:11 PM	#20
#Tee Major General 557 Rep 5,367 Posts Drives: yes Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Socal iTrader: (2)	http://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-...ttery/16782659 paid 117 about over a year ago. i didnt even register it, cause i dont play by the rules. everything is fine and im loving life right now. __________________ You can follow my builds on IG: Tee212
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05-04-2015, 05:17 PM	#21
Nitrousbird Banned 432 Rep 1,602 Posts Drives: '07 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Powell, OH iTrader: (2)	Group 49 Lead Acid. Duracell's at Sam's Club are pretty much the best bang for the buck, made by Deka. AGM's are actually a bad idea IMO: - Heavier for same group size - Less output for same group size - Cost more - Typically more prone to having issues (not that common but still happens) You aren't rock crawling, leaving the battery in an open passenger compartment, off-roading, or other things that warrant an AGM. You basically spend more to get a heavier and lower performing battery. Why do that?
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