got duracell 49 installed at sams $107 OTD. This morning there was a different guy there.....he was ok with installing it.....i saw a video online this morning ...showed him how to get to battery ....X5 Battery Replacement E53 - YouTube

so far working fine...i am hoping he put in all the nuts and bolts back.

thanks everyone...appreciate your help

We don't have to worry about "coding" replacement batteries until we move up to a BMW model that has i-Drive.

The new generation of BMWs that utilize the MOST communication bus (includes i-Drive)...the battery is monitored and the alternator/charging system may vary its output to the battery as the battery ages.

But as it's been made clear in this thread...our vehicles do not require a replacment battery to be "coded" to the car. :)

Shopping for a replacement battery...look for any 49 or H8 battery class size...then compare and consider the specs & price that fit your situation:

• RC - reserve capacity
• CC - cranking amps
• CCC - cold cranking amps
• AH - amp hour

The coding I was referring to was the anti-theft code for radios and nav sys as found in other cars. I didn't know the X didn't require it with batt disconnect? So that means it doesn't have radio/nav anti-theft capability? :confused:

BMW dropped the anti-theft radios which required a 5 digit code to be entered if electrical power was interrupted when the e36/e34/e32 models reached the end of their production.

As the new 3/5/7 series (E46/E39/E38) debuted starting in the mid 90s...the radios/audio systems became model specific along with using multiple components. This design reduced the number of cars stolen components could be used in, plus the requirement of multiple components to make everything work...the need for the anti-theft code was considered non-useful.

The radio receiver was designed into the in-dash cassette or CD player or placed in the trunk/cargo area...whereas the controls for the audio system was incorporated into the MID (multi-informational display). And these MIDs & radio/cass or radio/CD units for the 3, 5, & 7 will only fit into the model inwhich they are designed for. If the car came with onBoard NAV (which debuted in the 1998 e38 7 series here in the USA)...the radio receiver was located in the trunk back by the CD changer.

So no, our vehicles (nor any BMW since the e36/e34/e32) use anti-theft radios. The "CODE" you may see on your MID or Nav monitor is not for the audio system...but for immobilizing the car from theft by someone who has access to the car's keys. And this immobilizing code is not "static"(same 5 digits every time) like the old anti-theft radio codes...the immobilizing CODE is any number that owner wants to use that is between 0000-9999.

BTW...that's why there's no card in the owner manual binder that has a card with the radio's 5 digit anti-theft code printed on it. :)

WOW, very thorough Qsilver7!!

Who needs a manual when you are around!

This explains why I couldn't find the code which made me hesitant to disconnect the batt for a reset attempt. Thx much for the info!

Yes very useful thanks

Mr C

Glad I could be of assistance...especially since I'm new to this forum. :D

Hey guys,

My OEM battery lasted 7 years WOW!!! Just took it out and phoned Autozone for a possible match. They have the Duralast Gold 950 cranking Amps... isn't that a bit too much?

From Autozone website:

Part Number: H8-DLG
Warranty: 8 YR
Notes: ** 850 (EN) Cold cranking Amps (950 cranking Amps) **. 100 Reserve minutes. -> 3 year free replacement <-. See the vehicle owner's manual for safe and proper battery installation. Installation may take up to 45 minutes. Battery located in rear under spare tire. Battery is vented to outside of vehicle.

http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znet...8-DLG/image/2/

Hey let's all report Femaferrr the spammer. (Post # 13)

7 years and around 4 mo. on the original one here :)