Battery Replacement

bmw_jeff_X5 · #1 01-23-2014, 05:51 PM

I'm almost certain I still have my original battery in my E53. That would make it 8 years old in May 2014. 38,000 miles on her. Time to change the battery as preventative maintenance?

TerminatorX5 · #2 01-23-2014, 05:59 PM

does it give you any issues? i wonder, what a record on the original battery can be...

motordavid · #3 01-23-2014, 06:33 PM

If it were mine, I would...on my own time, maybe in the garage, vs it simply not working one morning or at some other inopportune time.

I rec'd an overnight low amp 'trickle charge' on the new batt: many have been sitting for awhile.

Easy DIY.
GL, mD

JCL · #4 01-23-2014, 06:47 PM

I was coming up to 7 years on our X3 battery, and so changed it a month or so back, just so that the replacement happened where and when I chose instead of on the side of the road or on a long trip.

I think of it this way: I am unlikely to own the vehicle for another 7 years, it will be gone before then. I may as well have the benefit of a new battery now instead of just giving it to the next owner.

puddinboo · #5 01-23-2014, 07:01 PM

I think ill be changing my battery out to this summer as it doesn`t want to crank the x5 when it gets to -30c I have no idea if its ever been replaced or not ,I would think so considerring the x is 10.5 yrs old I will check the date code on the old batt.

bcredliner · #6 01-23-2014, 07:18 PM

I don't think about replacing the battery until there are symptoms. Then I get it load tested at Autozone. There is no charge. That will tell you what shape it is in and if you need to pick out a battery while you are there.

Be sure to get an equal or better replacement battery with a vent if you move ahead.

If you have any question it may not be the original battery there should be a date of purchase on a replacement battery.

jdd · #7 01-23-2014, 07:41 PM

Mine lasted 9½ years on the original factory fitted battery and was just replaced recently.
I’ve struck a couple recently (the X5 being one) that didn’t give any hint that they were going to die like I’ve seen in the past, I don’t know whether this is just unlucky or this is the way batteries are designed these days.
At 8 years old you probably won’t get much more out of it so I would look at replacing it as a preventative maintenance.
In hindsight I should have done the same to mine as Murphy’s law dictates that it will likely fail at the most inopportune place/time.

bmw_jeff_X5 · #8 01-23-2014, 08:48 PM

There have been no symptoms...I mean it's been super cold here in CT...so it has a slight hesitation on startup...but that would happen to any car at 2-3 degrees + windchill.
The reason for my question is primarily related to the fact I'm about to leave her in JFK long term parking for 8 days next week.

bmw_jeff_X5 · #9 01-23-2014, 08:52 PM

With my CC discount I can get an OE battery at my local dealer for a hair over $200 out the door. I know I can go cheaper at pep boys etc.

JCL · #10 01-23-2014, 08:58 PM

I had a slight hesitation on start up, but it never failed to start. I just wanted to do it at a time and place I controlled. Also, travelling in -20C weather, a vehicle that doesn't start can be a significant risk. We were stopped in the Rockies for avalanche control, and while we have space blankets and emergency supplies with us when in those conditions, it wasn't worth the risk.

No need to go to a dealer. BMW doesn't make batteries. Just make sure it is the correct size, equal or better in CCA and reserve capacity, and with the proper vent.