2002

Trying to find out if I need to replace my battery. I have a 2004 545i. The window on the bmw battery is black, indicating insufficient charge. There are no weird things happening to the electronics yet, but do you guys think that the battery needs to be replaced considering its 6 years old already? Or just wait 'til something more noticable happens with the electronics. Kinda new here and just want some opinions. Thanks.

JerseyGeorge

I think you should replace it but here lies the problem/controversy! I wouldn't have a BMW dealer do it for their ridiculous asking price of $400+. I would install it myself or some other installer like Batteries Plus.

5FOUR5

6 years on that battery is very fortunate. Check here http://www.batteriesplus.com/product...-SLI95RH9.aspx for an appropriate replacement for around $200, then you may opt to find an indie with a gt1 or equivalent unit to register the rr. Registration is not "required" as no cel will become present, but it does "prolong" the service life of the new battery, as you have enjoyed for the past 6 years = amazing.

2002

Thanks a lot for the info. How much is the rate to register the battery?

RootKit

6 years? That's unbelieveably pretty good, my battery lasted 4-5 years before it slowly died on me (and that is with a lot of freeway driving). DO REGISTER the battery! I replaced the OEM battery without registering and the battery lasted about 1 year! It died very suddenly. "Registering the battery" is not BS afterall.

My local dealer wanted 135...so I guess maybe around $100 shop around and even cheaper if going the indy route. About 280 for OEM battery + 100, looking at the ballpark of around $400. I think if you have the stealership do everything it is more in line of $500.

Nowadays, replacing a battery got to be so complicated?

E92-Lighting

you will need to register your new battery from the stealership

5FOUR5

1 hour labor charge.

JerseyGeorge

A waste of time IMO!! There's no microprocessor or two way communication device in the battery that talks to the BMW! :thumbsdown: Spend $125 for a battery and even if it lasts three years and you need to do it again your still at $250 instead of the $400+ at the dealer or Indy!!!!!

stock545i

My dealer charged 1/2 hr labor after I looked at the SA like he was NUTS! Don't be afraid to tell them it takes only a few min so worse case 1/2 hr.

safetywork

Maybe a dumb questions but what does registering the battery mean? What does it really do?