[zowmik]

I have a 330Ci vert that I don't use a lot, battery is dead and I am deciding between buying a normal group 94 battery or an AGM.

From what I researched, I didn't find enough information about AGM batteries with E46 verts. I read that they have an special "anti-vibration" setup; which got me thinking that's what AGM batteries are for as a benefit. However, I think these batteries didn't even exist back then.

Any recommendations?

 

[JPT]

AGM batteries have been around for a while (before e46's). I would get an AGM, if the previous owner (my brother) hadn't just replaced the battery, I would have an AGM. I put it in every vehicle I own, including my motorcycle.

 

[Bali]

Has anyone figured out if an AGM battery charges okay on an E46?
I have seen it discussed but not sure what the verdict is.

 

[The_Fixer]

Has anyone figured out if an AGM battery charges okay on an E46?
I have seen it discussed but not sure what the verdict is.

I have an agm in mine. No issues.

I bought this one. Free 2 day shipping.

Check out this page from Summit Racing ACDelco 88864542 ACDelco Gold Automotive AGM Batteries | Summit Racing

 

[Overboost]

Has anyone figured out if an AGM battery charges okay on an E46?
I have seen it discussed but not sure what the verdict is.

I have Everlast AGM batteries in both my E53 X5 and E46 for 3 years now. No issues at all.

 

[beechbmw]

I put this H8 size AGM battery from Advance in my 2004 330ci Coupe with 193k miles ~3 years ago now with no charging issues, or any other issues, so far. The spacer that was on the smaller battery I retained and zip tied it to the hold down in case I want to down size later. Car still has original alternator with original voltage regulator. I am expecting to have to do something with alternator at any time, which is why I’ve got one ready and waiting in a box in my garage. Nowadays the car only gets exercised about 400 miles a month.

Advance will send a 20 or 25% off coupon to your email, if you are registered with them, if you first look at the battery on line, then sign off. The coupon comes to your email, and then order on line to pick up at the store to get use of the coupon.

This battery even came with a ‘Made in Germany’ sticker on top.

 

[paullfisher]

I have a Walmart agm in my e46 zhp and have had zero issues in two years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[325ciLover]

I put this H8 size AGM battery from Advance in my 2004 330ci Coupe with 193k miles ~3 years ago now with no charging issues, or any other issues, so far. The spacer that was on the smaller battery I retained and zip tied it to the hold down in case I want to down size later. Car still has original alternator with original voltage regulator. I am expecting to have to do something with alternator at any time, which is why I’ve got one ready and waiting in a box in my garage. Nowadays the car only gets exercised about 400 miles a month.

Advance will send a 20 or 25% off coupon to your email, if you are registered with them, if you first look at the battery on line, then sign off. The coupon comes to your email, and then order on line to pick up at the store to get use of the coupon.

This battery even came with a ‘Made in Germany’ sticker on top.

View attachment 929571

Not anymore unfortunately.

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[Effduration]

I don't see AGM batteries lasting any longer than the wet cell batt's in my BMW's where I have tried, or inherited them from a previous owner. I get 6 - 9 yrs out of the wet cells. I buy the Everstart Maxx wet cells from Wal mart and have been very happy with them. I have 2 E46 'verts.

 

[MrMCar]

AGM batteries are great. However not all can experience any greater longevity over the Lead Acid.

Comes down to charging strategies. The AGM works best at a slightly lower SoC, and should be charged slightly differently.
This is why the newer cars require battery registration. Date, size and type are input. Then the DME alters the charging strategy.

I've seen many newer cars go 9 years on AGMs.
Not likely to do such on a E46.

 

[RRRM8E]

I've used regular wet cell batteries for many years in my cabrio. Couldnt see any advantage to almost double the price for AGM. Keep in mind you need H7.

 

[JPT]

AGMs seem to last longer in every vehicle I put them in. I have one in my 2008 A4 that has been in there since 2011. I also occasionally trickle charge all the batteries in my vehicles, my motorcycle is always on the trickle charge when not in use.

I wire in battery tender extenders so I can easily connect without having to open the hood.

 

[MrMCar]

I wire in battery tender extenders so I can easily connect without having to open the hood.

+1. This makes life very easy. Hook to the battery terminals. Snake JUST out of the battery cover. Connect tender, close trunk with the charger sitting on the ground (heat dissipation) and confirm by the gauge and/or light.

 

[Overboost]

I wire in battery tender extenders so I can easily connect without having to open the hood.

+1. This makes life very easy. Hook to the battery terminals. Snake JUST out of the battery cover. Connect tender, close trunk with the charger sitting on the ground (heat dissipation) and confirm by the gauge and/or light.

I wired my Battery Tender in the drug bin using the jump posts. Open hood, connect the 2 pin connector and route wires through the back of the hood seal next to front window and close hood.

 

[beechbmw]

OP:
Here’s another option for purchase which may be more applicable if you are in Mexico:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-Platinum-AGM-Battery-Group-Size-H8-12-Volt-900-CCA/40647529

HTH

 

[beechbmw]

I wire in battery tender extenders so I can easily connect without having to open the hood.

+1. This makes life very easy. Hook to the battery terminals. Snake JUST out of the battery cover. Connect tender, close trunk with the charger sitting on the ground (heat dissipation) and confirm by the gauge and/or light.

+2. That’s what the thin gauge wires and fuse box are in my photo above.

 

[Overboost]

Here's my Battery Tender install

 

[JPT]

I wired my Battery Tender in the drug bin using the jump posts. Open hood, connect the 2 pin connector and route wires through the back of the hood seal next to front window and close hood.

This is where I put mine too (under the hood), but I have my extender going down the side next to the washer fluid bottle. I open the hood an connect the cable and lay the hood in the open but down position. My car is in the garage, but if it was outside, if the hood was lifted, the alarm would go off.

 

[mrkprsn]

I don't think you gain anything with an AGM battery in a e46. A walmart h7 (h8 is too big for a vert but fine for other
models) battery will work fine. I park my car outside and use a solar charger and my battery is always at full charge.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017K6PH1S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[riverwolf]

When I needed a new battery last October for my Cic, I found the local best price difference between AGM and flooded cell for the H7 was only around $20, IIRC. And of all places, I found the best AGM price at a Batteries Plus. It's possible my local Wally-worlds were simply out of stock at the time, though, since it's hard to believe anyone would beat them on price. i wish I could say the same about the price difference for my 4Runner...I don't know the gap currently, but every time I've checked in the past, it's been large enough that I couldn't justify the difference.

Assuming OP's CIC is a 2nd car like a lot of us convertible owners, meaning low usage and lots of time sitting...I like the AGM's reputation for lower discharge rate and deep cycle discharge recovery.

And convertible or not, with E46 batteries being trunk mounted, the AGM's being less likely to off gas than a flooded cell is another advantage. Especially if one doesn't discover the previous owner failed to reconnect the vent tube to the flooded cell battery until a couple of years into ownership....