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Summary of battery replacement options

173K views 194 replies 113 participants last post by  gsfent 
#1 · (Edited)
Just thought it would be a good idea to summarize the alternatives for replacing your battery. The following is a list of possibilities based on my research over the past 2 days (M5 board and internet) with the criteria being the dimensions of the battery:

BMW replacement: $225+ (through stealer). My indy is selling me one for $205 and they can be found under $200 w/BMW car club discount. Many stealers will charge well above $250 so beware. 850CCA 15-9/16" x 6-15/16" x 7-1/2" 62 lbs.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:eek:ffice:eek:ffice" /><o:p></o:p>
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Interstate H9-110VW (MTP-H9): $205. Same dimensions as BMW replacement. Just spoke to Interstate today and this battery has just recently become available for public sale (no more VW issues) but most shops and even distributors don't know that. Interstate's customer service had to call my local distributor to advise them of this. 850CCA 15-9/16" x 6-15/16" x 7-1/2" 63.9 lbs.<o:p></o:p>
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Batteries Plus Werker 95R-LI: $179. This battery has the same dimensions as the replacement. 850CCA 15-9/16" x 6-15/16" x 7-1/2" 64.5 lbs.<o:p></o:p>
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Interstate MTP-93: $125-$150. This battery is slightly smaller than the replacement; about 1" shorter length wise and .50" shorter in height. Requires that improvised spacers are used to ensure exact fit. 850CCA 14-3/8" x 6-7/8" x 7-1/5" 45.7 lbs.<o:p></o:p>
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Optima 34R: $135-150. This battery is about 5.5" shorter length wise and about .25" higher. Requires that improvised spacers are used to ensure exact fit. 800CCA 10" x 6-7/8" x 7-13/16" ? lbs.<o:p></o:p>
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Odyssey 1700: $296. This battery is about 2.5" shorter length wise and .50" shorter width wise but is same height as replacement. Requires that improvised spacers are used to ensure exact fit. 875CCA 13" x 6-1/2" x 7-1/2" 60.9 lbs. <o:p></o:p>
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Duralast 49-DL: $85-97. 850 CCA approx dimensions: 13-7/8" x ? x 7" 46 lbs.<o:p></o:p>
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Duralast 95R-DLG: $??? According to the web site this is not available, but it was at some time. Might still be available in stores. 850CCA 15-9/16" x 6-15/16" x 7-1/2" 63.9 lbs.<o:p></o:p>
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Exide Premium 49-60: $90 This battery is about 1.5" shorter than the replacement. Requires that improvised spacers are used to ensure exact fit. 850CCA 14" x 6-7/8" x 7-7/16" ? lbs.<o:p></o:p>
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Sears Die Hard 49: $130. This battery is slightly smaller than the replacement; 1.25" shorter length wise and .50" shorter in height. Requires that improvised spacers are used to ensure exact fit. 805CCA 14-5/16" x 6/7/8" x 6-7/8" 52 lbs.<o:p></o:p>
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Consequently, the only models that match the size specs of the BMW replacement are the Interstate H9-110VW (MTP-H9) and the Batteries Plus Werker 95R-LI.


There are other batteries out there that will work, but these are the ones most often discussed and appear to be the closest in size and specification to the OEM battery. With all the battery talk of late I thought this might help those in the market (or soon to be) for a new battery.
 
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#168 ·
Another New Battery

My first battery lasted until August 2013. Ten years and 6 months.

The August 2013 replacement was a BMW OEM part #61217591085. It's now dead in Feb 2017, only 3.5 years later and under 4K miles of driving. The car was always on a Deltran Battery tender when not driven.

My car has survived multiple 6 month stints on the tender since my purchase in Jan 2007.

Just got an Advance Auto Parts AutoCraft Gold Battery, Group Size 95R/H9, 950 CCA.

Hope it lasts more than 4 years. At $175 versus $250 for a BMW logo battery, guess I'm ahead already.
 
#169 ·
My first battery lasted until August 2013. Ten years and 6 months.

The August 2013 replacement was a BMW OEM part #61217591085. It's now dead in Feb 2017, only 3.5 years later and under 4K miles of driving. The car was always on a Deltran Battery tender when not driven.

My car has survived multiple 6 month stints on the tender since my purchase in Jan 2007.

Just got an Advance Auto Parts AutoCraft Gold Battery, Group Size 95R/H9, 950 CCA.

Hope it lasts more than 4 years. At $175 versus $250 for a BMW logo battery, guess I'm ahead already.
If your car sits so long, why not disconnect the battery ?
 
#172 ·
Recently purchased a 2000 M5; my first E39. I'm looking at the two Super Start batteries sold by O'Reilley's for that model. I can't figure out if I may cause myself troubles choosing the wrong battery. The two options are:

95RPRMJ Premium Top "Mount" Battery @ $174; 950 CCA / 1180 CA; Has the following "warning":

BEGIN QUOTE
Vehicle Computer System Must Be Reset, Contact Your Service Specialist; Battery Must Be Installed By A Service Specialist
END QUOTE


95RPLT Premium Top "Post" Battery @ $194; 950 CCA / 1050 CA; Does not have the above warning.


So, the more expensive battery has less cranking amps (but the same CCA): however, it does not have the warning to reset the car's computer system, not that a specialist "must" install the battery.

I'm not worried about getting into the trunk to install the battery; that's easy. However, I have no experience in resetting, nor equipment to reset, the computer system.

Also, am I being a total noob here: Isn't a "top mount" battery the same as a "top post"?

Thanks for any help.
 
