Syncing new battery with the alternator

I recently had my battery replaced by my indy. I read on an older E53 post about an E53 owner "registering" his new battery so the alternator will sync with it. I also read this was applicable to later model BMW's. Does anyone know if this battery registration applies to the 2006 E53?

Not for the E53. E70 yes.

Originally Posted by Rickm5X3

Not for the E53. E70 yes.

Thanks Rickm5X3; I appreciate the input. I have been chasing a delayed alternator charging issue concurrent with the new battery install and thought it may be related to registering. Ever see an alternator not charge for 8 minutes during the first start of the day, then work fine thereafter charging at 13.9-14v? Next day during initial start-up, scenario repeats. Been happening for 3 weeks now and monitoring with OBC test 9. Belt and tensioner are tight and not slipping. Very strange.......

Faulty diode pack/regulator in the alternator most likely the culprit.

Originally Posted by Zulu95

Faulty diode pack/regulator in the alternator most likely the culprit.

Thanks; can the E53 regulator be changed separately while the alternator remains installed?

Item 5.






For future reference: Check realoem.com

Looks to me that the alternator needs to be removed to replace the regulator on the back. Too close quarters to work with the alterntor installed.

I have E53 (2005 X5) and my dealer told me over the phone that they need to register it after installing a new battery. Haven't done it yet, but will do soon.

Originally Posted by bimmerworld

I have E53 (2005 X5) and my dealer told me over the phone that they need to register it after installing a new battery. Haven't done it yet, but will do soon.

Thanks. Are you getting an occasional red battery symbol light on or any other indication that your battery is not registered? I am seeing a delay in alternator charging by 1-15 minutes with occasional battery light. After the delay the alternator charges at 14V all day. Only delays during first start of the day. Cycle repeats each day.

Originally Posted by bimmerworld

I have E53 (2005 X5) and my dealer told me over the phone that they need to register it after installing a new battery. Haven't done it yet, but will do soon.

Who at the dealership told you this? BMWs that have the old CAN/Diagnostic/I/K/M/P communication bus system (like the e53/e38/e39/e46)..DON'T have the "intelligent battery system" like the new BMWs with i-Drive and the new MOST communication bus (e65/e60/e90/e70/f01/f10/etc).

I'm not sure how many times we have to reply that there is no requirement (or way) to "register" a battery in an e53...again, because the intelligent battery system/sensor IS NOT used on the e53 X5.

Here's another example...just look up the battery cables for the e53 & e70 and note that the description for the e70's battery cable indicates IBS in the description of the negative battery cable (#1 in diagram below)...where as the negative battery cable for the e53 DOES NOT:

e70 neg battery cable (#1 in diagram below...has IBS on neg cable): http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=61&fg=10&hl=5




e53 neg battery cable (#10 in diagram below...no IBS on cable): http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...61&fg=10&hl=23

Ditto-- I just dropped off my E53 at the delearship for an unrelated issue to this thread but asked the service manager about registering my new battery. He flat out stated that it is not applicable to E53's.

I have still the same old battery. There are no red lights with the old one. I will check the voltage and see how soon I should change it. Will let you know if I have any problems after replacement.

Originally Posted by bimmerworld

I have still the same old battery. There are no red lights with the old one. I will check the voltage and see how soon I should change it. Will let you know if I have any problems after replacement.

If you stick with the same type of battery (ole style lead-acid not AGM type), you are unlikely gaining anything by registering the new batt to the car. Registering reset the charging profile, gentler when the batt is newer then more agressive as the batt aged. AGM batt more sensitive to charging profile and need to be charge at lower current than typical lead-acid batt, that's why you need to reset that charging profile when replacing AGM batt.

I register and re-program my 2008 E60 535i when I switched from regular lead-acid to AGM.