I use the EverStart Maxx H8 wet cell at Walmart for all our BMWs.

http://goto.walmart.com/c/404739/56...rStart-Maxx-Lead-Acid-Automotive-Battery-Group-Size-H8-12-Volt-900-CCA/16782659

 

Agm is better but more expensive. It will last longer than a wet battery and handles being discharged better than a standard battery. If you live in an area with cold weather, upgrade to a h8 size at least. I have a h8 agm. All you have to do to fit the h8 is remove the plastic block at the bottom of the battery compartment. The car is made for this battery (euro diesel models need lots of battery power) but not standard battery for gas engine. A h8 is a little more $ than h7. Agm is a little more than wet. It really depends on how long you want to keep the car and how much you want to spend. A h8 agm would probably be the last battery you have to buy for the car. Mine starts strong on the coldest days in Chicago winter when other cars struggle. A few extra lbs in the back help the blizzacks grip when the streets are white.

Sent from my S61 using Tapatalk

 

I did the same as randy ^ (well our batteries over here have a completely group naming system but the concept was the same. An full-length AGM, having first removed the white block in the battery tray)

 

Just about every BMW ever made has multiple screw down options at the battery tray. From 2.0L petrol to 3.0L diesel, and all the battery requirements therein.

 

I also use the Everstart Maxx wet cell batteries from Walmart. I have been very happy with them, and have gotten at least 6 years out of them. I use H8 in E53 & E39.

I also have two E46 convertibles,330ci & 325ci. I haven't replaced batteries in either, but it was my understanding an H8 would not fit in the 'vert.

 

I also use the Everstart Maxx wet cell batteries from Walmart. I have been very happy with them, and have gotten at least 6 years out of them. I use H8 in E53 & E39.

I also have two E46 convertibles,330ci & 325ci. I haven't replaced batteries in either, but it was my understanding an H8 would not fit in the 'vert.

Yeah vert models have a different battery compartment and it is smaller. H8 won't fit

Sent from my S61 using Tapatalk

 

Traditional wet batteries last longer in my E46s than most any other cars I have owned. I do not think the AGM is worth the extra in this case. They do not have the excessive electronic extras that modern cars do, especially things running with the engine/alternator off or any regenerative braking/varied alternator load stuff. You don't have some crazy subwoofer/audio system in it do you?

 

AGM has lower self discharge (or so I've read) and recharges faster too (again, so I've read). For a car that's used infrequently, like mine, and then not always driven very long when it is, I thought an AGM might have benefits for its relatively modest extra cost. And no downside if it didn't.

 

Any suggestions on brand for an AGM battery? I found an Everstart H8 AGM at WalMart, but like everything else they sell, it's currently out of stock.

 

Also, with an AGM battery, before I install it in the car I want to keep it inside and make sure it is charged 100%. Can a conventional battery charger such as a BatteryMinder charger, charge an AGM battery, or do I need a special charger?

 

Depends on what charger.
Personally I VERY much prefer the CTek brand. They offer many models that are dual charging type.

 

Depending on which type of battery one installs: Lead/Acid AGM or Li Ion there are different charging strategies.
Hence the need for a battery registration on the newer cars.

Also an average AGM's sweet spot is about 5-7% SOC of that of a Lead Acid.

 

My CTEK has an AGM button but all that does in increase the max charging voltage to 14.7v from the normal 14.4v. On a previous but otherwise identical version of the charger they printed a snowflake symbol by that button instead and the manual said it was for cold weather. I think it was just relabelled to attract AGM battery owners when they became more popular, but the program didn't change. I don't use it as the spec sheet for my Exide AGM gives a preferred charging voltage of 14.4v and states a maximum of 14.6v.

 

I got this a few days ago:

BatteryMINDer® Model 1500: 12Volt 1.5 Amp Maintenance Charger-Desulfator

BatteryMINDer 1500 12 volt 1.5 amp temperature compensated charger desulfator extends battery life up to 4x when compared to new, non-maintained batteries.

www.batteryminders.com

Question for the pros...when I get my new battery, is it recommended I put it on this charger and make sure she's fully up to charge before installing?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6000 using Tapatalk

 

Not necessary.

Sent from my S61 using Tapatalk

 

Well it won't hurt. If you want to top it off before installing, do it. I would check the date on the new battery before buying it. Look for a manufacturing date less than 6 months ago if possible. Sometimes there is older stock. Depends on your area.

