Drove home from work yesterday and parked in the driveway. Later went to pull in to the garage and for the first time ever my car wouldn't start. The steering wheel would raise and lower, and iDrive did come on, but engine wouldn't start. When I pushed the Start/Stop button it would drain the system for a second but I got nothing.

I was able to jump it and drive again, then parked in the garage. This morning it fired right up and I was able to drive to work.

Turns out my battery is the original, manufactured 05 06 (as stamped on the negative terminal). Fifth week of 06 is right around in mid February when my car was manufactured.

So this morning, I removed the battery and walked it down to Interstate Batteries right down the court from where I work (and next door to my independent mechanic lucky enough).
The replacement for my 2006 E60 525i is a Interstate Batteries Model # MTP-95R/H9 retails on their website for $209. This is the exact replacement for our cars*. In fact they sold the last one in-stock this morning to another independent German/BMW mechanic.

I was able to get dibs on one from tomorrow morning's shipment, and while I was there, the manager told me our local BMW dealership just called-in an order for 15ea same model# MTP-95R/H9 as well. But for some reason the dealership gets them for $211 . WTF?

After turning in my old battery as a core I will get the new one at our price for $150. I don't understand why the dealership has to pay so much for the EXACT same battery I'm getting on my service account (through my employer, which I understand is at a discount from MSRP), and at the same time higher than MSRP?

Tomorrow I will install the new battery and ride down the street to have it registered by my independent mechanic ($40). All-in-all a total of $190. I haven't called my dealer to see what they charge to replace and register a battery on E60, but I will tomorrow just for curiosity.

*This should be pretty much the exact same battery in terms of dimensions, vent tube location, CCA, has eye on top, positive on right, etc...

 

I have a 08 535 and was quoted by a BMW SA 645.00!!! I noticed that he ad a lot of white powder substance or residue around hi nose so I know he had been doing crack! I got mine through autozone last year and haven't looked back once.

 

And I haven't registered my Interstate battery on my 08 535i, no issues yet....

 

WOW! Did you have your battery registered?

Good to know thanks

 

I did it myself, but actually it was so fast that I am not really sure I did anything. I believe it was in INPA, but whether I did or not, all has been just fine. It has a seven year warranty so if it craps out i'll just take it back. I am sure I will not have this car in six years...