Modern, late-model BMW batteries must be “registered” or matched to the onboard ECU for optimum operation and battery longevity, which is a frequently overlooked and underappreciated requirement. You might be asking why this is essential, and some online armchair experts could even argue that it isn’t really necessary and is just a way for the service provider to make more money by replacing the batteries. Some people turn to buying a new battery from an auto parts store, installing it themselves, and quickly learning that their battery needs to be replaced, again, in order to avoid the additional cost of registering their BMW battery.
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What distinguishes BMW Battery Coding from Registration?
The distinction between BMW battery registration and coding is a question that many of our members have. The registration process erases the old battery’s history of charging and notifies your BMW that a new battery has been installed with the same specifications as the old battery. The battery can be correctly charged using the Engine Control Unit (DME).
- Registration of Batteries
- A BMW made in 2002 or later requires registration each time the battery is changed. It notifies the car that the fitted battery is a new one.
- If the new battery’s specifications match or are very similar to those of the old battery, no coding will be necessary.
- Coded batteries
- If you alter the battery type or capacity in addition to the registration process, coding will also need to be done. If the replacement battery differs in specs from the one that was previously installed in the automobile, coding is necessary.
- You must code (program) the DME, for instance, if you install a battery with a greater or lower cranking Ampere rating or move between a Lead Acid and an AGM battery. If not, the DME could overcharge or undercharge the replacement battery, reducing its lifespan.
I took my car in for maintenance, and they told me that the battery was “poor” and that I should think about replacing it. Of course, they were more expensive than a nearby BMW-focused repair business.
If I visit the mechanic, they promised to install and register it. A “Millenium” battery, though I couldn’t find any information on this.
If I visit a dealership, the OEM will do the installation, programming, and registration.
What difference does it make if I get an OEM battery or not? Do I actually need the battery to be programmed? [AKA Should I pay extra and let the dealership handle it, or can I proceed with the mechanic with confidence?
Never knew the batteries required programming. It must be registered in order for the car to recognize it as new and correctly charge it.
Since these cars can be fickle with some aftermarket items, this is just my personal preference. To save some money, I would purchase a BMW battery and have an Indianapolis shop install and register it.
E-Sys does not allow battery registration, however Carly and a Foxwell NT510 do.
If your mechanic can register it, that’s great, just make sure he understands what it entails. It does not entail mailing a card with your name and the battery serial number to the battery manufacturer. BMW doesn’t create batteries, therefore there’s no incentive to buy one. But make sure it’s an AGM from a reputable brand in the appropriate size.
You must register the battery whenever you replace it. This is possible in many independent stores.
You must code the automobile to match the characteristics of the new battery if you replace the old one. The typical independent shop might not be able to help, but shops that specialize in BMW can.
Battery type is determined by both chemistry (AGM vs. conventional lead-acid) and capacity for coding purposes. This data is used by the car to create a suitable charging profile. No matter whose name is on the battery’s label, if you already have, let’s say, a 90Ah AGM battery, you can swap it out for any other new 90Ah AGM battery without coding.
What occurs if a BMW battery is not programmed?
Registration is necessary so that your vehicle is aware of the modified requirements and is able to adapt to the new battery settings. Otherwise, improperly coding your BMW battery could lead to a variety of electrical issues, including a reduction in battery life, the risk of overcharging or undercharging your battery, or, in the worst case scenario, serious harm to your car’s alternator and electrical system, which could cause your battery to fail before its time.
What kinds of electrical issues could there be? As a result of your automobile assuming that the battery life is low and attempting to conserve it, several modules of your BMW may turn off. So, at that time, it’s possible for your windows and mirrors to not close or open, your radio to not function, your interior lighting to not function, or other modules that are not required for starting or operating a car to fail.
Do automobile batteries require programming?
I’m here. Battery programming has nothing to do with changing the battery. When jumped, a car that had completely lost electricity from its battery due to the dome light being on will function normally. The key fob can require programming when the battery is changed. As the vehicle computer is reset, the key fob’s programming to the computer will be lost. The computer won’t lose its memory, though, if a 9-volt battery saver is inserted into a cigarette lighter and the car battery is removed. Seek out a specialist, like one from Your Mechanic, if you require more help with your battery.
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Do you need to reprogramme your BMW key fob after a battery change?
A remote key fob needs to be associated with your vehicle particularly in order to be secure.
This stops people who drive the same make and model of automobile as you from using their remote to access your car. You’ll need to reconfigure the fob if changing the batteries has reset this connection or if it was somehow disrupted in order to get it to detect your car once more.
