Good idea to replace battery at 4 yrs.?

Bimmer-Bob · 04-20-2012, 08:52 AM

Technology marches forward. While I find it annoying that one cannot just pop any old battery into the car, I don't think BMW is trying to screw the end user. High tech is tempermental. My car requires FAR more maintenance than my wife's 2004 Scion, which has had 115,000 problem-free miles (and is still on the factory battery, BTW).

I wonder, how are folks running lightweight batteries (e.g., Braille)? Are they just getting the dealer to register them?

phrenetiK · 04-20-2012, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kja325ci

wow.. are you angry? Did you call me a name? lol

What lead you to believe I was angry? I was actually in laughter as I typed the post thinking of how awesome my comparisons were.

PA135i · 04-20-2012, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phrenetiK

What lead you to believe I was angry? I was actually in laughter as I typed the post thinking of how awesome my comparisons were.

It just sounded so childish. Reminded of how a 6th grader reacts.

phrenetiK · 04-20-2012, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kja325ci

It just sounded so childish. Reminded of how a 6th grader reacts.

I know what infantile means

And I'm young so I'll give you that, but hopefully my analogy made you understand why you're better off not changing your battery till it shows symptoms, as well as why you should change your oil more often than every 15000 miles.

PA135i · 04-20-2012, 10:23 AM

I consider your analogy and opinion. And as with all opinions, to each his own.
However BMW would disagree with your analogy, as they cover the car under warranty for up to 100,000 miles.
And lastly, as far as you teaching me anything about autos, I doubt it. I've probably been driving longer than you've been alive.

phrenetiK · 04-20-2012, 12:20 PM

Wtf are you talking about? BMW does not cover early random replacement of a battery.

PA135i · 04-20-2012, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phrenetiK

Wtf are you talking about? BMW does not cover early random replacement of a battery.

Your oil analogy a-hole... lol
You really are 12 years old...

Are you following the post.... or does your attention span stop after 30 seconds?...

phrenetiK · 04-20-2012, 12:24 PM

No...my oil analogy is still fine.

The dog would survive until the next day without water, it would just not be optimal. You're really thick headed aren't you?

Can't believe you bring up 100000 thousand mile extended warranty when talking about oil. I have seen people hit 120k miles in a car that hadn't changed their oil in literally 6 years. We are talking the difference of an engine going for 250k+ miles as opposed to crapping out on you around mid to early 100s.

Dackelone · 04-20-2012, 01:05 PM

Lets stay on topic guys.

huntiedk · 04-24-2012, 09:55 AM

Well I just changed the battery in my 118d as the start/stop mechanism wouldn't work, and I occasionally got the "battery sign" having the radio on while waiting for the car wash. I took that as an indication of a weak battery.

I didn't buy an original BMW battery but a replacement from Exide (they're said to produce the BMW original batteries anyway). That would be way cheaper than the $300-somewhat price tag listed above.

Dackelone · 04-24-2012, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huntiedk

Well I just changed the battery in my 118d as the start/stop mechanism wouldn't work, and I occasionally got the "battery sign" having the radio on while waiting for the car wash. I took that as an indication of a weak battery.

I didn't buy an original BMW battery but a replacement from Exide (they're said to produce the BMW original batteries anyway). That would be way cheaper than the $300-somewhat price tag listed above.

I think as long as your new battery is of the same Amp/hours rating you should be fine. The problem is when the replacement battery is of a different A/hr rating than what BMW spec's for the car. Then you need to have it coded. But its best to check with your dealership/bmw tech.

I also believe IF you have a BavTech scan tool - you can code your new battery as well.

You might also want to use a volt meter across the battery terminals. With the car off you should have at least 12.6 volts and with the car running you should have over 13.4 volts. You could have a problem with your charging system or battery cables. Make sure they are TIGHT. Its very common to have a loose battery cable.

PA135i · 03-16-2015, 11:09 AM

UPDATE: My battery lasted 6 1/2 years. the car still started fine, but the computer was giving false maintenance info. Dealer tested the bat and the voltage was low.
Still 6 1/2 years is pretty good, even if the bat is expensive.

bmw1racer · 03-16-2015, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PA135i

UPDATE: My battery lasted 6 1/2 years. the car still started fine, but the computer was giving false maintenance info. Dealer tested the bat and the voltage was low.
Still 6 1/2 years is pretty good, even if the bat is expensive.

Mine only lasted about 2-1/2 years... And the dealer reamed me for over $600 for the battery and install.

PA135i · 03-16-2015, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw1racer

Mine only lasted about 2-1/2 years... And the dealer reamed me for over $600 for the battery and install.

Dealer charged me $417 installed for the new battery.

bmw1racer · 03-16-2015, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PA135i

Dealer charged me $417 installed for the new battery.

You got a bargain.

But I think my battery should've been covered by the warranty.

ruffstik · 11-09-2015, 12:16 PM

Bought my car new in 08 and still going strong on the original battery. Should I replace??

PA135i · 11-09-2015, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruffstik

Bought my car new in 08 and still going strong on the original battery. Should I replace??

YES.

