Battery Replacement Advice

madmortar · 10-03-2021, 01:32 PM

Looking to replace my battery but have no idea where to start.
Do I look at my current battery and just buy the same thing?

Also, can either Bimmercode or Bimmerlink help me code the battery? What is the difference between the two?

2013 328i msport auto.

John in VA · 10-03-2021, 07:24 PM

BimmerLink is for diagnostics (vs. coding/customizing features) & will allow you to register the new battery. https://www.bimmerlink.app/

You don't need a battery from BMW, but the specs should be the similar/close.

madmortar · 10-03-2021, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John in VA

BimmerLink is for diagnostics (vs. coding/customizing features) & will allow you to register the new battery. https://www.bimmerlink.app/

You don't need a battery from BMW, but the specs should be the similar/close.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John in VA

BimmerLink is for diagnostics (vs. coding/customizing features) & will allow you to register the new battery. https://www.bimmerlink.app/

You don't need a battery from BMW, but the specs should be the similar/close.

Can I register with bimmercode?

John in VA · 10-03-2021, 07:30 PM

It's as easy for you to look at BimmerCode features as it is for me, but, apparently you need BimmerLink. From the BimmerCode site:
Battery type
The type and capacity of the 12 V battery. Please note that this value must only be modified if the battery in the car has been replaced. After coding, the battery replacement has to be registered using “BimmerLink” additionally.

madmortar · 10-03-2021, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John in VA

It's as easy for you to look at BimmerCode features as it is for me, but, apparently you need BimmerLink. From the BimmerCode site:
Battery type
The type and capacity of the 12 V battery. Please note that this value must only be modified if the battery in the car has been replaced. After coding, the battery replacement has to be registered using “BimmerLink” additionally.

Thank you. Bimmerlink it is.

Jimmert · 10-04-2021, 01:10 AM

Not if you change the type and/or capacity of the battery, then you need to code first with Bimmercode and then register with Bimmerlink. If you go for a straight swap, then Bimmerlink alone is enough.

madmortar · 10-04-2021, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmert

Not if you change the type and/or capacity of the battery, then you need to code first with Bimmercode and then register with Bimmerlink. If you go for a straight swap, then Bimmerlink alone is enough.

Thanks. Think I am looking to keep it as simple as possible and find direct replacement.

Billfitz · 10-04-2021, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmortar

Looking to replace my battery but have no idea where to start.

https://www.google.com/search?channe...W+328i+battery

madmortar · 10-04-2021, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmortar

Looking to replace my battery but have no idea where to start.

https://www.google.com/search?channe...W+328i+battery

Guys, yes fully aware of Google being a search engine I can utilize.

Sorry, let me be more clear. I suppose I was looking for advice on what members on here have done and shared their experience buying a new battery. Vendors you recommend, deals you have seen, install errors to avoid. Etc.

But I think I'm set.
Find a cheap replacement via Google and use bimmerlink to register

RemoteBimmer · 10-04-2021, 06:56 PM

Recommend this battery

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...erm=battery+h8

Specifications
Amp Hour:
95.0 Ah
Cold Cranking Amperage:
900 A
Cranking Amperage:
1000 A

You need to know the amp hours to properly program, most vendors don't provide it. I've used this one in many of my own cars with great success. They usually have some promo codes you can use with it.

Anyone who does remote coding can program it for you.

Billfitz · 10-04-2021, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmortar

Find a cheap replacement via Google and use bimmerlink to register

Find the least expensive AGM of the correct size that has the same or greater Ah rating as the original. Lead acid batteries are not suitable, even if they're the same size. I wouldn't take advice from anyone who went to dealer for a battery, or paid a dealer to register it.

HighlandPete · 10-05-2021, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Find the least expensive AGM of the correct size that has the same or greater Ah rating as the original. Lead acid batteries are not suitable, even if they're the same size. I wouldn't take advice from anyone who went to dealer for a battery, or paid a dealer to register it.

From a UK perspective... my original battery was over 10-years old, but have had it replaced ahead of winter. I looked at getting an aftermarket AGM and was investigating how to register it myself. (I don't code or have any software).

Got a price from my dealer for an OEM battery, have them fit and register, taking responsibility for me driving away all sorted. I was surprised at the price. I paid £231,30 (sterling), including tax. Wasn't worth the hassle of getting a battery, fitting myself, battery disposal and sorting out how I'd register it.

