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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
Correct battery for E46?
- Thread starter Vin
- Start date
Vin said:
HI.
I would suggest going to a bmw dealership and have them check it out, and maybe even do the battery replacement with them.
I have a 2003 325i, still had the original battery till about 3 months ago. Ended up buying a bmw battery for R100 more than what the Willards would have cost me.
Willards was with 1 year warantee, and the bmw one with 2 years.
On my car it was R1250 for the Willards, and R1350 for the bmw battery.
Now I have also been running a 1400monoblock amp with 1400w 12"sub for the last 5 years, directly from the battery, and it STILL lasted, so thats why I went for the bmw battery.
Your choice. :thumb:
Gerhardm32
///Member
Manuals that I used, give it as a 668 for the 2004 318i and newer. The 652 is for the 2000 to 2003 models.
But follow Coisman's advice and replace it with the dealership battery, they are much better quality.
But follow Coisman's advice and replace it with the dealership battery, they are much better quality.
Thanks a lot guys I will check with the stealers. I dont mind paying more for it if its going to last another 8 years. Called quite a few battery centres and most of them told me the BMW battery is just a rebranded Raylite. Not sure how true this is. The original battery is a lead acid one and looks seriously solid. Even has a charge indicator built into it. The battery has all the specs on it except for the size so I will check if the raylite is the same. I have never had a battery last 8 years. My record so far is 5 years with a willard in a opel monza. Which I killed myself by leaving my radio on then overcharging it.
Had a look at the specs on my original battery it is 70ah 570CCA. Chatted with a guy at battery centre and he says that is closer to a 652C raylite which has 70ah and 560CCA. The 668 has higher CCA and is 85 ah I think. BMW wants R2300 for the original battery. Equivalent raylite is around R1000 less than half. So if its made in the same factory and has same specs I wonder whats so special about the BMW battery.
Quick update. Spoke to Andrew at battery centre in Selby who advised that I get the original BMW battery. Seems to know his stuff. He said that the BMW battery is not just a rebranded Raylite and is imported from Germany by First National Battery. Its surprising how many battery places told me that the Raylite is the same as the OEM battery. There was one guy who even tried to convince me that a 628 was the correct battery for my car. :argh: I had a look at the BWM battery it looks exactly the same as the original one that was in the car. All specs match and even has the charge indicator light. It is lead acid battery compared to the silver calcium most of the other brands seem to be. I was quoted between R1000-1400 for a raylite most places. This BMW battery cost R1500. The amazing thing is my old battery was still showing 12.8 volts after sitting out of the car for around a week and passed two load tests. The charge indicator was showing black though. Just had it changed as I know it will only be a matter of time.
michael.joseph
Active member
Guys...
Sorry. I know this is an old thread. Friend of mine had his battery die on his e46 M3 this morn.
Any suggestions on where to go besides the dealership to get a 668. Hes on the east rand.
Bmw wants R2500.
Thanks in advance
Sorry. I know this is an old thread. Friend of mine had his battery die on his e46 M3 this morn.
Any suggestions on where to go besides the dealership to get a 668. Hes on the east rand.
Bmw wants R2500.
Thanks in advance
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