Purchased this Battery for our X5, thoughts?

[Salty_Dog]

Just put this new Battery into our e53 X5.

Product

I know BMW posted a Bulletin suggesting the factory Calcium Battery now be replaced with an AGM model (some years ago).

My question is, does the 2006 e53 BMW X5 supply the correct voltages to 100% recharge an AGM battery?
(considering they require 14.7v not 14.4v)

Thoughts anyone?

[PR1AWRet]

Yes, they charge just like any other 12v battery for vehicles. I've used 3-4 over the last couple of years in different vehicles with no problems.

[squeasel]

FWIW, I have had similar results to @PR1AWRet ... I have used AGM in cars, boats and race cars without changing any additional items in the electrical system. They have many good qualities. The only bad, IMO, are the price and the race car batteries (which are quite small) don't last well though this comment does not apply to the standard size batteries.

[motordavid]

Have used AGMs in my motorcycles for years, one in my VetteVert for past 6 yrs, (replacing the oe batt), and on my 2nd AGM batt in our '01 X, 3.0, (2nd replacement after oe orig batt)...never a problem in charging, (I use a Battery Tender for maintenance charge on the long sitting vehicles), and all work like champs.
GL, mD

[Salty_Dog]

Brilliant guys, great to know

We have had a series of problems with Batteries in the X5, ever since the OE BMW Battery failed after 7 years of good service.

The next Battery lasted 12 months $150

Then we bought this Battery, as it is what Battery World (in Oz) recommended $350
649MF

I believe its the same as the Deka Brand you guys have in the USA?
Anyway, it lasted 23 months then failed to start vehicle, it then failed the load test back at Battery World and they are chasing a Replacement under Warranty.
Battery World also no longer stock the Federal Batteries, so maybe a hint

In the mean time, i went out and bought the Century AGM Battery $450
Product

The Vehicle has been checked for correct charging, they seemed happy with it.

Lets see how long this AGM lasts
Vehicle does a long 2 hour drive once a week, then very short trips during the week.
Maybe i should purchase a CTEK charger and keep it tendered or at least give it a full cycle charger once a month?

Anyway, the OE Battery never gave any trouble in 7 years.
With no consideration to short trips or storage.

[kvc]

CTEK charger is the go mate. I bought one a few years ago and use it all the time, as we have 12 vehicles and a few other machines (generators, tractors, ride-on, pumps etc).
I also bought a replacement battery for my E53 about 18 months ago, as I didn't trust the BMW one in the vehicle when first purchased (had no idea how old it was). Went to Battery World and purchased a Varta brand SMF that was a bit smaller (shorter) than the OEM battery, but with higher CCA. Never looked back since. My E53 often sits for 3-4 weeks at a time without starting and the Varta has always started the car fine.

[Salty_Dog]

Originally Posted by kvc

CTEK charger is the go mate. I bought one a few years ago and use it all the time, as we have 12 vehicles and a few other machines (generators, tractors, ride-on, pumps etc).
I also bought a replacement battery for my E53 about 18 months ago, as I didn't trust the BMW one in the vehicle when first purchased (had no idea how old it was). Went to Battery World and purchased a Varta brand SMF that was a bit smaller (shorter) than the OEM battery, but with higher CCA. Never looked back since. My E53 often sits for 3-4 weeks at a time without starting and the Varta has always started the car fine.

Thanks mate, yeah i would have much preferred a Varta Silver Calcium Battery over the USA built Federal, Battery World suggested and gave us.
I had never heard of the Federal and got the feeling they were just trying to unload some rubbish stock on us.

They told us Federal will supply a new replacement Battery under warranty and to be honest, i don't even want it, hence why i bought the Century AGM SiS Battery.

[kvc]

Originally Posted by Salty_Dog

Thanks mate, yeah i would have much preferred a Varta Silver Calcium Battery over the USA built Federal Battery World suggested and gave us.
I had never heard of the Federal and got the feeling they were just trying to unload some rubbish stock on us.

They told us Federal will supply a new replacement Battery under warranty and to be honest, i don't even want it, hence why i bought the Century AG SiS Battery.

I know the manager of our local Battery World franchise quite well - enough to get a good discount, due to my regular purchases. He says that most batteries they sell come from the same factory in S Korea - Century/Yuasa for example are identical, except for the label. Not sure about the Federal though. The Varta I bought came from Germany and was a bit more expensive, but (touch wood) hasn't let me down.

[Salty_Dog]

Originally Posted by kvc

I know the manager of our local Battery World franchise quite well - enough to get a good discount, due to my regular purchases. He says that most batteries they sell come from the same factory in S Korea - Century/Yuasa for example are identical, except for the label. Not sure about the Federal though. The Varta I bought came from Germany and was a bit more expensive, but (touch wood) hasn't let me down.

Ah ok.....

Yeah, they gave us tempory Battery until the Warranty Claim Battery came back.
It was a Yuasa
This one: GS Yuasa | Product info

It was a bit under spec for my liking, although it worked fine a temporary replacement.
I didn't know Yuasa and Century were the same
Yuasa had always been more Motorcycle batteries to my knowledge.
I see after a search, you are dead right, even the webpage i link with my new Century Battery is a Yuasa/Century page.

I got the Century AGM SiS for great price, so i was super happy with that.
Even though they Retail for $450-$500

[80stech]

That brings up a good question, what is the proper charging voltage for the bosch regulator ? Used to be only GM went up to 14.7 or so with their labyrinth vented battery and imports where 13.8. Drove me nuts back in the day because a normal lead acid battery will start to boil above 14.2 !