rice_rocket88

I guess it seems normal to me to have crappy battery life.. it could be the cold weather here in Boston. But.. out of 3 bmw's even the latest being a 2012 X3 they seem to max out around 3ish. The factory battery is definitely an Exide rebranded one. The X3 is just starting it's cold slow crank.. and we're just getting into the 4th year now.

seanjordan20

Since you are in a state with extreme cold weather I would go with the interstate cold weather battery. You should get at least 5 years out of it. They give you a 6 year performance warranty.

Mega-Tron Plus 95R/H9

FormerE30Owner

Note that this battery gives a free replacement at 30 months, not 60 months. It has been my experience that 36 mos is about the limit for batteries in our (Montreal) winter conditions. The same battery from WallMart gives about the same performance (3 yrs) at a much lower price, though.

AGMs in the same conditions don't last much longer.

Its funny that many folks don't hesitate to change water pumps and other items much ahead of time (and sometimes for nothing) at costs much higher than a battery, but hesitate to consider the battery as a maintenance item that needs to be changed on a 3 year or so basis.

Salut, Bob P.

seanjordan20

You are right it does have a 30 month free replacement warranty. But it also has a 6 year performance warranty which means they will sell you another within the 6 years at a prorated rate. I have used these batteries for a long time and not once was I not satisfied with how long they lasted. They definitely get more than 3 years use before capping out. If I have to change a battery every three years then it was a waist of money. Any battery that last me 5 years is a good buy. My last battery in my BMW lasted a little over 6 years. You have to ask yourself would you want to buy a replacement battery every three years like you say you do or buy a prorated one sometime after three years or maybe last you 6?

Yes a battery is a maintenance item and should be replaced accordingly but why would I change an item that will not harm my car if it goes bad. Me personally I like to get every cent out of my batteries. I am a real stickler when it comes to maintenance on all 3 of my cars because I do not want to end up on the side of the road. A battery does not leave you stranded unless you ignore the signs telling you it is time to be replaced.

Just my two cents. I could be wrong

zoppp

Today was a little warmer and the car started up a little faster but still slower than my e46. Guessing this is probably normal. Hope it doesn't get worse. Might just be the cold weather we are getting in Georgia now.