Top 5 Best Car Batteries for BMW

In this guide, you will find a list of Top-5 aftermarket batteries for BMW vehicles. 

While OEM batteries sold at BMW dealerships are a perfect fit, they are also quite overpriced. BMW replacement at the dealer cost anywhere from $400-$600.

You may be surprised, but there are several aftermarket replacement batteries for BMW that work, and the stock BMW battery as long as they are coded are registered correctly.

NORTHSTAR Pure Lead Automotive Group 94R (L4) Battery

NORTHSTAR Group 94R (L4) Battery is one of the highest-rated batteries that fit BMW vehicles. AGM technology battery, which is what most newer BMW use. 2002 and newer BMW with lead-acid battery can use this battery but will need to perform coding to change battery type.

If you have a 2002 or older BMW, you can install the Northstar and don't have to worry about coding or registration.

• Pulse Cranking Amps: 1,650 A
• CA/MCA at 32°F: 1,030 A
• CCA: 840A @ 0°F
• Reserve Capacity: 158 min
• Capacity: 76Ah @ 20 Hour Rate

Excide Edge 94R AGM Sealed Automotive Battery

Excide Edge 94R Battery has been around for years. If you are looking for a BMW battery made by a reputable company Exide is an option.

Exide is known for putting its batteries through extensive testing. Overall this battery has great specs, in many cases matching the OEM BMW battery closely.

• Cranking Amps (CA): 960A
• Cold CA: 800A
• Capacity: 80 Ah
• Reserve Capacity (RC): 140
• Battery Type: AGM
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 12.38"
  • Height: 7.5"
  • Width: 6.88
• Applications: 1-series, 3-series, 5-series, 7-series, X1 X3 X5

ACDelco 94R AGM Battery

 ACDelco 94R AGM Battery is another popular choice for those who love to shop on Amazon. 

• Cold Cranking Amps: 800 CCA
• Capacity: 80Ah
• Reserve Capacity (RC): 140 RC
• Battery Type: AGM
• Applications: E53 E60 E61 E63 E64 E65 E66 E70 E71 E82 E83 E84 E85 E86 E88 E89 E90 E91 E92 F01 F02 F06 F10 F13 F15 F20 F22 F25 F26 F60 F31 F85
• Part number: 88864542

XS Power D4900 AGM Battery

XS Power D4900 Group 49 Battery is a less known brand, but considering the specs and the above-average online reviews, we thought it is definitely worth considering.

• Cold CA: 1075A
• Capacity: 80 Ah
• Reserve Capacity (RC): 168 min
• Battery Type: AGM
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 13.9"
  • Height: 7.6"
  • Width: 6.88
• Applications: 1-series, 3-series, 5-series, 7-series, X1 X3 X5

AutoCraft Gold 94R Battery - Advance Auto Parts

Autocraft Gold 94R Battery is sold at your local Advance Auto Parts. Buy the battery online and pick it up at your local store in 15 minutes. 

The advantage of completing the purchase online is that Advance usually offers 25% off online purchases, including batteries. Advance Auto Parts associates can install the battery for you. You will need to register the battery on a 2002 and newer BMW. 

• Cranking Amps: 950A
• Cold CA: 800 A
• Capacity: 80 Ah
• Reserve Capacity (RC): 130 min
• Battery Type: Lead Acid
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 12 7/16 in
  • Height: 7 1/2 in
  • Width: 6 15/16 in
• Applications: 1-series, 3-series, 5-series, 7-series, X1 X3 X5

Autocraft Platinum Group Size H8

 AutoCraft Platinum H8 AGM Battery

• Cranking Amps: 1000 A
• Cold CA: 900 A
• Capacity: ?? Ah
• Reserve Capacity (RC): 160 min
• Battery Type: AGM
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 13.94 in
  • Height: 7.5 in
  • Width: 6.94 in
• Applications: 328i, 323i, 335i, 325i, 550i. 535i, 540i

OEM BMW Battery Specifications

OEM BMW batteries are the perfect choice if you are looking to replace the battery on your BMW. The only problem is that they often are overpriced. Luckily you can now buy cheap OEM BMW batteries online.

By part number:

• PN: 61 21 6 919 342 OR 61 21 6 924 022 OR 118668
  • CA: 700 A
  • CCA 900 A
  • Reserve Capacity: 160
  • Capacity: 90Ah
  • Type: AGM
• PN: 61 21 8 381 765 / 61 21 8 381 764
  • CA 720A
  • CCA 720
  • Capacity 90 Ah
• PN: 61 21 8 381 749 729905 - 10
  • CA 640 A
  • CCA 640 A
  • RC 140
  • Capacity 80 Ah
• PN 61 21 7 566 302 / 61 21 8 381 726
  • CA 570 A
  • CCA 570
  • RC 120
  • Capacity 70 Ah
• PN: 61 21 8 381 720
  • CA: 540 A
  • CCA 600 CA
  • RC: 110
  • Capacity: 65Ah
• PN: 61 21 6 946 33
  • CA 720 A
  • CCA 720 A
  • RC: 160
  • Capacity: 90Ah
• PN: 61 21 7 583 642
  • CA: 720 A
  • CCA: 720A
  • RC: 160
  • Capacity: 90 Ah
• PN: 61 21 7 607 983 / 61 21 7 615 853
  • CA: 900A
  • CCA: 900A
  • RC:160
  • Capacity: 90Ah
• PN: 61 21 8 381 749
  • CA: 640 A
  • CCA: 640 A
  • RC: 140
  • Capacity: 80Ah
• PN: 61 21 7 586 932 / 61 21 7 586 975
  • CA: 720 A
  • CCA: 720 A
  • RC: 160
  • Capacity: 90 Ah
  • Type: Lead Acid

BMW Battery Size

The most common battery on BMW vehicles, including 3, 5, 7 series, X3, and X5 are BCI Group 94 49 H8 batteries.

These batteries have nearly the same dimensions and are interchangeable.

BMW battery specs vary between models. If you know the part number, you can find the specs below.

• Capacity: 65-110 Ahr
• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 540-900 A
• Cranking Amps (CA): 600-900 A
• Reverse Capacity: 120-160

Choosing the Best BMW battery

To choose the best battery for BMW, you need to know a few key facts. BMWs 2002 and newer require that the new battery be registered so that your car knows how to charge it.

If you choose a battery with the same specs as the original battery, you can get away with only the battery registration.

If you choose a battery with the same physical size (group size) but have different specs, you will need to perform coding and battery registration.

If the old battery is still on your car, the battery specs will be printed on top of the battery. If you have an OEM BMW battery with a black casing, it is an AGM battery.

If you have a battery with a white casing, you have a lead-acid battery. The ampere-hour is printed as a number and Ah behind, like this 90Ah.

Replacing BMW Battery

The first step is to install the new BMW battery, which is an effortless and straightforward procedure.

If you need help with replacing the battery, read our article on How to replace a BMW battery.

Then, you will need to register it and maybe code it too. If you changed from AGM battery type to lead-acid battery or the capacity from 90 Ahr to 110 Ahr, you would need to perform the coding.

This tells your BMW how to charge the new battery. If you skip this step, your BMW will overcharge the new battery shortening its life.

Have the dealer or an indy BMW shop program the battery. Most BMW shops will charge 0.5-1 hour labor to register the new battery. If you are looking to do it yourself and save money, invest in a good BMW scanner and check out the article on BMW Battery Registration Coding DIY Procedure.