Standard or AGM Battery
 

I have a 2008 528i that I purchased in July. Over the past couple of months I have notice that the battery is not holding a full charge. On a couple of occasions the starter motor has cranked a little slow, but the car has alway started. On one occasion the day after the hurricane, I got the "High Battery Drain" message on the iDrive. I figured its time to replace the battery before I get stuck.

From reading on the forum I had thought that all 2008 and newer came with a AGM battery. Upon inspecting the battery it was a standard BMW white cased battery, most likely the original. My car is any early 2008 and put in service in November of 2007. I had originally planned on getting a AGM battery (AutoZone Duralast Platinum H8-AGM) until I found out it was a standard battery that was currently installed in the car.

The issue is that I will be taking a trip from New Jersey to Maine over the Thanksgiving holiday and I most likely will not be able to get a new battery registered before I go on the trip. I know that when switching to an AGM battery, registering the new battery is important. I will be able to get the battery registered the following week though. The price difference between the H8-DLG and H8-AGM is only $25.00 so not an issue. I originally wanted an AGM battery for its supposed higher performance.

My options are to chance it on the original battery and then change it to an AGM and have it registered when I return from my trip. Or just get a standard battery now and have it registered when I return. I don't want to get the AGM battery and make the long trip and potentially damage it.

What do you guys think.
Thanks

I'd get the AGM and have it programmed & registered (two separate things) as soon as you can

If you switch from regular to AGM battery, you MUST have the car reprogrammed. The registering part is desirable, but not absolutely required. The reprogramming to go to AGM is required.

You could always buy the battery and just leave it in the trunk uninstalled. If you end up needing it, install it, otherwise leave it be until you get back.

Assuming you can install it yourself that is