Which New Battery?

TPIT100 · #1 11-09-2011, 11:48 PM

Hello All,

I have a 2003 4.6is that has just turned 40k. I bought it last January with 30k. I have had to put in a new alternator. The old one burned up the bearings and welded itself solid. On 2 cold evenings since replacing the alternator, the battery has been too weak to start the X5. I am pretty sure the battery is the original battery and is ready to be replaced. Now for the question. Do I need to replace the battery with an OEM battery, or can I put in something else? I looked around the forums thinking this would be a topic much discussed and could not find much that dealt with replacement batteries.

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Isambard · #2 11-10-2011, 02:29 AM

BOSCH. Thread closed!

LeMansX5 · #3 11-10-2011, 11:15 AM

Batteries Plus have 2 different batteries for X5. I bought the light weight one.
Works fine and they have warranty and are closer to home.
2003 V8 4.6L 740CCA - X5 - BMW - Car and Truck - Batteries Plus

HPIA4v2 · #4 11-10-2011, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TPIT100

Hello All,

I have a 2003 4.6is that has just turned 40k. I bought it last January with 30k. I have had to put in a new alternator. The old one burned up the bearings and welded itself solid. On 2 cold evenings since replacing the alternator, the battery has been too weak to start the X5. I am pretty sure the battery is the original battery and is ready to be replaced. Now for the question. Do I need to replace the battery with an OEM battery, or can I put in something else? I looked around the forums thinking this would be a topic much discussed and could not find much that dealt with replacement batteries.

I replaced mine with Interstate DL-49 type, I have 2002 4.4i; no problem and it's been 3-4 years now. Granted I put batt-tender/charger when the X5 not is used for a few days.

If you can get DL-49 type from Costco, the best deal of all with tehir waranty but my Costso doesn't carry it.

jbny · #5 11-10-2011, 03:36 PM

I went with an AGM Battery from Autozone, it's been fine so far, I would suggest looking up AGM batteries for X5, there are a lot of threads discussing AGM vs Lead Acid out here, I choose AGM cause of the way I drive.......there are times when my X5 sits for 2-3 weeks without going anywhere and then if it goes....it might be for a short distance and then sit again for 2-3 weeks.

StartX5 · #6 11-10-2011, 05:29 PM

There are many battery names in the market but if you want to continue with regular battery (Lead acid) you can go Bosch (go to pepboy online, pick the right Bosch for your X5 and call local pepboys, giving them stock number then they will order for you. You can go with Duralast from Autozone or Autocraft from Advance Auto Parts. These lead acid batteries have average longevity for 4-5 years.

If you want to pay a little more $$$ with longer life battery, I recommend you to go with AGM (Absorption Glass Mat) batteries. These batteries have average longevity 7-8 years and some up to 9-10 years depend on how you drive, night time garage and electronic consumption. I just replaced my battery couple days ago with AGM Battery for $194.00.

When replacing battery, remember disconnect Negative (-) first then Positive (+). When you install new battery, connect Positive (+) first then connect Negative (-).

Zulu95 · #7 11-10-2011, 05:40 PM

I paid $94 fitted for an Exide 6 years ago.

TPIT100 · #8 11-10-2011, 06:39 PM

From your replies, I gleaned that I do not need to go with an OEM battery. Good to know. Who knows the OEM battery part number. I would like to use it to cross ref batteries, without having to dig into the trunk to get number off battery. Thanks for great recon info.

phil47 · #9 11-10-2011, 07:18 PM

Seems like I'm the contrarian here but I recently replaced my OE battery with an OE battery. It never failed me and was actually still going strong after 6 years. I had it changed proactively by the dealer. It wasn't very expensive and I wasn't about to take a risk on something that had proved so reliable...

TPIT100 · #10 11-10-2011, 07:57 PM

I just talked to a BMW dealership parts guy about a battery and he told me this: If you change battery, replace with EXACT spec battery. If you move up or down with cranking amps etc you have to reprogram modules etc in the X5. Also, there are several different batteries for the same year based on type of engine, options, electronics, and when in model year it was built. I actually have to check the existing battery to find out the model number and cranking amps. He said you cannot even use the serial number of the X5 to determine what battery to purchase. So if you don't want electrical problems with your X5, my best determination is to get an exact OE replacement. Thanks phil47. It seems like BMW has made something as easy as changing a battery difficult and expensive if you do it wrong.

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