5 Methods to Complete BMW Battery Registration
This guide will provide step-by-step instructions and video tutorials on BMW battery registration. Registering a BMW battery is important because it ensures that the vehicle’s onboard computer, known as the DME (Digital Motor Electronics), recognizes the new battery and adjusts the charging system accordingly. It must be completed after you replace a BMW battery. Battery registration helps prolong the new battery’s life and ensures it functions properly within the vehicle’s electrical system. Additionally, if the battery is not registered, it may cause issues such as false warning messages on iDrive or even prevent the vehicle from starting in rare cases. It is highly recommended that you register your BMW battery as soon as it is installed, and in this article, you will learn how to register a BMW battery yourself.
We strongly recommend that the replacement battery matches the specifications of the battery already installed on the vehicle. Try to match the Ah, CCA, and CA ratings. You will need a BMW Scanner to register a BMW and follow the procedure below to program the new battery. All the 2002 and newer BMW models are equipped with what is called Intelligent Battery Sensors, or IBS, and require battery registration. Generic OBD-II scanners can not register or program a new BMW battery. This is one of the main reasons why stores such as AutoZone will not replace the battery on a BMW. Replacing the battery on a BMW is very easy. For more help, watch the video below on how to replace a BMW battery yourself.
Method 1: Register a BMW Battery with YOUCANIC Scanner – EASY
The following procedure will allow you to program and reset the BMW computer after changing the battery. These instructions will help you register a BMW battery on 2002 or newer models, including 1, 3, 5, 6, X1, X3, X5 series, etc.
A battery with identical specs to the old one needs to be registered. If the battery installed is different than the old battery being replaced, you will need to complete coding.
Replace the battery in your BMW. If you need help with this step, see our guide on how to replace a BMW battery. Find a new battery that matches the old battery. The ratings (CCA, CA, Ah) should be identical or as close as possible to the original.
- Locate the onboard diagnostic port under the dashboard near your brake pedal. The OBD-2 port on BMW cars has a small door you will need to open. You may also find a cover on the port that you need to pull out. Plug your BMW scan tool of choice into this port. Remember, generic OBD2 scanners cannot perform the necessary BMW battery registration.
- Turn Ignition On. Turn the key to option II. If you have a Push Start button, press it twice. Don’t press the brake pedal when pressing the start button. All the dashboard lights should turn on. The engine shouldn’t be running. You can’t perform the BMW battery registration procedure if the engine is running.
- Next, select your BMW model, then select the Control Unit.
- Select the Power Supply module.
- Select Register a new BMW battery.
- Press OK, and the new battery is registered. The following section shows you how to use specific scanners to register the battery.
You will need a Multi-System Scanner that can register the battery, such as the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner that can register the battery and read every fault code on your BMW vehicle. These steps will enable users to register a new battery with the same desired specs successfully. These steps will not code a new battery with different specs.
Method 2: Register a New Battery for BMW using Rheingold (ISTA-D)
Let’s walk through registering and coding a new battery for your BMW using the Rheingold (ISTA-D) software. The virtual machine comes pre-loaded with this dealer-level software and an ICOM emulator; you only need a K+DCAN cable. Rheingold is a powerful tool that can diagnose issues with your vehicle, provide a corrective action plan, and guide you through re-programming using ISTA-P.
- Turn the ignition to the “on” position and verify communication with INPA.
- Load Rheingold.
- Click on the “Identification” tab.
- Go to the “Read out” tab and click “start” to gather vehicle information.
- Verify your vehicle’s VIN and then navigate to “Vehicle management.”
- Go to Service function>Body>Voltage Supply>Battery>Register.
- Click “start search” and select “ABL register battery replacement.”
- Rheingold will guide you through your options, including registering a like-for-like battery or changing the battery capacity. You will also be prompted to perform coding using ISTA-P.
Method 3: Use Ediabas Toolset32, Part of the BMW tools Suite
- Launch Tool32.exe
- Navigate to: File > Load SGB > C:/EDIABAS/ECU/[choose the appropriate .prg file for your DME as per appendix A]
- Find “steuern_batterietausch_registri” in the list of jobs
- Go to the Jobs menu.
- Choose “Run Job” (in German, it’s “Job Einmal Ausfuhren [run job once]”)
- Ensure the operation reports “Okay.”
Method 4: Register BMW Battery with NCSEXPERT
- Launch NCSEXPERT.exe
- Choose: File > Load profile > Select a profile that allows manipulation (you may need to create one, refer to online resources) > Click OK
- Press F1 (VIN/ZCS/FA)
- Press F3 (CS/FA f. EC) > Select E89 (chassis family for E9x and E8x vehicles) > Click OK > Select CAS > Click OK
- Press F6 (Back)
- Press F1 (VIN/ZCS/FA)
- Press F2 (Enter FA) > Select E89 > Click OK
- A window labeled “Enter VIN” will appear > check that the VIN is correct > Click OK.
- A window labeled “Enter FA” will appear > locate VO for old battery (e.g. -B090) > highlight –B090 and press delete
- Enter the new battery type, –A080 (per Appendix B), in the “Attribute” box > Click Add > Click OK.
