Do you not adore your BMW? And you intend to continue using it for as long as possible, right? Change your oil, replace your air filters, and do other routine maintenance on your BMW as needed to ensure its longevity. Maintaining the battery in your BMW, however, is the one item that contributes the most to flawless operation of your vehicle.
However, a lot of individuals ponder whether BMW battery replacement and registration are straightforward do-it-yourself tasks or require the services of a qualified specialist. We affirm that you can manage the replacement on your own. However, if you lack computer literacy, let us handle the registration process on your behalf.
Here, we’ll go over how to install a battery in a car, examine BMW battery registration in further detail, and provide additional information on the BMW battery reset process.
In This Article...
Which BMW models require the registration of new batteries?
Battery registration is necessary since all of the more recent BMW models include Intelligent Battery Sensors, or IBS, as they are known by BMW. Are you unsure if your BMW has IBS? This useful guide to model years and particular models will help you determine whether your BMW has to have its new battery programmed each time it is replaced.
- Seven-Series E65/E66 chassis from 2002 and after
- 6-Series E63/E64 chassis from 2003 and after
- 5-Series E60/E61 chassis from 2004 and after
- X5 E53 chassis with N62 engine, 2005 and newer.
- 3-Series E90/E91/E92/E93 chassis from 2006 and after
- X5 E70 chassis from 2007 and after
- X6 E71 chassis for years 2008 and beyond
If I don’t register a BMW battery, what will happen?
Not to worry! The automobile won’t catch fire if you don’t register a BMW battery. Even if you don’t register the battery, the car will still start and move.
The battery will most likely not last as long if you don’t register the BMW battery. As a result of overcharging or undercharging, the battery might only last two or three years rather than five.
We have relatively few instances where a battery not being registered results in electrical problems, but those instances typically occur because the replacement battery’s specifications (CCA, CA, and Ah) are significantly inferior to those of the OEM battery.
We do not advise skipping the battery registration process on a BMW simply because a YouTube user replaced the battery without first programming it.
BMW Battery and Registration Information
The physical size, capacity rating, and battery type are crucial considerations when choosing a new battery. First and foremost, it’s crucial to swap out your BMW battery with one that has almost identical physical dimensions. This is significant since the original BMW battery hold-down device can only be used with certain types of batteries. The goal is to avoid unintentional movement, jarring, and vibrations that could cause internal battery damage (shorted cell), thus reducing battery life. A loose 30 lb. battery flying around the back of your BMW in an accident can be highly problematic from a safety standpoint. So please keep in mind that for the safety and lifespan of your BMW, the battery must be securely fastened.
Here are some details about BMW’s battery registration procedure. Battery registration for BMWs didn’t start until 2002, the year the 745i was sold in US markets. Although it may seem like simply a little more paperwork, it is actually an electrical process conducted by equipment designed specifically for BMW (GT1 or ISID) attached to your automobile. The intention is to alert the intelligent battery sensor and power management system that a battery replacement has taken place. Additionally, the temperature, voltage, history, and battery charge status are removed. The power management system does not operate correctly and may experience function limits without proper battery registration. restrictions such as power cuts or circuit deactivation for certain consumer circuits like the seat heaters, air conditioner blower, and entertainment systems. Therefore, in order to ensure that the hard-earned money you spent on the battery doesn’t go to waste, please get it registered before having it replaced in your BMW. This is the correct and thorough BMW battery replacement procedure.
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. Please check our step-by-step guidelines below for more information on how to register a BMW battery.
We strongly advise buying a BMW scanner tool if you’re a home mechanic or enthusiast and don’t already have one. As essential to your toolkit as a set of socket wrenches, a BMW obd2 scanner will pay for itself after only one 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.
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.
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.
The informative nature of the aforementioned claims warrants independent verification. kindly visit our
What sort of battery is used by a BMW?
If you desire an aftermarket battery, you may need to cross the component number from a BMW dealership while looking up a battery for your BMW. Many OEM batteries are not marked with the group size.
The battery used by the BMW is lead-acid. You can pick between two types: gel or absorbent glass mats (AGM). The OEM AGM battery is what the maker advises you to use in place of the stock battery.
The majority of BMW vehicles employ either performance or advanced batteries. Advanced batteries are used in cars with lots of electronics, whilst performance batteries are used in aftermarket modified cars.