Sent from my S61 using Tapatalk

 

Sorry the terrible quality of the pic. The forum won't let me get any higher resolution.

Looks to be a max charging rate of 14.4v.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6000 using Tapatalk

 

14.4v sounds fine . Float at 13.4v is OK too. Not sure why they call that "full time desulphation" though!

 

This pic may be better resolution...

New item by C “cg”

photos.app.goo.gl

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6000 using Tapatalk

 

yeah, that looks alright. Nothing scary there.

 

She's on the charger now. Resting voltage after removed from my car was 12.3 volts. Definitely not fully charged.

I put it on a die hard charger last week and that's as high as she would go (12.1-12.2 volts). We'll see if this thing can mend the battery some. I am however still buying a new AGM. A 7 year old battery in a German car doesn't sit well with me. Especially when it's not daily driven.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6000 using Tapatalk

 

Batteries: I've installed them all, trust me.
Not only is how well the battery performs a criteria, it's how easily or difficult is it for me to deal with warranties, replacement & availability. That has waxed/waned over the decades.

Believe it or not currently the one that ticks off all the boxes currently is the dealer. But I'm in a different position that you. My customers (nor do I) want to drive to Wallmart and replace/buy a battery. When the supply of AGM's dips, the dealer always seems to have stock.

 

You nailed it on the head with supply. Walmart doesn't seem to have any AGMs in stock.

And I loathe Autozone and Napa so those two places are out. I won't give them my hard earned money. May just buy a couple of hamsters and have them run around in there ball for startup power.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6000 using Tapatalk

 

Thoughts on Exide?

Exide Technologies 41C Exidepremium Automotive

Exide Technologies 41C Exidepremium Automotive

autoplicity.com

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6000 using Tapatalk

 

I am not a fan of autozone either, but the batteries they have are good. They are made by johnson controls and are identical to interstate ect. There are only a few battery mfrs that make all of the different brands. Only thing that changes is the color of the plastic case and the name on the label. There are only a few things I would buy at az. Batteries, light bulbs, oil and other fluids. I would avoid ordering a battery online. They don't do well in shipping. Best to purchase locally.

Sent from my S61 using Tapatalk

 

This is down the street at Home Depot. Odd, they sell batteries, but the price seems great and 950 CCA. Granted I'm going to see how long it's been sitting on the shelf. Anyone out there recommend a cut-off date once I look at it on the shelf? How long is 'too' long for a battery to sit on the shelf?

SPRINTER MAX 12 volts Lead Acid 6-Cell H8/L5/49 Group Size 950 Cold Cranking Amps (BCI) Auto Battery

 

You might want to measure your existing battery. I had to go with group 94 H7 because the H8 was too big for my battery compartment. As far as shelf life for a new battery in a controlled environment I would think it would it would be years and years. I've had good used batteries sit on my workbench for two years and lose .3 volts. What kills batteries on newer vehicles is the constant drain from all the electronics. I have a completely stock all original '71 K10 Chevy P.U. that had it's third battery installed in 2015. Original AC Delco replaced in 1987 with another AC Delco from K-mart which I replaced in 2015 with an Interstate.

 

Your vert has a different (smaller) battery compartment than the other body styles.

Sent from my S61 using Tapatalk

 

I run H8 agms in both of my e46s. I chose AGM because it does last longer and it's a more stable power source.


I'm not sure on convertible fitment but both sedans and coupes can fit the H8 despite what the auto parts store guys say.

 

I run H8 agms in both of my e46s. I chose AGM because it does last longer and it's a more stable power source.


I'm not sure on convertible fitment but both sedans and coupes can fit the H8 despite what the auto parts store guys say.

What brand did you go with?

 

I'm not a fan of AutoZone either but last July when I needed a battery in a hurry they were the only place in Kingman that had an H7 AGM in stock. It's a Duralast and has a 3yr. full replacement warranty. Decided to take it for a spin yesterday and it fired right up after sitting since Thanksgiving and I don't use a trickle charger. As a side note my battery uses a hold down that is is similar to a GM truck hold down and it clamps to the end of the battery taking up that extra inch I would need for an H8. My friend has an H8 in his sedan but his hold down clamps over the top side-to-side. I think you would be surprised at the shelf life of a new battery if you were talk to a factory rep. As has been stated here before there are only three or four battery manufacturers in the country but they use about fifty different names.