- Press F6 (Back)
- Press F4 (Process ECU) > Select CAS > Click OK
- Press F2 (Change Job) > Select FA Write > Click OK
- Press F3 (Execute Job)
- Verify that the write has been completed with “Job Ended.”
- Press F1 (Change ECU) > Select FRM/NFRM > Click OK
- Verify the lines: get coded, FRM, JOBNAME = FA_Write
- Press F3 (Execute Job)
- Verify that the write has been completed with “Job Ended.”
- Keep NCSEXPERT open
- Press F4 (Process ECU) > Select CAS > Click OK
- Press F2 (Change Job) > Select CODIERDATEN_LESEN (read ECU) > Click OK
- Press F3 (Execute Job)
- Verify “Job Ended”
- Keep NCSExper.exe open and go to the “work” folder where the ECU trace file was saved to ([X]:\NCSEXPER_64\WORK)
- Open the generated FSW_PSW.TRC file with Notepad
- Choose: File > Save as > FSW_PSW.MAN (ensure to choose “save as type” as “All files” to accept the “.MAN” extension; otherwise, it will just save as a text file .TXT, which will need to be renamed to .MAN)
- Clear the file (CTRL + A > backspace)
- Choose: File > Save
- Go back to NCS Expert > Press F2 (Change Job) > Select SG_codieren (Write ECU) > Click OK
- Press F3 (Execute Job)
- Repeat steps 21 to 31 for the NFRM/FRM module. The CAS and NFRM are now reset to the newly assigned $VO attributes (the battery will be coded to the new VO setting).
Method 5: Register BMW Battery with Foxwell Scanner
- Replace BMW Battery with AGM (Advanced Glass Mat)
- Locate the OBD-II port under the dashboard near the brake pedal and plug in the BMW NT510 scan tool.
- Turn the key to position II,
- Press the Push Start button, if applicable, without pressing the brake pedal.
- Using NT510, select BMW, scan for VIN, select Body menu 4, Power Supply (Battery), and option 2 for Battery Registration.
- Register a new battery or charge capacity/type if necessary.
NOTE: Do not unplug the scanner or turn off the ignition during the battery registration process. There is no need to run options 2 and 3 if the replacement battery has the same specs as the old one.
BMW Registration vs. Coding
The difference between Registering a New Battery and Coding a New Battery can be confusing:
- Registering – This is a simple procedure that is always required. It simply tells the vehicle the battery has been replaced with a new one that has identical (or very close) specifications to the one that was just removed. Most full-system BMW scanners can complete this procedure. Skipping this step can shorten the life of the new battery.
- Coding – This is required if you install a new battery with specifications that are very different from the battery you are replacing. If you install a new battery with significantly different Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), ampere-hours (Ah), or battery types (Pb, lead acid, or AGM), you must complete coding. Very few scanners can complete this procedure. We strongly recommend looking at the old battery and trying to find a replacement battery with similar specs. CCA, Ah should not vary by more than 5% if you want to skip coding. The 5% value is based on our testing and experience. Also, do not change the battery type. If the old battery is AGM, find the same type of battery.
What will happen if I don’t register a BMW battery?
If a new BMW battery is not registered with the vehicle’s onboard computer, also known as the DME (Digital Motor Electronics), it can cause several issues. First, the DME may not properly adjust the charging system for the new battery, which can lead to overcharging or undercharging. This can shorten the life of the new battery and may cause it to fail prematurely.
Additionally, not registering the battery may cause false “check control” warning messages to appear on the dashboard. These messages may indicate a problem with the charging system or the battery, even though there is no actual issue.
Another important thing is, if the battery is not registered, it may prevent the vehicle from starting. The DME needs to know the battery’s voltage and capacity to manage the vehicle’s electrical system properly. Without this information, the vehicle may not be able to start or have difficulty starting.
Conclusion
Finally, during driving, if the battery is not registered, the DME may not be able to properly monitor the battery’s charge level, which can lead to the battery becoming over-discharged, which can cause damage to the battery and other components in the electrical system.
In summary, not registering a new BMW battery can cause many issues, including shortened battery life, false warning messages, difficulty starting the vehicle, and damage to the vehicle’s electrical system. Therefore, it is important to register the battery as soon as it is installed. Here are some issues that may arise if you don’t register a BMW battery:
- Shorter life for the new battery
- Potential electrical issues and malfunctions
- A drivetrain malfunction warning may come on
If you don’t register the BMW battery, the most likely outcome is that the battery will not last as long. So instead of the battery lasting five years, it may only last two or three years due to over or undercharging. We have seen very few cases where not registering the battery leads to electrical issues. However, that is usually because the replacement battery’s specs (CCA, CA, Ah) are significantly lower than the OEM battery.
We do not recommend skipping battery registration on a BMW; just become some guy on Youtube who replaced the BMW battery without programming it. Unless you are just trying to get the car running and don’t care how long the new battery will last.
BMW Battery Registration Scan Tools
To register a BMW battery, you will need an OBD-II scan tool. Here are some popular scan tools to program a BMW battery.
