[abomb]

Hi All,

So after seven years on the OEM battery the 330 was starting to lose it's kick when starting. I just replaced mine with the Wal-Mart Everstart 94R battery. There was some confusion (at least in my mind) as to whether it was an exact replacement... it is.

Paid $77 for the battery plus a $9 core charge. The battery is made by Exide, although that can vary based on market. It comes with a three year replacement warranty and is rated at 730CCA vs 640CCA. There was no specific reserve capacity rating on the Everstart battery, but I have to guess it's similar. The only noticable difference, other than color, is the vent hole is off center by about an inch and a half. This does not affect vent tube attachment, there is plenty of slack in the tube to attach. This battery also had the little holes for the red cover to fit into.

This particular battery is made by Exide. BTW, read an interesting article that Johnson Controls owns Varta, who makes the OEM BMW batteries.

I've posted some pictures below comparing the two.

Hope someone finds this useful...


A

 

[rovert]

I bought a battery from Wally World too for the same price. They had 94RN's but it fit and the vent tube fit totally fine.

I was at another Walmart and found a white version of the battery too with the same model #. It even had the health indicator eye just like on the OEM white battery.

 

[security6]

I've had the same battery for 1.5 years and it has been working great.

 

[wdeerfield]

damn.. i got one from sears for $150.. lol why couldnt you make this thread about 1.5months ago..

good looking out! i know where my next one will come from

 

[bumere46]

costco has similar battery for 65$

 

[DBLAZE]

Those Batteries look nearly identical in the pics. Great Find!

 

[cvx5832]

My local Wal-Mart also has the type 49, which from what I can tell is the 49DL from AutoZone that's been posted here before.

I got the AutoZone 49DL myself for the larger battery, but I will surely try the Wal-Mart one next in five or so years.

Paolo

 

[neil1138]

So you are comparing batteries based on physical appearance?

 

[cvx5832]

So you are comparing batteries based on physical appearance?

No, CCA. I should have made that clearer.

Paolo

 

[Messe46]

No, CCA. I should have made that clearer.

Paolo

there's also only a 3 year warranty on it, let us know in 3 years if it's still good.

 

[josephi]

damn.. i got one from sears for $150.. lol why couldnt you make this thread about 1.5months ago..

good looking out! i know where my next one will come from

Just got a Die Hard from Sears also, paid about the same price for it plus installation. The Sears battery came with a 3 year full replacement warranty, plus another 64 months pro-rated warranty, but I think the Walmart battery may still be a better deal, even at the higher prices they charge in my area.

 

[viceversa]

FYI:

Sears
International
765CCA
3y/8y (prorated)
$145

Autozone Duralast
49-DL
850CCA
2y/5y (prorated)
$95 + $5 core

94-RDLG (Gold) *told that this would fit my '04 325i
730CCA
3y/5y (prorated)
$145 + $5 core

I'm doing some research on this - thinking preventative

 

[JetBlackE46]

Excellent info - thanks for sharing!

 

[trizzuth]

i have the duralast 49DL in my 01 330i. been in there for at least 3-4 years now, still cranks like a beast!

 

[LeMansteve]

Thanks for the info. My battery is almost 6 years old and will probably need replacing soon, though the indicator is usually green when I check it.

By the way, wtf is the vent tube?

 

[JetBlackE46]

Do these batteries have the vent tube? Is it necessary?

 

[dmax]

Do these batteries have the vent tube? Is it necessary?

Battery has fitting for vent tube, some might come with the tube itself, but your tube is in your car already, going down and out of trunk.

Bats. evidently give off hydrogen and hydrogen explodes so you don't want it in your trunk. Wouldn't want you ending up JetBlack, even if you start that way!

Doug

 

[Penguin Koolaid]

Pretty sure I went with the Duralast 49-DL from AutoZone. It was roughly $90 when I got it about 4 years ago. Their computers won't list it for the e46, so you have to ask for it by model. The only reason I knew to get it was because of this site. It's been running strong since purchase... they even installed it for me :craig:

 

[Cruzader]

Duralast 49-DL here also, and yes you need the vet tube because the battery is in your trunk.

 

[iansanderson]

Battery has fitting for vent tube, some might come with the tube itself, but your tube is in your car already, going down and out of trunk.

Bats. evidently give off hydrogen and hydrogen explodes so you don't want it in your trunk. Wouldn't want you ending up JetBlack, even if you start that way!

Doug

you should always connect the vent tube. Car batteries give off explosive gas while being charged or heated. It also acts as a drain for corrosive acid.