Battery Age

[LJG]

Just took a look at my battery and it appears it's from 2012 (neg terminal stamp is 38/12) so I assume it's original to the car. It turns over just fine and I'm not experiencing any issues but I was surprised that it's that old. Other cars I've had the batteries last 3 to 5 years before they die.

With a long road trip into France planned in a couple of months I'm considering getting a new one as a precaution.

 

[Johnny h]

Just took a look at my battery and it appears it's from 2012 (neg terminal stamp is 38/12) so I assume it's original to the car. It turns over just fine and I'm not experiencing any issues but I was surprised that it's that old. Other cars I've had the batteries last 3 to 5 years before they die.

With a long road trip into France planned in a couple of months I'm considering getting a new one as a precaution.

Think that would be wise with a trip like that on the horizon…..

 

[Smartbear]

These cars can get battery related issues despite still turning over ok, I’d replace it to save any aggravation.
Rob

 

[Mr Tidy]

Exactly what Rob said.

The battery on my 2nd E86 died after 10 years while my Indy was running diagnostics to deal with a random Amber EML - new battery seemed to fix it!

I got a load of random electrical malfunctions on my E90 a few weeks ago and took it to my Indy today. 7 year old battery was on it's last legs and a new one seems to be the cure.

For peace of mind on a trip like that coming up I think I'd replace it anyway. Even if it did manage the trip I doubt it would last much longer.

 

[LJG]

I got a load of random electrical malfunctions on my E90 a few weeks ago and took it to my Indy today. 7 year old battery was on it's last legs and a new one seems to be the cure.

What indy do you go to that's local?

 

[Mr Tidy]

Well spotted!

I used TWG Automotive in Camberley for years as Will is ex-Sytner and I can just about walk there (2.5 miles) although he does have a courtesy car.

But then RBM Hampshire opened up in Hook on the A30 in 2019 when Ross left Sytner after 15 years, and he has 2 loan cars now. That's where my E90 was today and my E86 will be there next week. :roll:

I've never had any issues with the quality of work or pricing at either of them, but getting a booking tends to be quicker at RBM - it's usually a month or so at TWG.

 

[mcbutler]

Just took a look at my battery and it appears it's from 2012 (neg terminal stamp is 38/12) so I assume it's original to the car. It turns over just fine and I'm not experiencing any issues but I was surprised that it's that old. Other cars I've had the batteries last 3 to 5 years before they die.

With a long road trip into France planned in a couple of months I'm considering getting a new one as a precaution.

If the battery is oriignal it should have BMW written on it.
https://www.countybattery.co.uk/ are the cheapest car battery retailer I have found in the UK and free delivery, pretty much any garage can fit/code the battery even if you buy it elsewhere.
DONT miss the coding process its essential to get the best from it

 

[warmasice]

Yep, you'll be needing to change in soon anyway, so with a trip looming, have it replaced.

 

[LJG]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I went ahead and replaced it last Saturday.

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

Did you get it done at BMW?

 

[LJG]

I went to a local independent, RBM Hampshire. Installed a BMW battery in about 10 minutes.

 

[Johnny h]

Just got me thinking that maybe I should check mine....is this the date stamp that's been mentioned I should be looking at?

 

[LJG]

Yes, that's the one.

 

[Johnny h]

Thanks.... Perhaps I'd better get it checked out

 

[SonnyA85]

Wouldn't replace a battery on a whim.

You can test the battery with a decent charger to see how much of the original charge it still holds.

Batteries of old which weren't sealed could last forever if used regularly and maintained and topped up. All they needed was Epsom salt and water for the water that had evaporated, the salt broke down the crystals.

Personally I would have just charged it fully before leaving and bunged the charger in the boot just in case after testing the capacity.

 

[Argyll Andy]

Thanks.... Perhaps I'd better get it checked out

Definitely, they say the serviceable rule of thumb for an E89 battery is 5 yrs. can lead to all sorts of electrical gremlins including e brake failure.

No harm in getting it looked at

 

[Johnny h]

Thanks all . Off to wales in a couple of weeks so think I’d better pull my finger out now….