Bought a replacement battery at Sam's Club

vegasX5 · #1 06-09-2010, 12:08 AM

We had our first couple of days over 110+ degrees this week, and the heat killed my battery. The only two places in town that stocked a replacement were the BMW dealer and Sam's Club. I chose Sam's to save money and picked up a really nice replacement for $82.28.

It included free installation, but I ended up doing most of it there in the shop since they weren't sure where the battery was.

It was branded "Energizer" and I think it's a good value for the price!

haigha · #2 06-09-2010, 06:52 AM

When I checked a few months ago, my local Sam's didn't have a battery in their catalog for an 04 4.4. I think they did have an 04 3.0 battery.

Weasel · #3 06-09-2010, 08:06 AM

I'm hoping you made sure the vent hose was hooked up to the battery...? You just don't want it venting in the cabin corroding up the stuff back there. As long as you got that hooked up and the AH and RC rate match the OEM you shouldn't have a problem.

vegasX5 · #4 06-09-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weasel

I'm hoping you made sure the vent hose was hooked up to the battery...? You just don't want it venting in the cabin corroding up the stuff back there. As long as you got that hooked up and the AH and RC rate match the OEM you shouldn't have a problem.

The new battery came with a nice vent tube and an optional extension in case it wasn't long enough. The new battery vented in the middle, so I did use the extension and made sure it vented properly. The new battery had 850 CCA and has a considerable warranty - 36 months full replacement 120 months prorated. It seems like a solid deal to me. FWIW, they also stocked the 3.0 battery as well.

Multibeemer · #5 07-02-2010, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weasel

the AH and RC rate match the OEM you shouldn't have a problem.

Does anybody know the AH (Amp Hours) and RC (Reserve Capacity) rating of the stock battery (I'd be interested in the 4.4l; not sure if there would be a difference between its and the 3.0's)? I've been searching, and I can't find it. Is it stamped somewhere on the battery?

I called Everstart, and the guy told me he's pretty sure the RC on their MAXX-49 is 140, and he thought the AH was between 70 and 80, but he was going from memory, as he didn't have access to a spec sheet. The RC on a Duralast 49-DL is 155, but its AH wasn't listed. Thanks.

X5 Meister · #6 06-09-2010, 01:09 PM

Can you post the model # of the battery and all the specs? I am trying to put together a nice list. Thanks.

vegasX5 · #7 06-09-2010, 01:16 PM

I got there just a few minutes before they closed and I installed it in the parking lot in about 10 minutes, so I didn't get a good look at all the specs besides the 850CCA. The model was called the "Energizer E49" for the 4.4 V8 which I what I have. Then the model listed for the 3.0 was E94L if I recall correctly. If I stop back by Sam's soon I'll pick up the rest of the specs.

X5 Meister · #8 06-09-2010, 01:34 PM

Great, thanks.

vegasX5 · #9 06-09-2010, 01:36 PM

BTW - here's a battery selector that's pretty handy for several brands of battery. It appears that all have some sort of "49" model number for the 4.4:

Battery Selector

haigha · #10 06-09-2010, 05:04 PM

Vegas: Thanks for posting the info. I will likely need a new battery in the next year or two. Was this your first replacement on your '02?

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegasX5

It included free installation, but I ended up doing most of it there in the shop since they weren't sure where the battery was.

It was branded "Energizer" and I think it's a good value for the price!

I'm surprised they let you in the shop area. My experience with most large places is that their liability insurance restricts them from having customers in the work area.

Also, I remember seeing the free installation offer though they didn't have a battery available for mine when I checked (only checked out of curiosity). There was an asterisk on the free installation offer saying "for most vehicles." I guessed at the time that it might not include X5s since the procedure is more complicated than average. Less than $90 is a great deal even without installation.