Replacement Battery REBATE

[PhastPhil]

Hi All,
My '09 X5 battery 'sounded' like it was on it's way to a quick demise, and I've delayed getting it replaced for the >$500 cost.

However, someone must of read my mind at BMW (how do they do that?), a $50 rebate from BMW lured me into the dealer for a replacement. Came via an email.

REBATE LINK: good until March 31, 2015.
http://bmwvalueservice.com/Content/p...eFlyer_M1A.pdf

The battery is $317 (90 amp), Install $150 (reduced from the $250 the 'book' suggests) plus tax and a few $$ for core disposal. Out the door with a free car wash, $503.

There are a number of threads on battery replacement, but quite frankly knowing that the battery has to be 'registered' and 'programmed' in the ECU, prompted me to bite the bullet and get it replaced. Better than getting stuck in a dark unfriendly place with a dead battery....and many of you know there is very little warning when the battery is about to give up.

[rh71]

that's still twice what you should be paying: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ement-diy.html (get your own battery and bring it to an indy).

BTW, I knew my battery was dying when it started shutting off my radio (after ignition off) only after something like 5 minutes. It should go at least 15-20 minutes under normal conditions. Also I recall there was an indicator on the dash that is different from the keyfob battery low (comfort access). Since everything is dependent on the car battery, your mileage certainly will vary on warning signs.

[PhastPhil]

Thanks rh71 for your feedback.

I have limited time due to my work schedule, so I pushed the button on getting the replacement done by the Stealer. I was probably 4-6 months premature for the replacement, but worried I might get stuck with a dead battery on the way to the airport where the airline would charge me more than the difference to change my ticket than the savings of the DIY. It was a matter of who I wanted to pay - Stealer - Airlines LOL !

However, I did learn about the BMWWHAT.APP iOS app for CODING the ECU, while poking around the 'forums'. I've purchased the WiFi adapter and the APP for my iPad...I'm excited to know I can add/change settings without begging (and paying) the dealer. They also refused to change anything NOT authorized by BMW-USA. What BS.

If anyone has suggestions/comments on the BMWHAT APP I would be interested to learn.

Thanks....

[josiahg52]

Originally Posted by PhastPhil

If anyone has suggestions/comments on the BMWHAT APP I would be interested to learn.

Not sure what you want to know:

Got my BMWhat app

Successfully coded my E70

[PhastPhil]

Hi josiahg52

Thanks for your reply...

Actually I saw both those posts...very helpful. The successfully coded...was very more detailed than the few words that are used to explain certain codes. Most were self explanatory, but some need a bit more detail.

Thanks,

[ard]

Originally Posted by PhastPhil

There are a number of threads on battery replacement, but quite frankly knowing that the battery has to be 'registered' and 'programmed' in the ECU, prompted me to bite the bullet and get it replaced. Better than getting stuck in a dark unfriendly place with a dead battery....and many of you know there is very little warning when the battery is about to give up.

Fear and ignorance are wonderful tools to pry more $$$ from clients....

[TiAgX5]

Bosch 900CCA is under $115 TOTAL (with tax/fees), when purchased online/store P/U with 35% online discount code applied and after $15 core refund. Pep Boys site.

OE battery is only 740CCA.

[PhastPhil]

Thanks TiAgX5 for the info....you are RIGHT On with the Pep Boys reference...just for grins (since I already had my battery replaced) I looked at the site for Bosch battery - sure enough it was an AGM and appeared to be the correct battery.

So for others looking save some $$, this would of been a very good alternate. It was listed @ $199 less 25% = $150, less a $20 Bosch rebate = $130. List Price of the BMW battery was $300., However note they charge $42 for install. ONE big difference - Bosch gives a 4 year replacement warranty - BMW 2 - years. That could be significant.

However, you still need to get the ECU coded for the replacement and the correct charging rate - which I'm not sure if Pep Boys can do that OR if it can be done with the BMWHAT APP (which I now have). I'll have to check that out.

Hopefully I won't have to go through this again before i trade for an X3 next year.

Thanks for all who weighed in....

[edfiero]

I like the idea of getting the battery at half the cost at Pep Boys. Question is can they do the necessary 'coding' if they install the Battery or can that only be done at an official BMW Indy shop (Assuing I don't do it myself) ??

[TiAgX5]

I would contact your local PB to see if they code.

From what I saw online, the $20 Bosch mail-in rebate ended on 3-1, If they extended the rebate and give me the mail-in docs, that drops the price to under $95!

I was considering going with a Lithium-Ion lightweight battery. I could buy 10 Bosch batteries for the $s.