back in July 2009, I had AAA Roadside Assistance replace my battery - $140 for the battery, $4 labor, $10 old battery disposal fee, plus tax.. $167.32 total, done in 20 minutes.. never registered the battery and have been to the dealership for routine service several times since then...no problems with the battery whatsoever.

 

+1 Your math skills are excellent and you got the same answer that I did.

 

I'm in need of a battery too. So my indy shop quote of $295 for BMW battery sounds like a good deal basing it off your purchase of $225 for battery and $50 for registration.

 

I wish our shops offered that. The shops in our area only offer aftermarket batteries. None offer actual BMW OEM batteries.

I was told by our dealer that they do not provide AAA discounts. But they said they give 10% discount for BMW Club of America. Does anyone have a membership?

It would not be big savings on the battery for us, but we have to change the breaks in the next year or so and that's pricy. Just wanted to see if anyone had any experience with that club.

Thanks.

 

I would also doublecheck that they are offering an actual BMW OEM battery. The shops I called told me the replacement costs, but I had to specificaly ask which battery they were quoting. And in all cases it was aftermarket battery. Also, make sure you provide them with an actual number from your battery. Ours went up in price once I gave them the number from original battery from our car. Thanks.

 

Here's an excellent article that will tell you everything you want to know about battery registration.

Link

Registration is a legitimate requirement, but it's also the sort of thing that could be easily built into iDrive, but they don't. It's one more way for the dealer to make a buck, when BMW could easily turn it into a 15 second DIY procedure through iDrive.

By the way, the reason the retailers give you a higher price quote versus a standard battery is because the type of battery BMW uses is a specialized 'absorbed glass mat' battery (not a standard lead acid battery). The reason this type is required is because the battery is inside the car (trunk) rather than under the hood, and AGM batteries don't produce the fumes that lead acid batteries do and are therefore safe to use inside the car. You pay a higher price for it, though. Saving money with something like a Walmart battery is definitely not a good thing to do. If it turns out it isn't an AGM battery, there could definitely be possible safety issues.

 

AGM is one of several options for the BMW but lead acid is STILL used, just as they have been for years. The requirement for the lead acid is that it be VENTED to be placed in the trunk to reduce the buildup of explosive gasses (or under the rear seat as on my E34). For what it is worth, mine is lead acid (color of the casing indicates type).

I believe there is a lot of information posted on the merits of registration (and I personally believe there is even more mis-information).

 

This is not correct!An AGM battery can still emit hydrogen if overcharged as can a sealed lead acid battery.Both these types are fitted with a vent pipe from the battery casing,which takes any gas to the exterior of the boot (trunk).
This is a post placed elswhere:-

Regarding the two types of battery fitted to the E60 i.e. sealed lead-acid (white in colour)or AGM (black in colour),I recall reading somewhere that after March 2007 the AGM was standard fitment.The AGM does not have the "magic eye" charge indicator but both types of battery have the vent tube fitted.I also found the following article where the answer is from a BMW Senior Technician :-



" Does replacement of the battery in a 2005 BMW 530i have to be done at a dealer?

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Hi,

Technically no it does not, however it would be preferable and I will explain why. Firstly, on your BMW the energy management system needs to be told that a new battery has been fitted. This is done by registering the replacement through the BMW diagnostic computer. Without getting too in depth this is important as to the charging characteristics etc.

Secondly there are two types of battery fitted to BMW's. The earlier standard Lead Acid battery (white casing) and the later AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) in a black casing,

If you have the white casing type you could fit any battery of similar type without registering if you really wanted to avoid the dealer, although I would advise it best to get it registered for a prolonged battery life.

If you have the AGM type it is especially important that it is replaced like for like and the replacement is registered as explained above. If you fit an older type Lead Acid the battery will be overcooked and useless in no time at all.

I hope that helps,
Good luck, Pyth

Source(s):

I am a BMW Senior Technician "

 

I'm thinking of ordering this AGM Battery online for $184.95, shipping included.
So Simon AKA nomis_nehc, I'm going to need your "registration" service soon. PM me for price and your location/availability .

Cranking Amps 1035
Cold Cranking Amps 900
Ah Rate (20 Hr) 95
Group Size 49
DIN Size H8

Dimensions:
Length 13 16/15"
Width 6 15/16"
Height 7 1/2"

 

Hah, I don't usually follow this thread, but somehow I took a peek today.

Sending you a PM Rizbel.