Well, the shop must have done a great job. My OEM battery is still going strong and you know my E60 is not a daily driver.

 

My AGM battery with BMWCCA discounts was around $250, and swapped it out myself. Took it in for registration and paid for 1/2 labor. Much less than all the estimates I'm hearing on here.

Might be a good thing to invest in a 10mm wrench. It'll save you a few bucks.

 

You can register the battery yourself if you have a BT diagnostic cable. Just another reason to own one.

 

Very easy to do with the BT tool. In addition, you get a BT tool, a new battery, registered, and still cheaper than going to BMW. Now you have a tool that can bond you even closer with the car.

 

Walmart has direct replacement battery for under $80. It comes with 3-year replacement and 9 year prorated warranty.
With this kind of price and warranty, why would you worry about battery life at all? It doesn't make financial sense to pay $$ for registration here.

Having said that, its my opinion (after doing my research) that its ok not to register if the battery has the same spec as original one. I do believe you need to register if you change to AGM battery or change to smaller capacity one nevertheless.

 

Hi, regarding to the BT tool, I have the same question again. Which BT do you have, the cheap one or the professional version ?

 

Otto's BMW of West Chester, PA charged me $325 for parts and labor. I just replaced it last month, if you want to stick with factory it might be worth the drive from NJ.

2005 545i

 

Enthusiast kit - option 1

Includes the 6' USB-to-ODBII cable only. Choose this option if your car does not have the round diagnostic connector.
$287

http://www.bavariantechnic.com/buy.aspx

 

Thanks for the information. One more question, does this kit do the battery registration ? Based on the website description, this kit is only for diagnostic.

 

Yes it does, as I have performed that function with it. You can also reset other modules, like transmission adaption, iDrive and so on. It also allows you to reset all service reminders.