Have only put on 15K in three years and now the battery is dead. BMW says I don't drive enoung and won't replace. Have a choice between 94R-DLG or H5-DLG from Autozone for about $130. Anyone know if there is any real difference between the two, assuming that they both fit?
Battery recoimmendation for 2005 2.5l
- Thread starter Flycaster
- Start date
You should check with another dealer. The car's warranty doesn't cover the battery, but the battery itself has its own warranty (I'm not sure how for how long).
I personally had a bad experience with an aftermarket battery that was installed in the Z3 by the previous owner... The acid spilled and corroded a hole in the compartment. I would go with BMW battery to make as you'll be sure it vents properly and firmly attach...
If you don't drive your car much you should think about a trigger charger that keeps the batter healthy. On this as well I wouldn't go cheap (I heard bad things about some of the cheap trigger charger) so I would go with the BMW one: they have a nice one that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket.
Check around for pricing, but I would guess if you call mileone.com they probably have the best deal.
I personally had a bad experience with an aftermarket battery that was installed in the Z3 by the previous owner... The acid spilled and corroded a hole in the compartment. I would go with BMW battery to make as you'll be sure it vents properly and firmly attach...
If you don't drive your car much you should think about a trigger charger that keeps the batter healthy. On this as well I wouldn't go cheap (I heard bad things about some of the cheap trigger charger) so I would go with the BMW one: they have a nice one that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket.
Check around for pricing, but I would guess if you call mileone.com they probably have the best deal.
Lift the trunk floor to access the battery.. Do several things before you order a replacement. Note the +ve and -ve post position, note the vent tube connection location (on my 2003 2.5i the vent is on the +ve end of the battery ), measure the battery. Make sure that you buy a battery that has the same size etc and that the cold cranking amps are comparable. Your dealer will have all these specs etc in his catalogue. After installing the new battery it might be a good idea as noted to use a battery tender to keep the battery fully charged all the time, apparently they do not like being drawn down too much and with the low miles you are putting on this may be occurring. You may be able to get some warranty on the oem battery but I'll bet that you can replace the battery with another brand for less than the prorated price to replace the original. Just my 2 cents worth.
Robbietoo
Robbietoo
Thanks for all your helpful responses. When my battery first went "dead," about 7months ago, I did get a good battery trickle tender and used it once a month. And, the battery did last for 7 more months, then fully died. This is after I trickle charged before going away for 3 weeks. When I came home car didn't even give a hint of starting and the battery didn't take any charge. Agreed that getting a new battery would be more cost effective than trying to get the manufacturer to prorate under warranty. The 94R DLG cold cranks at 650A which is greater than the present battery (570A), should fit and sells for $140 (I'll install, of course).
Considering my low mileage, I am now wondering if once a month trickle charging will be adequate to keep my new battery in tip top shape???
Considering my low mileage, I am now wondering if once a month trickle charging will be adequate to keep my new battery in tip top shape???
Flycaster said:
The trigger charger is something you always live plugged in: what it does is switching back and forth from a small load to a slow charge to keep the battery elements active.
It is not ment to be used a batter charger or a car starter asit doesn't supply succient amps
You know, now I'm a little confused about just how my charger is to function. I bought the Battery Tender Plus. It has been touted as the same unit that BMW sells. It was my understanding that it was a trickle charger that one could use intermittently to keep the battery in good shape. Am I on/off the right track?
No - trickle chargers are on all the time whilst the car is not used. I have mine (CTEK 3600) connected permanently on two cars. One has not been used for about 8 weeks or so, the other 2 weeks. I disconnect the unit when I do take the car out, and reconnect upon return.
That could extend the lifetime of the battery by at least double to 6 years.
That could extend the lifetime of the battery by at least double to 6 years.