Billfitz · 10-05-2021, 07:41 AM

Things are very different in the US. The installed and registered price of a battery at a dealership averages $500. The dealer charge for registration can be as much as $150, depending on how straight the road is to their location, and therefore from how far off they can see you coming.

When I exercised due diligence after becoming a BMW owner and saw that, and found out that for that same $150 I could buy a Foxwell NT510 that would register a new battery and a whole lot more, I bought one. I haven't used it to register a battery yet, but it's still saved me at least $500 by eliminating the need to go to a dealer for other diagnostic and repair issues.

The average cost for a battery at auto supply stores in the US is $200. Many of those stores will register the battery at no charge. Worst case you might need to get Bimmerlink, but $40 is a lot less than $150, not to mention being able to do your own diagnostics that stealerships also charge $150 a pop for.

madmortar · 10-05-2021, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RemoteBimmer

Recommend this battery

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...erm=battery+h8

Specifications
Amp Hour:
95.0 Ah
Cold Cranking Amperage:
900 A
Cranking Amperage:
1000 A

You need to know the amp hours to properly program, most vendors don't provide it. I've used this one in many of my own cars with great success. They usually have some promo codes you can use with it.

Anyone who does remote coding can program it for you.

Thank you!

Desertnate · 10-05-2021, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

The average cost for a battery at auto supply stores in the US is $200. Many of those stores will register the battery at no charge.

Around here the auto parts stores will also dispose of the battery too when you buy one from them. Some places I've lived will do it for free, where I live now I think there is a mandatory fee, but it's only around $20. You still come out WAY ahead of a dealership.

You don't even have to give them the old battery on the spot. I've bought a battery before, taken it home, swapped it with the old one, and then taken the old one back a day or two later. As long as you show them the receipt, they will take it off your hands.

I'm about due for a battery in my F32. First time I've had to do the registration dance in a car. The Foxwell is a good tip. Not sure if I'll go that route or Bimmercode/link.

Billfitz · 10-05-2021, 01:25 PM

If your car's old enough to need a battery it's more than old enough for other things to require using a diagnostic tool.

chowser51 · 10-05-2021, 02:03 PM

Honestly in this day and age, everyone should have some type of code scanner.
I bought BinmerCode and BimmerLink and have used it on three of my cars already. It’s paid for itself.

You should see some of the FB groups. Guys are posting pics of check engine lights and asking people to diagnose.

F32Fleet · 10-08-2021, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chowser51

Honestly in this day and age, everyone should have some type of code scanner.
I bought BinmerCode and BimmerLink and have used it on three of my cars already. It's paid for itself.

You should see some of the FB groups. Guys are posting pics of check engine lights and asking people to diagnose.

Agree.

Randy Johnson · 10-09-2021, 07:51 AM

Great post guys. Lots of good info here. I also agree with owning your own diagnostic tools. Saves you a lot if you have the time and patience to use them.

madmortar · 10-12-2021, 06:04 AM

So I went flashed this weekend and had it hooked to a battery charger. When I checked the voltage (engine off but electronics on), it read 12.9v.

That would mean my battery is still in good health right?

Billfitz · 10-12-2021, 10:51 AM

Probably, especially since you're not where it gets cold in winter.

madmortar · 10-16-2021, 02:34 PM

So turned off cold start but left GTS roar on.
The car starts up but sounds like it's about to die for a second and then catches its breath and holds steady. Only happens on first start of the morning.

Battery issues?

