The BMW uses a lead-acid battery. You have two types to choose from: Gel or absorbent glass mat (AGM). The manufacturer recommends that you replace the OEM battery with an OEM AGM battery. Most of the BMW models use either advanced or performance batteries.
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Does BMW require a special battery?
Conventional car batteries can be used for BMWs with average power requirements. Therefore, you don’t need a specific BMW car battery if your car doesn’t have sophisticated car accessories or a start-stop system.
How do I know if my BMW needs a new battery?
- Dimming headlights.
- More frequent need for engine revving or jump starts.
- Takes longer to start the engine when you turn the key/push the button.
- Unusual power fluctuations.
How much does it cost to replace a BMW battery?
How Much Does a BMW Battery Cost? The cost of parts and installation will vary between models, but your BMW battery replacement cost will likely come in between $300 and $500 when you factor in parts and labor.
Can I replace BMW battery myself?
Many people wonder though, whether BMW battery replacement and registration is a simple DIY process or has to be done by an expert technician. We say: you can definitely handle the replacement on your own!
What happens if you don’t Program BMW battery?
If you don’t register it with the car, it causes the car to charge it too much or too little. Older batteries get more charge sent to it than newer ones, so putting a new battery in will cause the car to overcharge it, which prematurely kills your battery.
How do I know if my BMW battery is AGM?
On to the type of battery which is very simple to determine with factory original BMW batteries, a white battery is a standard lead acid battery, and a black battery indicates an AGM (Boron-Silicate absorbed glass mat).
Why are BMW batteries so big?
The newest BMWs have very large batteries for the excess power capacity required by a modern car with extensive electrical systems, and while expensive, we strongly recommend replacement with the same.
How do I reset my BMW after changing the battery?
- Step 1: Restart the controller.
- Step 2: Tap the “Trip” button to wake it up and glow.
- Step 3: Continue to press and hold that “trip” button and hold until the “Reset” button appears on the screen.
- Step 4: Reset.
How do I check my BMW battery health?
An easy thing to do to check the battery voltage is to perform a basic sight check of the battery. Turn the car on, then flip the headlights on. Check to see if they’re fully lit or if they look a bit dim. If they’re dim, it means they’re drawing from the battery and not the alternator.
What happens when BMW battery dies?
It will remain on to operate functions such as your radio, lights, clock, and even your security alarm for the car after you’ve left. Your BMW may experience and electrical glitch, where some systems turn off but others such as your lights remain on which can drain your battery.
How do I know if my BMW battery is low?
- Slow engine crank: A BMW that cranks slowly, even if the engine starts, is among the first signs that its battery is beginning to fail.
- An engine that refuses to crank: This one is sure to call for a battery checkup.
Can you replace BMW battery without programming?
An often misunderstood and unappreciated point when it comes to replacing the battery in modern, late-model BMW’s is that the new battery has to be “registered” or matched to the onboard ECU for proper operation and battery longevity.
How long does it take to change BMW battery?
Our BMW service technicians can complete a battery replacement in about 15 minutes. If you have other services scheduled, including a brake check or tire rotation, you can expect the appointment to take longer, perhaps up to an hour.
Who makes BMW battery?
EVE has signed contracts to be BMW’s primary supplier of the battery cells in Europe for its new series of electric vehicles due to hit the market from 2025, said one of the people who has direct knowledge of the deal.
Why do BMW batteries need to be registered?

Do I need to reprogram my car after battery replacement?
Yes. You will need to reset your settings. Usually the dealer can do it free of charge but no promises. If you take a battery off and put a new one on, if there was anything hooked up the the battery, i.e. the hose you are speaking of, reinstall it.
Why does my BMW have 2 batteries?
During cold start, the first battery is used to power the starter (smaller 50mah battery) while the larger battery heats up the e-CAT and all else electronics.
How do I reset my car after replacing the battery?
To reset your car, just follow these easy steps: Detach the battery cable for two to three minutes. Reconnect the battery and start the car. Drive the car for at least 10 miles to let the engine control units find any potential problems.
What happens if you dont register new battery?
Therefore, if the battery is changed, this must be registered with a Mini diagnostic tool. If a new battery is not registered, the charging current of the alternator is not adjusted correctly. As a result, the new battery is not charged properly.
How do I reset my BMW computer?
You can reset a BMW ECU by unplugging the negative battery cable for 10 to 15 minutes. This should be enough to reset the ECU in most BMW models. If this doesn’t work, you can also try jumpstarting your car to reset it. This will also help if the issue is a drained battery!
Do I really need an AGM battery?
Today, 91% of the cars on the road don’t need an AGM battery. However, AGM batteries won’t stay in the fringes for long. Proud owners of these advanced batteries are on American highways. They just don’t know it until they drive into a shop.
What is the main disadvantage of an AGM battery?
The main disadvantage of an AGM battery is the up-front cost, when compared to a traditional flooded lead-acid battery.
Can you jump start an AGM battery?
Your One-Stop Solution for AGM Service As mentioned above, jump starting AGM batteries is very straightforward. That said, our Booster PAC and Jump-N-Carry traditional jump starters use AGM batteries in them and are legendary for their power and durability.
Does idling a BMW charge the battery?
Does the Battery Charge if You Let the Car Idle? The simple answer to this question is yes, your car’s battery will start to charge as long as your engine is running.