battery tip - United Bimmer Community

**abdallah_n** · 01-23-2007, 01:07 PM

hey guys,

just finished my exams and had to celebrate first with my lovely car for a bit, but she was a party pooper, the damn battery is dead

. i was expecting it anywayz since the car was parked for 2 weeks and the battery is too old and need replacement. soo, i just wanna ask wut battery should i buy, like wut rating (12V ....)? and is there a recomended brand for those?? btw, the car is 1990 535i.

thnx

**c1apton** · 01-23-2007, 01:31 PM

If there's an Autozone nearby to you you might check out their Duralasts - in my E34 I have their 1000w monster that cost $70 and it's been reliable so far 3+ years and mine sits alot.

**mullethunter3** · 01-23-2007, 01:33 PM

Get the most CCA (cold cranking amps) for the money. It's totally worth it. Not Cranking Amps, cold cranking amps.

**abdallah_n** · 01-24-2007, 09:46 AM

thanks guys, ill look for one of those.

thnks for the help again

**beem** · 01-24-2007, 10:14 AM

i used to look for the real nice batteries such as Optimas, etc., but in the end I bought an AutoZone one, and it worked just perfect. No complaints at all

**Dudesky** · 01-25-2007, 07:46 PM

Okay, so my battery just died, and went to look for a replacement . . neither Sears, Autozone, nor Pep Boys had an equivalent. They're saying it's a dealer item. Anyone run into this crap?? Might it be because my car is a '92 M50?

**c1apton** · 01-25-2007, 10:23 PM

Dski, take the EXACT dimensions of your battery, note the sides (positions) of your +/- posts and go into Autozone and pick out the battery you need by size and the highest cold crank you can get for the money you want to spend. Their newer catalogs/computer look up systems SUCK and they overlook stuff that isn't popular sales items. I called a local Autozone & the guy said they only offer the "Optima" line for your car and they're $160+ which is just bullshit - just match the EXACT size & Post config & you'll be ok

**Dudesky** · 01-26-2007, 05:18 AM

Yea, I believe it's either group 41 or 49 that fits. The problem is the vent tube- it's either nonexistent or on the wrong side

**c1apton** · 01-26-2007, 07:44 AM

If it's a long low - yea it's group 49 (I'm glad you brought it up - I went back in my records to check my oe purchase date 3 years ago - group 49 Duralast battery at Autozone $64.99 w/exchange 1000CCAs)

**Dudesky** · 01-26-2007, 12:29 PM

I decided not to screw around with trial & error and trying to retrofit the vent tube especially during this freezing cold snap, so I just got back from the dealer . . problem solved, and I was pleasantly surprised- it was $132, reasonable enough for me.

**Eagle** · 01-31-2007, 01:36 AM

Dudesky, I just replaced/upgraded the one in my 92 525iT from a type 48DL installed by a PO that was failing (free upgrade for battery failure, thanks AZ manager!). $70 as mentioned.

The duralast type 49DL fits, though it is tight. I left the parking lights on the other afternoon for two hours and it started up like nothing had been left on (raining and forgot to turn off after getting the boys and all their gear out). It comes with the vent tube adapter.

never mind.

**cainchapman** · 01-31-2007, 01:48 AM

Check with BMW for an OEM one. My original battery lasted 9 years. Due to this, I replaced it with another. Costs more, but cost amortised over the lifetime is lower than a cheap battery.

The 540 battery is under the back seat though, which keeps it well away from heat, which is a batteries worst enemy.

**Eagle** · 01-31-2007, 02:07 AM

All 92+ have it under the backseat.

**abdallah_n** · 01-31-2007, 07:07 PM

true, except for tdi models i guess

nick_318is · 01-31-2007, 07:59 PM

Some are in the trunk.