battery died

[dsbeaupre]

I don't know if this is related to the radio issue I've been having or not.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38917

I didn't drive it at all Friday, Sat. or Sun., and this morning the battery was dead. Car is 5 years old, so it is probably time for a replacement. Where should I get one? Sears, Walmart, etc. - best pricing, or is there anything funky with this battery - do I need to go to a dealer for a BMW brand battery?

Thanks.

[M.Wong]

I don't know if your battery is different than my E39 one, but from what I gathered, Douglas is the OEM company and BatteriesPlus sells them aftermarket. The only concern is that trunk mounted batteries need to be vented. People have found non OEM replacements at Pep Boys, Auto Zone, and other places.

I'd probably go with the Douglas brand myself, which retails for under $100 at BatteriesPlus. BMW brand (same battery, just with BMW stickers) runs over $200 at the dealership.

BatteriesPlus in Manchester, NH (http://www.batteriesplus.com/store401.html)

[kowached]

The Interstate MTP-93 is a perfect fit in the E39. It has a 72 month warranty, of which the first 24 months is free replacement. When you call you local Interstate dealer, be sure that they have the $1.75 vent kit in stock, it will hook the existing vent tube in the E39 to the center vent of the Interstate battery. I've never had very good luck with any of the Douglas batteries (OE BMW) in any car, and I've been nothing but happy with the Interstate. I have found that the Interstate MTP-93 can be had for $90-110, depending on the dealer.

Here is DIY tip that should make replacement easy, it shows everything that you need to do except physically pulling the battery out: http://www.bmwdiy.info/battery-maint/index.html

Interstate & Douglas battery info below:

<b>Interstate</b>
BCI Standard #: 93 (49)
Interstate Type: MTP-93
CCA: 850
CA: 1065
RC (Minutes): 155
Warranty (Months): 72 (24 month free replacement)
Dimensions (inches) L | W | H : 14-3/8 x 6-7/8 x 6-7/8
Terminal: Auto-Top Post

http://www.ibsa.com/www_2001/content/products/product_auto.asp

<b>Douglas</b>
BCI#: 93
Douglas Type: 93-675
CCA: 750
RC (Minutes): 155
Dimensions (inches) L | W | H :13 7/8 (352mm) 6 7/8 (175mm) 6 7/8 (175mm)

DEFINITIONS:
Battery Council International (BCI) - An association of battery industry companies whose members establish policy and standards for the industry.

Cold-Cranking Amps (CCA) - A rating that is used to define the battery's ability to start an engine under low-temperature conditions. BCI (Battery Council International) defines it as "the number of amps a lead-acid battery at 0ºF (-17.8ºC) can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell" (7.2 volts for a 12-volt lead-acid battery). See also CA and HCA.

Cranking Amps (CA) - A rating that is used to define the battery's ability to start an engine in moderate temperature conditions. BCI (Battery Council International) defines it as "the discharge load in amps that a new, fully-charged battery at 32ºF (0ºC) can continuously deliver for 30 seconds while maintaining a terminal voltage equal to or higher than 1.20 volts per cell." This artificially high rating should not be confused with CCA, which is conducted at 0ºF (-17.8ºC).

Reserve Capacity (RC) - BCI (Battery Council International) defines it as "the number of minutes a new, fully-charged battery at 80ºF (27ºC) can be discharged at 25 amps and maintain a voltage equal to or higher than 1.75 volts per cell" (i.e., 10.5 volts for a 12-volt battery). This rating represents the time the battery will continue to operate essential accessories in the event of a charging system failure.

[dsbeaupre]

Thank you both very much for the info!

[McCandless]

Just put a Batteries Plus (Douglas) in my 99 528!. Perfect fit on everything including the vent tube. $99.99. (Why can't they just call it a $100 even?)

[Kel]

Any current info on battery replacement , prices, or repair for E39s?

[Kel]

Recharging your run down battery after it dried out:
1-While puttin in distilled water into old battery: why recommended to put less than to the rim wagter in? Any danger if you pour in almost to the top?
2- Aftew putting in the water and run the car for about 30-40 minutes will it recharge properly, or one must / needs to put run down battery on charger?