BrokenVert · 11-09-2015, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PA135i

YES.

Why? I'm in the same boat. Battery has a resting voltage of 12.5 and starts the car immediately.

Why should I change? It's a battery not a spark plug

PA135i · 11-10-2015, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

Why? I'm in the same boat. Battery has a resting voltage of 12.5 and starts the car immediately.

Why should I change? It's a battery not a spark plug

After 6 1/2 years my car started fine also.

But, the on-board computer was acting "funny". Showing inaccurate info. Dealer tested the bat, and it was showing low voltage output.. (I forget what the voltage was). After the battery was replaced all electronics worked fine again.

This forum is for advice. If your planning on keeping the car another year or two, my advice is replace it. Your due.

See post #34

MightyMouseTech · 11-10-2015, 11:16 AM

My 06 330 is still on original battery.

BrokenVert · 11-10-2015, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PA135i

After 6 1/2 years my car started fine also.

But, the on-board computer was acting "funny". Showing inaccurate info. Dealer tested the bat, and it was showing low voltage output.. (I forget what the voltage was). After the battery was replaced all electronics worked fine again.

This forum is for advice. If your planning on keeping the car another year or two, my advice is replace it. Your due.

See post #34

Ok, so if my electronics start behaving weirdly i'll change it.

I still don't see the point in preventatively changing a battery.

bmw1racer · 11-10-2015, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

My 06 330 is still on original battery.

In the 18 years I owned my E36, I only changed the battery once... And that was only because I thought I had exceeded the life of the battery.

04-20-2012, 08:52 AM	#23
Bimmer-Bob ! 693 Rep 3,266 Posts Drives: 2010 128i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Anacortes, WA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2010 BMW 128i (E82) [9.25]	Technology marches forward. While I find it annoying that one cannot just pop any old battery into the car, I don't think BMW is trying to screw the end user. High tech is tempermental. My car requires FAR more maintenance than my wife's 2004 Scion, which has had 115,000 problem-free miles (and is still on the factory battery, BTW). I wonder, how are folks running lightweight batteries (e.g., Braille)? Are they just getting the dealer to register them? __________________ ____________________________ My Build Thread
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04-20-2012, 10:23 AM	#27
PA135i Brigadier General 968 Rep 3,323 Posts Drives: 08 135i 08 CR-V Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	I consider your analogy and opinion. And as with all opinions, to each his own. However BMW would disagree with your analogy, as they cover the car under warranty for up to 100,000 miles. And lastly, as far as you teaching me anything about autos, I doubt it. I've probably been driving longer than you've been alive. Last edited by PA135i; 04-20-2012 at 11:53 AM..
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04-20-2012, 12:20 PM	#28
phrenetiK Banned 36 Rep 357 Posts Drives: 08 135i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (4)	Wtf are you talking about? BMW does not cover early random replacement of a battery.
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04-20-2012, 12:24 PM	#30
phrenetiK Banned 36 Rep 357 Posts Drives: 08 135i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (4)	No...my oil analogy is still fine. The dog would survive until the next day without water, it would just not be optimal. You're really thick headed aren't you? Can't believe you bring up 100000 thousand mile extended warranty when talking about oil. I have seen people hit 120k miles in a car that hadn't changed their oil in literally 6 years. We are talking the difference of an engine going for 250k+ miles as opposed to crapping out on you around mid to early 100s.
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04-20-2012, 01:05 PM	#31
Dackelone European Editor 10532 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Lets stay on topic guys.
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04-24-2012, 09:55 AM	#32
huntiedk Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMW 118d 2008 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Denmark iTrader: (0)	Well I just changed the battery in my 118d as the start/stop mechanism wouldn't work, and I occasionally got the "battery sign" having the radio on while waiting for the car wash. I took that as an indication of a weak battery. I didn't buy an original BMW battery but a replacement from Exide (they're said to produce the BMW original batteries anyway). That would be way cheaper than the $300-somewhat price tag listed above.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2015, 11:09 AM	#34
PA135i Brigadier General 968 Rep 3,323 Posts Drives: 08 135i 08 CR-V Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	UPDATE: My battery lasted 6 1/2 years. the car still started fine, but the computer was giving false maintenance info. Dealer tested the bat and the voltage was low. Still 6 1/2 years is pretty good, even if the bat is expensive. __________________ Sparkling Graphite Metallic / 6MT / Terracotta Boston Leather / Sport Package / Comfort Access system / Gray Poplar wood trim / Heated front seats / iPod and USB adapter / HD radio / Premium hi-fi system / OE Tuning / VRSF Intercooler & charge pipe / BMW Performance short shift kit / BMW M Performance Handbrake Handle / BMW Stainless steel pedals / V1 hardwired / rear sun shades *Pennsylvania 20 electoral votes*
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11-09-2015, 12:16 PM	#38
ruffstik Pirate 56 Rep 692 Posts Drives: 2025 M2 G87 - on the list Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [9.50]	Bought my car new in 08 and still going strong on the original battery. Should I replace??
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11-10-2015, 11:16 AM	#42
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	My 06 330 is still on original battery.
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