Battery Replacement

[bmw_jeff_X5]

Originally Posted by JCL

I just wanted to do it at a time and place I controlled.

I agree....I don't want to come back after a warm vacation and have to deal with an X covered in snow AND won't start.

[TerminatorX5]

as a matter of fact, there was a thread somewhere here about the OE battery from the factory being of one manufacturer and OE battery from parts department at a local dealer (in US) from a different manufacturer... and the one from the parts not lasting even half time of the one from the factory... something to that effect - thus, no need to get one from a dealer in hopes to pull another 8 years... or, something like that...

[bmw_jeff_X5]

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

as a matter of fact, there was a thread somewhere here about the OE battery from the factory being of one manufacturer and OE battery from parts department at a local dealer (in US) from a different manufacturer... and the one from the parts not lasting even half time of the one from the factory... something to that effect - thus, no need to get one from a dealer in hopes to pull another 8 years... or, something like that...

Dealer indicated to me it's one of 2 possible batteries based on my VIN. I need to take a look at my battery.
I was thinking about one of the compatible BOSCH ones at pep-boys also for around $140.

[motordavid]

Dlr is pulling your pud: no 'compatibility' issues on '06 and earlier...buy what you like, or theirs, or their rec'd. But, no 'matching' or 'mating'.

I still rec'd a slow, low amp charge on new batt, regardless of where one buys it, before install.
GL, mD

[TerminatorX5]

Originally Posted by bmw_jeff_X5

Dealer indicated to me it's one of 2 possible batteries based on my VIN. I need to take a look at my battery.
I was thinking about one of the compatible BOSCH ones at pep-boys also for around $140.

at the factory they may use smaller or bigger batteries in order to save on the cost - why stick a big battery into a car that has less demands for power, like no heated seats, no rear blower, manual A/C controls... it would make sense to have one size for all models but from the cost savings point, it is better to use various size batteries... therefore, in the battery tub there are 3 tie-down points, to take the various sizes... while you can't really go too small on a fully loaded "is" version, you can always go a size or two too big from the original version, as it might make more sense on the individual owner level to go "max-size" on a normal E53...

look for H8 battery with a vent, and the "AGM" thingy... can't go wrong with that size... there is one size bigger but i think that one will not fit into the tub, as H8 is taking the last slot...

[BIMMER_BLUEBLOOD]

BMW batteries (panasonic manufactured) are notoriously bad in cold weather especially when theyre old.. my suggestion is a Duralast gold or platinum series battery.... im changing mine this weekend...

[bmw_jeff_X5]

$168.33 for this:
Bosch Premium Performance Battery Group Size H8/L5/49 | Product Details | Pep Boys

[tmv]

I spent ~$130 for the Autocraft AGM H8 battery after tax, using the online discount and in-store pick-up option.
The battery in my old 2001 3.0i was replaced in 2012. It appeared to be original, but the PO might had it replaced prior.

[bcredliner]

The following are 3 choices from Autozone: Battery | 2006 BMW X5 AWD 8 Cylinders 4.4L EFI DOHC | AutoZone.com

One reason to consider a battery with greater specs than the original is because of cold weather where cold and cranking amps are more important. The difference in price is not that much and the warranty is usually longer. On the other hand, you haven't had any cold starting problems with your current battery so I would say the specs on your current battery are sufficient.

[Qsilver7]

As I've been recommending each time this topic comes up...you can go with the expensive BMW labeled battery (won't be same mfg as from the factory)...or ANY 49/H8 or 95R/H9 battery. You can go lead-acid or AGM with either of the aforementioned battery class sizes.

The specs of the 49/H8 & 95R/H9 battery are usually higher or similar to the original battery...and can cost much less money. There are 3 big battery manufactures in the USA that supply most of the battery brands. The case color and labels may be different, but many of them are made by the same 3 companies...and may only have slight differences in specs. The big 3 are:

1. Johnson Controls
2. Exide
3. East Penn

You can see in the East Penn chart below...what the "common" specs of the lead-acid & AGM (absorbent glass mat) 49/H8 & 95R/H9 batteries are vs the smaller 48/H6 & 94R/H7 batteries:






These specs carry over to the Exide & JC batteries...like the Duralast H8 Platinum (AGM) or Duralast H8 DLG...or batteries by NAPA...and other brands.


I was just at Sams Club & Batteries PLus...and you can see the specs of their 49/H8 & 95R/H9 lead-acid & AGM batteries:

Duralast H8 (AGM) Platinum @ AutoZone (approx $169.99 - prices vary by location)


Duralast H8 DLG (lead-acid) @ AutoZone (approx $145.99)


Duralast H8 DL (lead acid - formally 49 DL) approx $129.99