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 (CCA, CA, Ah, battery type).
- 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 (but not program). 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 (amp-hours). 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.
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. What may need programmed when the battery is replaced is the key fob. 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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What occurs if a BMW battery is not programmed?
The car will overcharge or undercharge you if you don’t register it with it. When you install a new battery, the automobile will overcharge it since older batteries receive more charge than fresh ones, which causes your battery to die sooner.
Can a BMW battery be replaced without reprogramming?
Let’s first focus on what BMW battery registration genuinely is before delving into the procedure. Battery registration, to put it simply, is the process of notifying your car that a brand-new battery has been installed. Importantly, it must be done every time you replace the battery in your BMW, model year 2002 or later.
The car adapts the amount of energy required to recharge to operate at peak levels as your battery ages and gradually loses its ability to charge. The battery needs more charging the older it is. By registering your battery, you can inform your engine control module (also referred to as DME — Digital Motor Electronics) that a new one has been installed. As a result, the vehicle will reset the old battery statistics and won’t attempt to overcharge the new battery under the assumption that the old one is still in place.
In addition to registering, you must also code your BMW computer. No matter how different or similar your new battery is from your previous one in terms of specifications, it will still be necessary each time you change it.
Do you need to reprogramme your BMW key fob after a battery change?
BMW Key Fob Battery Replacement Programming a New BMW Key from Scratch Programming a new BMW key is typically quick and painless. When the key fob first gets to your home near Decatur or Pekin, you’ll still need to program it.
BMW automobile batteries are produced by whom?
Starting in 2025, CATL will provide BMW with cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells for electrified vehicles.
The signing of a deal with BMW was confirmed by CATL (via Reuters), who did not provide any other information outside that. We anticipate that BMW will release further information at a later time.
“The largest battery manufacturer in China, CATL, announced on Friday that it will begin supplying BMW with cylindrical cells in 2025 to power its new line of electric vehicles.
The battery manufacturer and BMW have a contract in which the battery manufacturer is named as BMW’s supplier of cylindrical cells.”
Nevertheless, it’s quite unexpected given that CATL and the German manufacturer had previously relied heavily on prismatic cell format.
If the scale-wide transition from prismatic to cylindrical cell format is real, there must be a compelling cause for it.
We heard a report earlier this month that BMW would use cylindrical battery cells in its next-generation platform, known as “Neue Klasse,” as this type of battery has the potential to reduce the cost of battery systems by up to 30%. (compared to prismatic format). At the time, Bloomberg’s claim was based on unauthorized information provided by “people familiar with the plans.”
Suppliers of battery cells to the BMW Group include Samsung SDI, CATL, EVE Energy, and Northvolt. The rumor states that BMW wants to purchase cylindrical battery cells from current business partners.
According to BloombergNEF, battery cells typically account for four-fifths of the cost of a battery system in 2021, with automakers paying an average of $118 per kWh of battery on the pack level.
The price of battery materials has significantly increased, thus manufacturers are seeking for ways to reduce expenses. According to the Bloomberg study, switching to a cylindrical cell type would help reduce expenses. Tesla’s excellent operating margins may also be a sign of such, but only time will tell.
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.