#174 ·
You'll just have to reset date and time. Of course the Germans don't even make that intuitive, but you'll figure it out. :smile
 
#176 ·
spoke with an Odyssey rep today....they said the proper replacement battery for our e39 m5 is actually the PC1350 Extreme. same height and width just about 1.5inch shorter length. but she also told me they will have a new Odyssey Performance 49-950 battery coming out this June/July that is made in USA and will be cheaper...have better performance specs (less vibration resistance and standard lead posts i think but she said the Extreme was made for offroad and marine use so the new one is designed for street automotive). i will be getting either the Extreme or the Performance battery most likely soon and post more at that time.
 
#177 ·
got some official info from Odyssey -

ODYSSEY Performance Group 49, 49-950 would have a calculated performance of about 1385 PHCA, 950 CCA, 203 RCM, weigh 57# and would cost about $300 on online store when it is available. They should be available June or July of this year. Once this performance model is available, we will be obsoleting the PC1350.
 
#178 ·
When I bought my M5 few months ago PO had to put new battery in because it was dead. I found him a deal for AutoCraft Gold from Advance and it turned out to be made in Germany. I suspect it might be rebadged Varta brand which would be a good thing as Varta is reputable brand and remebe it as a kid growing up in Europe.
 
#181 ·
Fortunately, I bought two PC1350 batteries before they're gone. I'm tending them both now. Probably install one in my X5 soon. The second will be for my M5 when the seven year old Interstate MTP gives up. So far, it shows no sign.
 
#183 · (Edited)
Tending a battery means regular (trickle-)charging and discharging to prevent ageing, see:
BU-806: Tracking Battery Capacity and Resistance as part of Aging ? Battery University
Only the better chargers know the discharging part ...

Concerning pricing: More than half a year ago I payed about $ 163.- for a comparable (110 Ah, CCA 920 A) Varta (= Johnson Controls) I1, over here. The dealer asked more than $ 200.-
Shopping around when you are looking for a new battery certainly is profitable !
 
#184 · (Edited)
Tending a battery is much more than that and varies depending on the type of battery and your use. What you describe is common and simple maintenance and a small part of true battery tending.
 
#185 · (Edited)
Last battery bought in 2012 (Bosch from Pep Boys) finally crapped out. This one is a perfect fit including the vent location. Vehicle computer system reset note does not apply to our car.

Autozone Duralast Gold
$159.99
Part Number: H9-DLG
Weight: 63.90lbs
Warranty: 5 years
Notes: OE Exact Fit
*** 950 Cold cranking Amps (1000 cranking Amps) ***. 110 Reserve minutes. Warranty consists of 3 years free replacement plus 2 years prorated. Battery is vented to outside of vehicle. Vehicle computer system must be reset, contact your service specialist. See the vehicle owners manual for safe and proper battery installation. Check the customer's vehicle, battery installation could take up to 30 minutes. Battery located in trunk.
Application: Automobile
Battery Group Size Designation: 95R
Battery Height: 190 mm - 7 1/2 in
Battery Length: 394 mm - 15 9/16 in
Battery Standard Group: Battery Council International (BCI)
Battery Voltage: 12
Battery Width: 175 mm - 6 15/16 in
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 950
Core Charge Applicable: Yes
Cranking Amps (CA): 1000
Positive Terminal Side: Right
Post Location: Top Post
Reserve Capacity (min): 110
 
#187 ·
Well that Autozone one above has a 5 year warranty. The AGM one they sell for +$30 only has a 3 year. Not even any weight savings or anything.
 
#189 ·
Flooded all day, every day. I keep mine on a BatteryMINDer in the garage, installed. I currently have a 88 month (checked my records) old Interstate MTP that I installed 10/2011. In February and March of this year, it started the car up with no issues after five weeks off the tender in my driveway with the alarm on/doors locked. I drove around for an hour and parked it for another three weeks. Impressive.

I recently replaced the original BMW AGM battery in my 2011 X5 35d and replaced it with an Odyssey PC1350 I mentioned above. The original BMW proved capable of starting the X5's diesel engine after several weeks in airport parking or my driveway until recently showing signs of two failing cells. If I know I'm not going to be using the X5 regularly and an outlet is nearby, I hook it up to a BatteryMINDer.

Both technologies have their place and can provide solid service if cared for properly. There are also a lot of cheap batteries out there with replacement warranties if you prefer that route. I'd say get the cheapest if so.
 
#188 ·
SRC4S - i prefer AGM....they are still heavy (re: TMcNasty) but the cranking power is solid and they just last so long...i once left a car for over a month outside in the middle of winter (emergency) and it started right up with my Odyssey battery....very impressive. i definitely recommend people check out their new battery for the M5! once my current AGM (previous owner got it) dies i will be getting one.
 
#192 ·
Does this need to be done at a dealer, or is it something one can just swap out at home? I see conflicting comments on whether the computer needs to be reset by the dealer.
Don't know where you're seeing conflicting comments unless conflating newer models with the E39. There is nothing to do with the computer when changing the battery.
 
#195 · (Edited)
Yes, a reasonably heavy battery, so make sure you limber up your back! :). I have used Interstate and Duralast and whatever Auto Zone sells, all with good results (16 years of ownership). Just get the right size.

Pay attention to the vent tube placement. Otherwise about the easiest thing to do on an M5.

Regards,
Jerry
 
#194 ·
What he said - definitely a DIY job.


FWIW, I've got the Interstate MTP and since I don't DD, occasionally I top if off with Noco Genius charger.
 
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