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to code the battery, or not to code is the question

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Old 03-25-2012, 09:57 PM
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ok i saw a few topics on replacing the battery. some say code, some say it doesn't need it. so what's the facts on this topic? I read this https://5series.net/forums/topic/117...1#entry1387364 but read here there that some people never had problems not registering it.

might replace it with the duralast platinum http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-jp6mtZ8gcxb.

what to do?
Old 03-25-2012, 10:55 PM
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Originally Posted by SD5Series
ok i saw a few topics on replacing the battery. some say code, some say it doesn't need it. so what's the facts on this topic? I read this https://5series.net/forums/topic/117...1#entry1387364 but read here there that some people never had problems not registering it.

might replace it with the duralast platinum http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-jp6mtZ8gcxb.

what to do?
Don't bother with programming. I replaced my original battery with one from Autozone and haven't had any hint of a problem with it in all kinds of driving and storage conditions. And since they have a really good warranty, if it does have a shortened life, it will cost a whole lot less to replace it than programming will.
Old 03-26-2012, 12:41 AM
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Originally Posted by gwf545
Don't bother with programming. I replaced my original battery with one from Autozone and haven't had any hint of a problem with it in all kinds of driving and storage conditions. And since they have a really good warranty, if it does have a shortened life, it will cost a whole lot less to replace it than programming will.

+ 1

4 months ago I repaced my battery myself with one from Halfords for less than half the price of BMW - they gave me a 5 yr warranty too. No Programming needed.

Search youtube for e60 battery replacement
Old 03-26-2012, 04:24 AM
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Originally Posted by SD5Series
ok i saw a few topics on replacing the battery. some say code, some say it doesn't need it. so what's the facts on this topic? I read this http://forums.5serie..._1#entry1387364 but read here there that some people never had problems not registering it.
might replace it with the duralast platinum http://www.autozone..../N-jp6mtZ8gcxb.
what to do?
The Duralast Platinum is an AGM battery ... these have with VERY different charge/discharge characteristics than the conventional battery you replaced. In fact, I'm told that earlier e60 models (~ pre-2006 I think) cannot register / accommodate an AGM replacement battery. I personally don't know if "coding" can fix that situation .

Let us know how your car / battery behaves ... I hope it works out for you.
Old 03-26-2012, 08:05 AM
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Originally Posted by SD5Series
ok i saw a few topics on replacing the battery. some say code, some say it doesn't need it. so what's the facts on this topic? I read this http://forums.5serie..._1#entry1387364 but read here there that some people never had problems not registering it.

might replace it with the duralast platinum http://www.autozone..../N-jp6mtZ8gcxb.

what to do?
So why would posts in this new battery thread be more "factual" than all the other battery posts? .
Old 03-26-2012, 09:47 AM
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I just changed my battery for an autozone battery, the one in this thread : https://5series.net/forums/topic/117...1#entry1387364

It fits perfectly !! I just bought this cable : http://www.euautohaus.com/product.php?id_product=22 ( Thanks AchtungE60 for the link ), with this cable I'll be able to register my battery, calibrate my active steering wheel, do the idrive updates and code some things on my car, for exemple: close the windows with the remote, stop the little alarm when you have a door open,etc !

So it worth the price !
Old 03-26-2012, 11:48 AM
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Part of the registration process is telling the system the date of battery install (assuming new). That way the system will know whether to charge it as a new battery instead of an older one. I changed my battery myself but had it registered at an independent shop for $50.

There has been reports of people having their non-registered battery die prematurely and just get them replaced at a prorated price each time that happens. While you have the option to do that, I prefer to make sure my battery last more than 5 years and not have the hassle of potential electrical problems or the car not being able to start every 2 years...possibly.
Old 03-26-2012, 01:43 PM
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Originally Posted by balbs
Part of the registration process is telling the system the date of battery install (assuming new). That way the system will know whether to charge it as a new battery instead of an older one. I changed my battery myself but had it registered at an independent shop for $50.

There has been reports of people having their non-registered battery die prematurely and just get them replaced at a prorated price each time that happens. While you have the option to do that, I prefer to make sure my battery last more than 5 years and not have the hassle of potential electrical problems or the car not being able to start every 2 years...possibly.
Can someone explain what specifically the charging system does differently for a new versus older battery? I've never heard of this outside of BMW.
Old 03-26-2012, 03:18 PM
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I'm no expert but I'm taking a shot in the dark and hopefully someone can correct me. All rechargable batteries age and over time lose storage capacity (NOTE: capacity is different from voltage). The charging system takes a count of that. An older battery needs a longer time to charge so there is a risk of improperly charging a new unregistered battery which could cause it to fail prematurely.
Also, I read someplace that the charging system actually at times will not charge the battery due to the fact that batteries will last longer if they are properly cycled and allowed to discharge to a certain level and then charge it back up to full. Think laptop batteries. I know it's not a laptop but there are so many computers in our cars so I could see that.

On a side note. When I replaced my OEM battery, it was still going strong at over 5 years. I was getting restraint errors thinking (reading) it was possibly an old battery, but the actual problem was the restraint system itself, never the battery. I was actually impressed that the battery lasted that long. All the batteries from other cars I owned never lasted more than 3 years and replaced at Autozone (or Kragen, or Pep Boys, etc.) each time.
Old 03-26-2012, 03:45 PM
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i'm going to go buy the Duralast Gold/Battery Part Number: 95R-DLG and go install it tonight. if it does need to be registered. Rizbel lives 5 mins away and could code it for me. Thank god for 5 series members living close to you!


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