Can any battery be used in my BMW?
Finding a great BMW battery is one of the most crucial factors to take into account if you want the best for your luxury vehicle. For the best performance on the road, you must purchase a BMW car battery that satisfies the strict criteria of the vehicle.
The 5, 6, and 7 Series BMW vehicles typically have very high features. These automobiles need a lot more energy than your typical car does, thus we strongly advise obtaining them strong batteries.
You must be aware of your vehicle’s needs before purchasing a BMW battery. An Absorbent Glass Matt (AGM) battery is strongly advised for modern BMW vehicles with start-stop technology since it can handle the increased energy demand. However, you can also utilize an Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) if you want to buy something for less money.
Just keep in mind that you should only replace the original AGM battery in your BMW vehicle with another AGM. Because these vehicles weren’t intended to be utilized with EFBs, downgrading will cause battery and engine problems with your BMW. On the other hand, if your BMW came with an EFB at the factory, switching to an AGM battery won’t cause any issues.
EFBs outlive ordinary batteries in terms of longevity. They were created specifically for entry-level start-stop vehicles, so they can easily handle the rigorous needs of the majority of modern automobiles.
However, you should always choose an AGM battery if you want to spend more money on a more potent BMW battery. Although these batteries are made for start-stop vehicles, they are also compatible with other energy-consuming vehicles.
In comparison to conventional batteries, they offer a three times longer cycle life and may be utilized in all kinds of weather. Additionally, an AGM battery is necessary if you frequently use the car’s accessories.
BMWs with typical power requirements can be powered by standard automobile batteries. Therefore, if your car doesn’t have high-end gadgets or a start-stop system, you don’t require a special BMW car battery.
How can I connect the OBD to my BMW battery?
A BMW OBD2 scanner must be used for battery registration (also known as a BMW diagnostic scanner or code reader). The OBD2 port underneath your vehicle’s dashboard is where the BMW scanning equipment is simply inserted in to establish an electronic connection with the engine control module (DME). The next step is to navigate to the appropriate screen and press a button to notify the DME that a new battery has been fitted. For complete information on how to perform a BMW battery registration, please see our step-by-step instructions below.
We strongly advise buying a BMW scanner tool if you’re a home mechanic or enthusiast and don’t already have one. A BMW obd2 scanner is as necessary to your toolbox as a set of socket wrenches and will pay for itself after your first repair. The same one we used for this post is available for purchase in the components list below or by clicking here.
If you own a BMW and need to replace a dead battery without a diagnostic scanner, we advise visiting your neighborhood independent repair shop and asking them to handle it. They will probably conduct it for a minimal price and it takes less than a minute.
Includes thorough part diagrams, part numbers, and links to buy all necessary parts to do this repair.
With the help of a professional diagnostic scanner, you can read DTCs, find defective O2 sensors, verify the readiness of your emissions system, switch off the CEL or MIL, reset the monitor, read real-time data, get your car’s VIN, and do a lot more. This is the only BMW diagnostic scanner you will ever need, regardless of whether you are a do-it-yourself mechanic at home or work in a professional repair facility.
The process of registering your battery with a BMW obd2 scanner is quick and easy. Please be aware that the engine must be stopped and the ignition turned to position 15 (the AC must be blowing) in order for the battery to be successfully registered, regardless of the brand of diagnostic scanner or software you are using.
- Find the OBD2 port on your car. The port is often found either under the dashboard or inside the driver-side footwell in BMW vehicles.
- Turn the ignition to position 15 and insert the scanner into the port (dashboard lights on and AC blowing). DO NOT TURN ENGINE OFF!
- Launch the BMW scanner tool and locate the car.
- Locate the screen for battery management. Depending on the brand and model of your scanner, it is typically found under Special Functions.
- Select Register Battery Change, then adhere to the directions.
- At the conclusion of the registration, you will be informed that it was successful.
- If the battery registration error message appears on the screen, make sure the ignition is in the position 15 position and the engine is off (dashboard lights on and AC is blowing). The main cause of registration failure is this. If the engine is running or the ignition is not in position 15, the battery won’t register.
Should I reprogramme my car after changing the battery?
No, usually you don’t need to reprogramme your car following a battery change. But if your vehicle has an onboard computer, you might need to reset it.
In addition, This implies that you are not need to purchase a BMW battery if your car’s battery has to be replaced and any replacement battery that fits your car will work. The car’s computer will automatically alter the charging procedure if you purchase a BMW battery, though, to ensure the battery lasts as long as possible.