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Battery Life
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 3:44 pm
by ronk
How long do batteries last these days?
I’ve just had the original battery changed on our 335 - the car is now only 27months Old - they told me it’s an AGM and would have cost in the region of £250 inc calibration.
On the flip side - the old fashioned lead acid battery fitted to my first Z4 (2004 E85) and sold to a pal, is still going strong !
Progress eh?
Battery Life
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 4:44 pm
by Maniac
MY e89 battery lasted 7 years. Life depends on how it’s used really. Temps, charge and discharge cycles etc.
I wouldn’t be happy at 2 years tho
Battery Life
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 4:57 pm
by Gaffa22
27months is poor for a good quality (or not in this case) battery.
I'd be asking for a new one on warranty
Battery Life
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 5:09 pm
by mr wilks
Just changed the AGM one in my 35i / 7yrs 50k / exact same one gone in as out (OE Varta ) £130 delivered so £250 is pure ballcocks even with the "programming "
Battery Life
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 5:13 pm
by Smartbear
mr wilks wrote: ↑Mon Oct 23, 2017 5:09 pm
Just changed the AGM one in my 35i / 7yrs 50k / exact same one gone in as out (OE Varta ) £130 delivered so £250 is pure ballcocks even with the "programming "
I think the programming is not strictly necessary, after all the replacement only has to last for more than 27months & you’re quids in!
Rob
Battery Life
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 7:16 pm
by ronk
Fortunately the new car warranty covered the replacement but if I’d had to pay i certainly not have paid £250 .
I think the reprogram is only if a unit with a different amp/hr rating is fitted.
I would guess the £250 costs they quote is an internal / between department charge .
Battery Life
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 8:04 pm
by pvr
That is what I heard as well with the programming, i.e. without it on the newer cars, it would fry the battery. Not seen the proof (except for short lasting batteries).
Battery Life
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 8:13 pm
by Ewazix
ronk wrote: ↑Mon Oct 23, 2017 3:44 pm
How long do batteries last these days? ...........
...On the flip side - the old fashioned lead acid battery fitted to my first Z4 (2004 E85) and sold to a pal, is still going strong !
Progress eh?
Amazing but the battery in my June 2003 e85 is the original date stamped BMW unit! I always stick it on the Ctek when it's not used for a week or more but I can't imagine it can last much longer, there again who knows?
What is battery programming anyway?
Battery Life
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 8:17 pm
by wegras
Literally just replaced original from April 2007
Correct replacement from my Dealer cost £106 which i thought was very acceptable
Battery Life
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 11:43 pm
by Smartbear
Ewazix wrote: ↑Mon Oct 23, 2017 8:13 pm
ronk wrote: ↑Mon Oct 23, 2017 3:44 pm
How long do batteries last these days? ...........
...On the flip side - the old fashioned lead acid battery fitted to my first Z4 (2004 E85) and sold to a pal, is still going strong !
Progress eh?
Amazing but the battery in my June 2003 e85 is the original date stamped BMW unit! I always stick it on the Ctek when it's not used for a week or more but I can't imagine it can last much longer, there again who knows?
What is battery programming anyway?
Bmw say the car is supposed to be programmed that a new battery is fitted, this apparently alters the charging rates to maximise the life of the new battery.
It sounds plausible until you find out how much they want to charge for it
Rob
Battery Life
Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 12:05 am
by Mr Tidy
Yes, it all seems to be geared to revenue generation!
My 123d needed an AGM battery and coding before 55K miles and 5 years old - cost just over £250 at an indy.
Then just before 77K miles it needed a new starter motor - stop/start may have been a factor?
My Z4C had a battery at 81K supplied and fitted for about half that cost - progress indeed.
Battery Life
Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 7:23 am
by Ewazix
Smartbear wrote: ↑Mon Oct 23, 2017 11:43 pm
Ewazix wrote: ↑Mon Oct 23, 2017 8:13 pm
What is battery programming anyway?
Bmw say the car is supposed to be programmed that a new battery is fitted, this apparently alters the charging rates to maximise the life of the new battery.
It sounds plausible until you find out how much they want to charge for it
Rob
Cheers got it, BMW at it again! Fit a battery that lasts just beyond the warranty period AND needs re-programming at a dealer
I thought the whole idea of a 'smart charge' alternator was to detect the state of the battery and adjust charging and that AGM batteries were supposed to be capable of a lot more deep discharge and rapid charge cycles, hence why they are used on motors with stop-start and loads of toys.
Battery Life
Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 8:30 am
by ph001
Battery Life
Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 3:52 pm
by wegras
Ewazix wrote: ↑Tue Oct 24, 2017 7:23 am
Smartbear wrote: ↑Mon Oct 23, 2017 11:43 pm
Ewazix wrote: ↑Mon Oct 23, 2017 8:13 pm
What is battery programming anyway?
Bmw say the car is supposed to be programmed that a new battery is fitted, this apparently alters the charging rates to maximise the life of the new battery.
It sounds plausible until you find out how much they want to charge for it
Rob
Cheers got it, BMW at it again! Fit a battery that lasts just beyond the warranty period AND needs re-programming at a dealer
I thought the whole idea of a 'smart charge' alternator was to detect the state of the battery and adjust charging and that AGM batteries were supposed to be capable of a lot more deep discharge and rapid charge cycles, hence why they are used on motors with stop-start and loads of toys.
When i went in to check price of new battery at my Dealers they confirmed that if the correct battery original type was fitted ie a lead acid replacing lead acid then no resetting was necessary apart from the clock
Battery Life
Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 4:08 pm
by synthedup
Mine is currently 11 years old
never had a problem, touch wood.