Battery and Coding

RedmumbaSeattle · 07-09-2012, 07:41 PM

There seems to be a ton of scattered information on this, but I have had a lot of trouble getting a clear answer. First off, the Seattle BMW dealership quoted the battery at $512 (!!!) including labor, which is a huge ripoff. I'd rather get a Kirkland battery from Costco and just install it myself. However, this is my first BMW (2007 BMW 328xi), and I understand that you have to inform the car that it's a new battery so as to adjust how the car charges it.

My confusion is this--do I absolutely NEED something like the Bavarian Technic Tool, specifically, in order to be able to reset the battery? Or can I go with something like the one's mentioned here and just use that? I realize most of those are code _readers_, but nobody is very clear about what it takes to write/alter things in the car itself. If there's some magic DIY guide that I've managed to not find, then feel free to point me in the right direction and bop me on the head. If not, I think it'd be great for newbie BMW owners like myself!

Thanks for all your help!

bumere90 · 07-09-2012, 08:30 PM

ok here is the thing
if you're replacing your battery with a OEM battery no programming is needed. However, you must register it.
If you're replacing with another brand, you must program and register the battery.
BavTool can only register, it can't program.
Buy walmart battery and make sure you program and register. Otherwise, you will have problems in the future. Speaking from personal experience.

Luis0512 · 07-09-2012, 09:35 PM

what kind of problems could you experience?

VTECaddict · 07-10-2012, 01:09 AM

premature battery failure. random electrical malfunctions. random errors popping up on the dash.

RedmumbaSeattle · 07-10-2012, 01:58 AM

So, I'm aware that they'll have issues; what I really want to know is, can I reset the internal computer to recognize it as a new battery without buying (a) over half a grand of the dealership's labor, or (b) a $300 tool that I will use once. I'd love to get one of the Kirkland batteries due to the positive reviews I've read, but I don't want to risk damage to the car or the battery.

Also, from what I've heard, places like Walmart, Sears, etc., lack the software to be able to reset the battery, since this is generally proprietary BMW nonsense. Perhaps someone can chime in on this.

sourphish · 07-10-2012, 02:33 AM

Hm I need to look into this as well as I need to replace my battery very soon. Bump!

VTECaddict · 07-10-2012, 02:56 AM

Go to the regional forum and see if there are any local coders in your area. They should be able to code it for cheap. Or ask around independent BMW shops in your area.

Not sure if Costco carries the proper size for our cars. We need a BCI Group 49 or DIN H8 size. A lot of the auto parts store battery finders are wrong, or at least they were for my car.

udm328i · 07-10-2012, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumere90

ok here is the thing
if you're replacing your battery with a OEM battery no programming is needed. However, you must register it.
If you're replacing with another brand, you must program and register the battery.
BavTool can only register, it can't program.
Buy walmart battery and make sure you program and register. Otherwise, you will have problems in the future. Speaking from personal experience.

so how do you "register" an oem battery?

Kruz · 07-10-2012, 10:10 AM

sub

RedmumbaSeattle · 07-10-2012, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTECaddict

Not sure if Costco carries the proper size for our cars. We need a BCI Group 49 or DIN H8 size. A lot of the auto parts store battery finders are wrong, or at least they were for my car.

Yes, that was another thing I was curious about as well. They DO carry the Group 48 size, but not 49--but from what I understand, this is fine too. I am VERY curious as to whether or not someplace like Sears or Walmart can code/register the battery--from what I understand, they couldn't, but now I'm not so sure. I'm also afraid that if I call and ask, they'll tell me yes without really knowing.

As far as getting someone around here to help with it--this thread is kind of a precursor to that, since I want to go into it with some knowledge of what I'm doing.

Delusive · 07-10-2012, 02:24 PM

First off changing the battery is an easy DIY, there is no need to let the dealership do it. They are overcharging you when you can buy the battery yourself for about $160-$300, 10-30 minutes of your time, and last but not least $20-50 at an independent BMW just to get it registered.

By the way I made a thread about this last week here (pictures & videos included)

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...3#post12271013

RedmumbaSeattle · 07-10-2012, 03:26 PM

Thanks! I really don't want to have to dish out that much money to a dealership, though--especially considering you can get the entire battery purchased and installed for a fraction of the dealer's price from someplace else. I'm just confused as to what the limitations of coding are, and whether or not the ODB2 cables will be able to reset _and_ register the battery.

BTW, the existing battery failed two load tests, so the battery itself is almost dead. It's a 2007 with 49k miles on it, so the mileage makes sense.

VTECaddict · 07-10-2012, 04:33 PM

i believe group 48 will fit, but it is significantly smaller than the OEM battery. no reason to shortchange yourself. stick with group 49 or H8.

you need a special tool or special software. you can't do it with a run of the mill OBD scanner tool. generic auto shops will guaranteed not have the proper equipment to do so. BMW independent shops are more likely to. but like i said, check the regional forum for local coders. anyone with a coding cable and knows how to work NCSExpert and toolset32 can do it.

BabyrayS2k · 07-10-2012, 05:30 PM

Had one installed and registered today for $310 at an independent shop.