- YOUCANIC Full System Scanner – Can be used to program and code a new BMW battery. Great scanner to read and clear codes from all BMW systems. Works on most makes and models.
- AUTOPHIX Enhanced BMW Full Systems Diagnostic Scan Tool 7910
- BMW Scanner Diagnostic Tool FOXWELL NT510 Elite Full System BMW
- ANCEL BD300 Bluetooth BMW/Mini Cooper OBD1 OBD2 Scanner
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Register a BMW Battery?
A BMW battery must be registered so the engine control module ( DME – Digital Motor Electronics) knows how much current the battery needs to charge correctly.
Skipping the battery registration procedure can cause the new battery to fail prematurely due to over or undercharging.
BMW battery registration was introduced in a few 2002 model years, and by 2005 most BMW models required battery registration. If your BMW is older than 2002, you don’t need to perform battery registration.
Do I need to register a BMW battery every time I change the battery?
Every time you replace the battery on a 2002 and newer BMW, you need to register it, which is a straightforward procedure but requires a BMW scanner.
If your new battery has different specs than the old battery, you need to perform a few extra steps known as coding.
What is the difference between BMW Battery Registration and Coding?
Our members often ask the difference between BMW battery registration and coding. The registration procedure clears the old battery’s charging history and tells your BMW that a new battery has the same specs as the old battery. The Engine Control Unit (DME) can charge the battery properly.
Battery Registration Registration must be performed every time you change a newer 2002 BMW battery. It lets the car know the battery installed is brand new.
No coding will be required if the new battery has the same specs or is very close to the old battery (CCA, CA, Ah, battery type).
Battery Coding You will need to carry out coding if you change the battery capacity or type in addition to the registration procedure. Coding is required if the new battery has different specifications than the old battery installed in the car.
For example, if you install a battery with a higher or lower cranking Ampere rating or switch between Lead Acid and an AGM battery, you need to code (program) the DME. Otherwise, the DME may overcharge or undercharge the new battery and, therefore, shorten the battery’s life.
Can I use an OBD-II scanner to register a BMW battery?
To complete the BMW battery registration process yourself, you will need an OBD2 scanner to perform the BMW battery registration. Not all OBD-II scanners can register a BMW battery.
What changes in the ECU when you register a BMW battery?
Battery capacity is set to 80%
The current Odometer reading is stored.
Delete stored battery statistics such as:
Current
Voltage
Battery Charge Level.
Stored temperature statistics are deleted.
Can I replace the battery and drive it to the mechanic for registration?
Yes. No damage will happen if you have to drive your BMW for a few minutes. It is overcharging or undercharging that lasts for months that can shorten the life of the battery or cause problems.
How do I know if my BMW requires registration?
Here is a list of BMW models that require Battery Registration: 2006 and up 3-series E90 E91 E92 E93
2004 and up 5-series E60 E61
2003 and up 6-series E63 E54
2002 and up 7-series E65 E66
2007 and up X5 series
2008 and up E70 chassis
X6 series E71 chassis
Check with your BMW dealer to confirm.
Can AutoZone install a BMW battery?
AutoZone does not install or register the battery on 2002 and newer BMWs. We have called various AutoZones, and they will not install the battery in models that require battery registration. If your BMW is older than 2002, AutoZone may be able to install the battery, as those models do not require battery registration.
Should I reset the error codes?
A low voltage error code might have been triggered and stored in various systems if you had a failing BMW battery.
Perform a scan of all systems and clear any codes that may have been stored. This procedure should also remove any Safe Modes, including Energy Saving and Transport Modes.
Which BMW models need battery registration?
Most 2002 and newer models.
E61, E63, E64, E65, E66, E67,
E70, E71, E72, E81, E82, E84, E87,
E88, E89, E90, E91, E92, E93, F01, F10.
What is BMW Battery Coding?
You should avoid installing a battery with different specs, but that doesn’t always happen. If you install a battery with a higher or lower capacity, BMW has different charging maps (profiles) for each battery, such as 80Ah, 90Ah, or 110Ah batteries. You will need to perform coding to let the DME module know that you have changed the battery capacity. If you changed the battery type, you must complete battery coding. BMW charges lead-acid-type batteries differently than AGM batteries. You need to perform coding if you: Change battery type from Lead Acid to AGM or vice-versa. Change the battery capacity.
Why do I have to perform BMW battery registration?
Yes. Don’t skip battery registration. If you don’t have a scanner, find an independent repair shop to complete the job. Some shops may only charge 0.5 hr of labor.
References
- BMW Battery Replacement and Registration Bimmer-tech.net
- BMW Battery Replacement – Why register a new BMW battery? – AutoScopeCarCare.com
- BMW Battery Registration – BimmerScan.com
- DIY: Register and Code a New Battery (comprehensive guide) – 1Addicts.com
- Battery Registration with Carly (BMW Only) -mycarly.com
We hope you find the BMW Battery Registration & Coding guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW.
I cannot register the battery in the bmw e60 M5 V10 s85 through INPA. Do you have a tip? I’ve tried for Machine and power but there is no option !!!! Thanks