10-03-2021, 01:32 PM	#1
madmortar Captain 181 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Savannah, GA iTrader: (0)	Battery Replacement Advice Looking to replace my battery but have no idea where to start. Do I look at my current battery and just buy the same thing? Also, can either Bimmercode or Bimmerlink help me code the battery? What is the difference between the two? 2013 328i msport auto.
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10-03-2021, 07:24 PM	#2
John in VA Colonel 985 Rep 2,196 Posts Drives: 2015 228i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leesburg, VA iTrader: (6)	BimmerLink is for diagnostics (vs. coding/customizing features) & will allow you to register the new battery. https://www.bimmerlink.app/ You don't need a battery from BMW, but the specs should be the similar/close. __________________ ____________________________________________ 2015 BMW 228i in EstorilBlau II Metallic / Terra Dakota Leather - 6-speed manual, M Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Lighting Package, Premium Package, Harman Kardon premium sound, Anti-theft alarm system, Blue Metallic Matt Accent Moldings, Aluminum Hexagon Interior Strips, Anthracite Headlining
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10-03-2021, 07:30 PM	#4
John in VA Colonel 985 Rep 2,196 Posts Drives: 2015 228i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leesburg, VA iTrader: (6)	It's as easy for you to look at BimmerCode features as it is for me, but, apparently you need BimmerLink. From the BimmerCode site: Battery type The type and capacity of the 12 V battery. Please note that this value must only be modified if the battery in the car has been replaced. After coding, the battery replacement has to be registered using “BimmerLink” additionally. __________________ ____________________________________________ 2015 BMW 228i in EstorilBlau II Metallic / Terra Dakota Leather - 6-speed manual, M Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Lighting Package, Premium Package, Harman Kardon premium sound, Anti-theft alarm system, Blue Metallic Matt Accent Moldings, Aluminum Hexagon Interior Strips, Anthracite Headlining
	Appreciate 1 Billfitz8243.00 Quote

10-04-2021, 01:10 AM	#6
Jimmert Private First Class 66 Rep 160 Posts Drives: BMW 420i F36 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: The Netherlands iTrader: (0)	Not if you change the type and/or capacity of the battery, then you need to code first with Bimmercode and then register with Bimmerlink. If you go for a straight swap, then Bimmerlink alone is enough.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-04-2021, 06:56 PM	#10
RemoteBimmer New Member 5 Rep 8 Posts Drives: B58 Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Recommend this battery https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...erm=battery+h8 Specifications Amp Hour: 95.0 Ah Cold Cranking Amperage: 900 A Cranking Amperage: 1000 A You need to know the amp hours to properly program, most vendors don't provide it. I've used this one in many of my own cars with great success. They usually have some promo codes you can use with it. Anyone who does remote coding can program it for you.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-05-2021, 07:41 AM	#13
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,080 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Things are very different in the US. The installed and registered price of a battery at a dealership averages $500. The dealer charge for registration can be as much as $150, depending on how straight the road is to their location, and therefore from how far off they can see you coming. When I exercised due diligence after becoming a BMW owner and saw that, and found out that for that same $150 I could buy a Foxwell NT510 that would register a new battery and a whole lot more, I bought one. I haven't used it to register a battery yet, but it's still saved me at least $500 by eliminating the need to go to a dealer for other diagnostic and repair issues. The average cost for a battery at auto supply stores in the US is $200. Many of those stores will register the battery at no charge. Worst case you might need to get Bimmerlink, but $40 is a lot less than $150, not to mention being able to do your own diagnostics that stealerships also charge $150 a pop for.
	Appreciate 3 madmortar181.00 chowser512025.00 Randy Johnson392.50 Quote

10-05-2021, 01:25 PM	#16
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,080 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	If your car's old enough to need a battery it's more than old enough for other things to require using a diagnostic tool.
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10-05-2021, 02:03 PM	#17
chowser51 Colonel 2025 Rep 2,805 Posts Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 BMW 430i xDrive [0.00]	Honestly in this day and age, everyone should have some type of code scanner. I bought BinmerCode and BimmerLink and have used it on three of my cars already. It’s paid for itself. You should see some of the FB groups. Guys are posting pics of check engine lights and asking people to diagnose.
	Appreciate 1 F32Fleet3570.00 Quote

10-09-2021, 07:51 AM	#19
Randy Johnson M340i 393 Rep 968 Posts Drives: BMW M340i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: South FLA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2021 BMW M340i [10.00]	Great post guys. Lots of good info here. I also agree with owning your own diagnostic tools. Saves you a lot if you have the time and patience to use them.
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10-12-2021, 06:04 AM	#20
madmortar Captain 181 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Savannah, GA iTrader: (0)	So I went flashed this weekend and had it hooked to a battery charger. When I checked the voltage (engine off but electronics on), it read 12.9v. That would mean my battery is still in good health right?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-12-2021, 10:51 AM	#21
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,080 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Probably, especially since you're not where it gets cold in winter.
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10-16-2021, 02:34 PM	#22
madmortar Captain 181 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Savannah, GA iTrader: (0)	So turned off cold start but left GTS roar on. The car starts up but sounds like it's about to die for a second and then catches its breath and holds steady. Only happens on first start of the morning. Battery issues?
	Appreciate 0 Quote