Which Battery to buy for my 4.8 is X5
 

Need a battery, what do you guys think is a good battery and where.

Thinking about Walmart

i bought walmart battery, by the day 29 it was completely dead and not chargeable... lucky me, i could return it before 30 days for a refund...

it was rated 900 CCA, when i got it from store, it had 1150 CCA, when returned it, it had about 500-600 CCA and 10.24V

no wal mart!!!

There's only a couple of companies that actually makes batteries. Everyone else just have these companies make batteries for them with their brand name on the batteries. So a Sears diehard is the same as a maxx battery from Wal-Mart.

I bought AGM H8 battery from Advance Auto. Search online for 30% off coupon and choose in-store pick up if you have one close-by.

I run Sears DieHards batteries in all my BMWs with great satisfaction on life and performance. They have both versions of cell types. I went with the
DieHard Gold Group Size 94 with AGM technology all under $200. Fits in the battery tray with no mods.
When you look up battery manufactures, you will discover there are appprox 3 or 4 in the USA who make everyone's batteries. Johnson Controls holds approx 50% of that market I believe, by volume.

Details:
Description Item # 02850793000P Model # 50793
Deep-cycle, maintenance-free battery for all climates
Group Size: 94
Flat-Plate Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) design offers more power per pound
20 times more vibration protection, so your battery performance stays safeguarded over time
Two times the cycle life, for extended performance and life
Faster recharging power more electronics longer
Spill-proof design keeps sophisticated electronic equipment safe
Enhanced Electronic Suspension System absorbs more electrolytes for internal component protection
36-month free replacement warranty, for that extra measure of confidence
Made in the U.S.A.

Based on your location in the US, I would buy the biggest and best out there. There are more than a few choices on where to buy and from whom. Do a little research and buy what is close to you and has a warranty that you can leverage in 2 years if it barfs on you. Life of your battery can be 3 years or 10 depending on your temp swings and vehicle care. Mine all sit on trickle chargers which have extended the battery life approx 30-60%.

As mentioned above...most batteries in the USA are made by approx 3 companies (Johnson Controls, Exide, and East Penn). There are a few "boutique" battery manufactures...but what you want to look for is a 49/H8 or 95R/H9 battery class size.

These are the 2 battery class sizes that work for most BMWs of our generations. Again, most brands are going to be made by one of the big 3 manufactures mentioned above...so look for:

• class size (49/H8 or 95R/H9
• compare cost
• compare warranty
• compare specs (reserve capacity, amp hour, cranking amps, and cold cranking amps)

...then make your decision based on the facts, specs, situation that suits you. Many use Advanced Auto or AutoZone due to their number of stores and database (for warranty issues or return policy etc). Some like the conveniece of Sears or Walmart etc. Again, its your choice and the 49/H8 & 95R/H9 battery specs are pretty similar.


See the chart below of East Penn batteries...and note the RC/CCA/CA/AH specs...and compare those to what you see out their in the market. Dont' forget to check Sam's Club or Costco if you're a member...they sell these size batteries and are pretty cost competitive:


http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...0H9%20Info.jpg


Sams Club example:

http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...20Club%201.jpg

http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...20Club%202.jpg


Sams Club AGM battery example:

http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...20Club%201.jpg
http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...20Club%202.jpg
http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...20Club%203.jpg


Autozone's Duralast 49/H8 example:

http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...tozone%201.jpg
http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...tozone%202.jpg


Autozone's Duralast AGM battery example:

http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...tozone%201.jpg
http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...tozone%202.jpg

Batteries Plus 95R/H9 battery example:

http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...20Plus%202.jpg
http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...20Plus%201.jpg

Batteries Plus 49/H8 battery example:

http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...20Plus%202.jpg
http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/ori...20Plus%201.jpg

QSilver7 as always has the info at his finger tips.

In your area the temps drop to ZERO frequently in the winter. That temp is what drives batteries to die. In AZ the opposite end of the temp scale happens, 100 degrees is normal in the summer. In these two examples you should always get the biggest, baddest, highest COLD Cranking amps (when measured at ZERO degrees). Buy the 95R (H9). :thumbup:

Now you get the wrestle that 64# into the spare tire well and the old one out. You will enjoy that experience. Don't for get to vacuum when you in there and check all the electrical connections as all the expensive electronics are in there along with the air suspension pump.

Now go out and save up for that garage home where the heat of your vehicle will warm up the space all night and you will be toasty in the morning, instead of freezing your butt off. :rofl:

I'm interested in this topic since I've been told by 2 BMW techs, independent from each other from 2 different dealerships on separate occasions, that the best thing to do is bite the bullet and buy a BMW battery. I, for one, have had a drain issue (I think it was a Sirius radio module connected to the stock BMW radio) and I know others that've had electronic issues in the X5. Techs told me, when you need a battery, just buy original since they've seen so many issues with aftermarket come their way at the dealerships.

Just relaying the message......

I don't want to muck up the waters here but I'll add my 2 cents.

Whenever I can I always change any car or motorcycle battery over to AGM...but not this car.

I bought the car from a friend, he put in a new Decka which is east penn AGM about 3 years before I bought it..it was a second car for him. When I bought it the first cold winter the batt dies. I went to a battery specialist by me that just sells auto & boat batteries and does installs.....I wanted the OEM replacement AGM, he said no an AGM will not last long in my 02 4.4. It had a led acid in the car, I was rushed so they put in a Decka Penn Nat led acid.....2 years now no issues what so ever.

Because I needed a battery fast I went to them..otherwise I found the best pricing on batteries here and get them for all my bikes. Battery Store - Top Discount Batteries, Phone Batteries & More at BatteryMart.com

Great thoughts. Many techs see all the failures that come from buying off brand cheapest is best customers. They also see a battery being replaced instead of charging system repairs being done. I have had good success with the BMW batteries. The last one lasted 9 years (on a trickle charger 90% of it's life, as that car sees only 2,500 mile per year MAX). The cost was way out of line but it lasted.