07-09-2012, 07:41 PM	#1
RedmumbaSeattle Private 4 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2014 X3 xDrive35i Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW X3 xDrive35i [0.00]	Battery and Coding There seems to be a ton of scattered information on this, but I have had a lot of trouble getting a clear answer. First off, the Seattle BMW dealership quoted the battery at $512 (!!!) including labor, which is a huge ripoff. I'd rather get a Kirkland battery from Costco and just install it myself. However, this is my first BMW (2007 BMW 328xi), and I understand that you have to inform the car that it's a new battery so as to adjust how the car charges it. My confusion is this--do I absolutely NEED something like the Bavarian Technic Tool, specifically, in order to be able to reset the battery? Or can I go with something like the one's mentioned here and just use that? I realize most of those are code _readers_, but nobody is very clear about what it takes to write/alter things in the car itself. If there's some magic DIY guide that I've managed to not find, then feel free to point me in the right direction and bop me on the head. If not, I think it'd be great for newbie BMW owners like myself! Thanks for all your help!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

07-09-2012, 08:30 PM	#2
bumere90 Grozniy 177 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: Carless Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: FL iTrader: (12)	ok here is the thing if you're replacing your battery with a OEM battery no programming is needed. However, you must register it. If you're replacing with another brand, you must program and register the battery. BavTool can only register, it can't program. Buy walmart battery and make sure you program and register. Otherwise, you will have problems in the future. Speaking from personal experience. __________________ -fatman
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-09-2012, 09:35 PM	#3
Luis0512 Private 4 Rep 60 Posts Drives: Black sapphire e90 pre-LCI Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Houston, Texas iTrader: (0)	what kind of problems could you experience?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 01:09 AM	#4
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 481 Rep 6,067 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	premature battery failure. random electrical malfunctions. random errors popping up on the dash. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 01:58 AM	#5
RedmumbaSeattle Private 4 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2014 X3 xDrive35i Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW X3 xDrive35i [0.00]	So, I'm aware that they'll have issues; what I really want to know is, can I reset the internal computer to recognize it as a new battery without buying (a) over half a grand of the dealership's labor, or (b) a $300 tool that I will use once. I'd love to get one of the Kirkland batteries due to the positive reviews I've read, but I don't want to risk damage to the car or the battery. Also, from what I've heard, places like Walmart, Sears, etc., lack the software to be able to reset the battery, since this is generally proprietary BMW nonsense. Perhaps someone can chime in on this.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 02:33 AM	#6
sourphish Lieutenant Colonel 115 Rep 1,544 Posts Drives: '22 i4 M50 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SF Bay Area, CA iTrader: (20) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 335i [7.26]	Hm I need to look into this as well as I need to replace my battery very soon. Bump! __________________ 2022 i4 M50, Dravit Grey. fully loaded minus the carbon fiber bits and 20" wheel package 2007 E92 335i, 6MT, Sparking Graphite, ZPP, ZSP, Nav, Logic7 (Sold)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 02:56 AM	#7
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 481 Rep 6,067 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	Go to the regional forum and see if there are any local coders in your area. They should be able to code it for cheap. Or ask around independent BMW shops in your area. Not sure if Costco carries the proper size for our cars. We need a BCI Group 49 or DIN H8 size. A lot of the auto parts store battery finders are wrong, or at least they were for my car. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 10:10 AM	#9
Kruz Major 22 Rep 1,083 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C 6MT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (4) Garage List My garage spot [0.00] 07/07 BMW 335xi [8.50] 2001 Honda CBR600F4i [0.00] 2007 Husqvarna SM610 [0.00] 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 [0.00] 2005 Harley Davidso ... [0.00] 2007.9 335xi [6.50]	sub __________________ 2021 BMW M2 Competition, BSM, Exec Pkg, 6MT GONE:07/07 E90 335xi SG Black Dakota\|Alum\|ZSP\|2AB\|ZPP\|ZCW\|Nav\|CA\|6FL\|PDC\| Blacklines\|3M Summers: 235/40/18 265/35/18 Hankook Ventus V12 on VMR 701s A/S: 225/40/18 255/35/18 Pirelli PZero Nero M+S on OEM 162s
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 02:24 PM	#11
Delusive Lieutenant Colonel 136 Rep 1,598 Posts Drives: Bagged E92 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (9)	First off changing the battery is an easy DIY, there is no need to let the dealership do it. They are overcharging you when you can buy the battery yourself for about $160-$300, 10-30 minutes of your time, and last but not least $20-50 at an independent BMW just to get it registered. By the way I made a thread about this last week here (pictures & videos included) http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...3#post12271013
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 03:26 PM	#12
RedmumbaSeattle Private 4 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2014 X3 xDrive35i Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW X3 xDrive35i [0.00]	Thanks! I really don't want to have to dish out that much money to a dealership, though--especially considering you can get the entire battery purchased and installed for a fraction of the dealer's price from someplace else. I'm just confused as to what the limitations of coding are, and whether or not the ODB2 cables will be able to reset _and_ register the battery. BTW, the existing battery failed two load tests, so the battery itself is almost dead. It's a 2007 with 49k miles on it, so the mileage makes sense.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 04:33 PM	#13
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 481 Rep 6,067 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	i believe group 48 will fit, but it is significantly smaller than the OEM battery. no reason to shortchange yourself. stick with group 49 or H8. you need a special tool or special software. you can't do it with a run of the mill OBD scanner tool. generic auto shops will guaranteed not have the proper equipment to do so. BMW independent shops are more likely to. but like i said, check the regional forum for local coders. anyone with a coding cable and knows how to work NCSExpert and toolset32 can do it. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-10-2012, 05:30 PM	#14
BabyrayS2k Private First Class 22 Rep 175 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Sedan Sport Package Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Birmingham, Alabama iTrader: (0)	Had one installed and registered today for $310 at an independent shop.
	Appreciate 0 Quote