battery replacement for 2005 x5 4.4
 

local Sams club advised me to get battery replaced at stealer as he thought i may need an electronic reset. is that true? is there any way i can change it myself

thanks

No reset needed for E53's AFAIK.

Replaced mine recently with no problems.

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

Agree with g300d & Bulk...
The only slight glitch that is occasionally reported is a set of warning lights lighting up upon first key turn on, post install. A key on/off/on or a short drive usually makes dash lights go out and, back to normal.

Cake DIY, or maybe Sam's does it; if they have done Xs.
GL, mD

Will radio or Nav code needs to re-entered to regain functionality?

Its a simple plug and play like said above.....by the looks of it the rep isn't too educated and by default said to go to the stealer.

All the more reason why you don't go to Sam's Club for BMW service.

FWIW I had replaced my '04 battery in 15 min and no reset or codes at all. Plug and play.

thanks everyone that was very helpful....should i worry about which brand i get or it doesnt matter?

Nope, just make sure you get the correct Group 49 battery type.

OP: if you have access to a low amp 'maintenance' type batt charger, a day on that will bring that 'new' batt right up to snuff vs sitting on the shelf or a hot shot some joints give new batts. If no low amp charger, install in and go for a good long ride, imo.
DIY is 20 mins ... And, if the Sam's idiot hasn't done a few, you can screw it up less then they can, imo.
GL, mD

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 :)

What's not to love about our X5s??? Successfully replaced the battery by the way. I love that no recoding and registration is necessary...

No, 950 cranking amps is not too much. :D

How much do they charge now for the H8 battery? Just curious because they also have a 49 class size battery that they "conveniently" don't have listed for many BMW models....the Duralast 49DL...which usually runs around $100 with core charge deducted. Interestingly, the 49DL may have slightly higher specs,yet costs less. The free replacement warranty has 1 less year but it does have a 5 year pro rated warranty that kicks in afterwards.

Warning: to those who don't know...ALWAYS vent our battery when it is enclosed!!!

Quick,

Paid $135.99 for the Duralast Gold with side vent. Its a perfect copy of the OEM... 3 years exchange warranty and 5 years prorated.

Ahh...thanks for the price update. Appears the H8 is still at a competitive price point between the 49DL & the 95R. The H8 & 95 are side vented whereas the 49DL is vented from the top center & requires the (free) vent kit that should be stuck to the battery case.

Again, thanks. :thumbup:

Sure Quick, no biggie. I do believe your battery was a better fit financially but it's already done :)