2007 X3, need new battery

Anybody have any suggestions on replacing the battery. Also does the OEM have any residual warranty left on it? Thanks

I purchased one at Walmart.Was exact fit and came with vent tube.About $95 in Florida.

Advance auto had a replacement for just over $100, and the guy replaced it for me in the lot after I asked if I could borrow the necessary tools to DIY. I guess he didn't think I could do it myself. Lol.

I bought OEM battery since original lasted over 5 years. Its AGM so ne need for vent tube. Plus I get BMW parts at cost so was no brainer.

Was the original battery an AGM?

Originally Posted by med

Was the original battery an AGM?

I believe so.

Not all batteries from factory are AGM ... simply look at the battery and it will tell you rather then trying to guess.

An autozone duralast works fine as well. 50% cost for probably 75% of the life of a BMW labelled battery. Want a really good battery - Interstate Megatron Plus.

Originally Posted by bluskye

Not all batteries from factory are AGM ... simply look at the battery and it will tell you rather then trying to guess.

An autozone duralast works fine as well. 50% cost for probably 75% of the life of a BMW labelled battery. Want a really good battery - Interstate Megatron Plus.

I work at a Acura Dealership & Acura batteries are re-labeled Interstates. Complete garbage. Lucky if they last more than 2 years.

Originally Posted by Madtown

I work at a Acura Dealership & Acura batteries are re-labeled Interstates. Complete garbage. Lucky if they last more than 2 years.

A bit of an exaggeration no? Even a crappy battery should give you 4years of life with average commute distances unless you live in a dessert. Sorry.

I thought that Interstate was just a marketing company - they don't seem to have any manufacturing plants.: http://corporate.interstatebatteries...andmilestones/
(That's why they used the name Interstate - their business was a distributorship trucking batteries to their franchised dealers, some of who operate out of their homes.)

At one time, there was no telling who made their batteries but nowadays it is just a brand name under the Johnson Controls umbrella.

The Megatron Plus appears to be the same as, or very similar to, the Varta or other make O.E. battery fitted in many BMW's & M-B's over the years.

It's a fine battery. I passed my O.E. battery along at just prior to 9 years, to the owner of an old VW 411. Still had green eye and was probably good for another couple of years but I didn't want to chance it.

Even if it continued starting the X3 without any problem, there is always the prospect of getting weird electronic gremlins or random trouble lights with a tired battery.

Other Interstates without the Megatron Plus designation I have heard can be very ordinary or even below-average batteries, which might account for the conflicting ownership experiences.

You can't make a pile of money from multi-level marketing unless you cover both ends of the quality (and price) spectrum.

I recently purchased a Rayovac group 49 battery from my local DEKA industrial dealer. The battery, although branded as Rayovac, was made by East Penn (DEKA) in PA is part of the Deka "exact fit" line for european cars. Excellent battery, exact fit, with vent tube and all, for $140. Dealer quoted me $300 for an OEM battery. Batteries plus sells Rayovac and many of the Rayovc batteries are manufactured by East Penn.

BMW batteries are only $200 from the dealer. Install takes a couple of minutes as long as you have a 10mm socket wrench and extensions.

I also have a 2007 X3 that I think probably needs a bettery soon. Looking at Autozone.com, there are several "exact fits", including the Autocraft Gold battery, but then the website has this disclaimer warning pop up:

•730 CCA; OE Group H6; OE CCA Rating: 570; DO NOT INSTALL; When batteries are replaced in these models, the battery information must be reset in the power management system and the battery replacement registered. If this is not performed, the system works off inaccurate data which can lead to issues such as premature failure of the new battery. Please inform customers with these vehicles of this issue and recommend that they have their battery replaced at an authorized BMW dealership/shop.

Does anyone know what this is and if it's something I'll have to deal with when swapping batteries?

Originally Posted by jrapo

I also have a 2007 X3 that I think probably needs a bettery soon. Looking at Autozone.com, there are several "exact fits", including the Autocraft Gold battery, but then the website has this disclaimer warning pop up:

•730 CCA; OE Group H6; OE CCA Rating: 570; DO NOT INSTALL; When batteries are replaced in these models, the battery information must be reset in the power management system and the battery replacement registered. If this is not performed, the system works off inaccurate data which can lead to issues such as premature failure of the new battery. Please inform customers with these vehicles of this issue and recommend that they have their battery replaced at an authorized BMW dealership/shop.

Does anyone know what this is and if it's something I'll have to deal with when swapping batteries?

The Autozone Duralast Gold works on the X3 fine, I installed one this past spring on our X3

The E83 X3 does not require the battery reset procedure like newer BMWs with the new electronics. Just pop in and go =)

Is there a way to replace the battery without losing any radio settings and having to reintialize the sunroof? I understand from the dealer that the computer data won't be lost.

Originally Posted by bluskye

The Autozone Duralast Gold works on the X3 fine, I installed one this past spring on our X3

The E83 X3 does not require the battery reset procedure like newer BMWs with the new electronics. Just pop in and go =)

Thanks bluskye! I did a bunch of forum research following my question and found the same answer. Appreciate the response confirming no registration is needed on my E83.

Originally Posted by med

Is there a way to replace the battery without losing any radio settings and having to reintialize the sunroof? I understand from the dealer that the computer data won't be lost.

Yes, There is an item you can plug in the cigarette lighter, and then attach a 9 volt battery to the other end. It'll supply just enough energy to maintain radio settings and etc.

Disclaimer, these things have been around a while. I can't say for sure if it'll be enough to keep your settings and stuff since I am assuming our Bimmers draw more juice, when off, than you average Chevy Beretta.

I replaced my 2007 X3 battery by AutoCraft H8-AGM. It has been working great for almost 6 months. By the way, I have a $30 off promo code. If you are interested in the code, you may click my user name to send me a private message.

I replaced my 2007 X3 battery by AutoCraft H8-AGM. It can be used on 2007 530. It has been working great for almost 6 months. By the way, I have a $30 off promo code. If you are interested in the code, you may click my user name to send me a private message.

I am getting ready to install a new battery, too. Can I hook up a trickle charger to the jump start terminals to maintain current while replacing the old battery so I don't have to mess with the radio, sun roof, etc?
(2008 X3)
Thanks!

Originally Posted by SJBerg

Can I hook up a trickle charger to the jump start terminals to maintain current while replacing the old battery so I don't have to mess with the radio, sun roof, etc?

If it is one of the newer so-called intelligent chargers, like a CTEK, that delivers a pulse charge in the process, it might not be advisable without the battery acting as a buffer.

Some of the CTEK models have a Supply mode that delivers a steady voltage for this purpose, in which case it would be fine.

An older trickle charger should be O.K.
One with a cigarette lighter plug would be the most convenient as you could hook it up using the outlet in the cargo area.

But most people find that the radio retains all settings, and you just have to reset the time,
and the anti-trap settings.

Thanks! I have an ancient Craftsman charger that can be set to 2 amps and a newer "maintainer" but that might have the pulse technology.

Thanks for the input about not having to register the batt. You read so much about it.
Frank

I put the Duralast Gold in and simply had to reset the clock. The 4x4 light came on but went off after a very short drive.