5 Methods to Complete BMW Battery Registration

This guide offers detailed instructions and video tutorials on registering a BMW battery. Battery registration is crucial for ensuring that your vehicle’s onboard computer, the DME (Digital Motor Electronics), acknowledges the new battery and optimizes the charging system accordingly. This process is mandatory following the replacement of a BMW battery.

Battery registration optimizes the lifespan and performance of your new battery within your vehicle’s electrical system. Failing to register the battery could lead to issues like inaccurate warning messages on the iDrive interface or, in rare instances, prevent the car from starting. This article guides you through registering your BMW battery right after its installation.

We highly recommend using a replacement battery that aligns with the specifications of the existing battery in your vehicle. Make sure to match the Ah, CCA, and CA ratings. To register a new battery in a BMW, you’ll need a specialized BMW Scanner. Follow the steps outlined below to program your new battery correctly.

Most BMW models from 2002 onward are equipped with Intelligent Battery Sensors (IBS) and necessitate battery registration. Note that generic OBD-II scanners cannot register or program a new BMW battery. This limitation is a key reason retailers like AutoZone don’t offer battery replacement services for BMWs. However, changing the battery on a BMW is quite straightforward. For additional guidance, consult the video below on how to replace a BMW battery yourself.

Method 1: Register a BMW Battery with YOUCANIC Scanner – EASY

The steps outlined below enable you to reprogram and reset the BMW computer after a battery replacement. This guide is specifically designed for registering a BMW battery on models from 2002 or later, including the 1, 3, 5, 6, X1, X3, and X5 series, among others.

A battery with the same specifications as the old one must be registered. If you install a battery that differs from the one you’re replacing, coding will be necessary.

1. 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 to the original.

   

2. Find the onboard diagnostic (OBD) port beneath the dashboard, close to your brake pedal. In BMW vehicles, this OBD-2 port typically has a small door you’ll need to open. There might also be a cover over the port that you should remove. Insert your chosen BMW scan tool into this port. Keep in mind, that standard OBD2 scanners won’t suffice for BMW-specific battery registration.

   

3. Turn on the ignition by rotating the key to position II. If your vehicle has a Push Start button, press it twice without stepping on the brake pedal. Ensure all dashboard lights are illuminated. The engine must remain off; otherwise, you won’t be able to complete the BMW battery registration procedure.

   

4. Next, select your BMW model, then select the Control Unit.
5. Select the Power Supply module.
6. Select Register a new BMW battery.
7. 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 successfully register a new battery with the same desired specs. 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 go over how to register and code a new battery for your BMW using the Rheingold (ISTA-D) software. The virtual machine is already equipped with this dealer-grade software and an ICOM emulator; all you’ll need is a K+DCAN cable.

1. Turn the ignition to the “on” position and verify communication with INPA.
2. Load Rheingold.
3. Click on the “Identification” tab.
4. Go to the “Read out” tab and click “start” to gather vehicle information.
5. Verify your vehicle’s VIN and then navigate to “Vehicle management.”
6. Go to Service function>Body>Voltage Supply>Battery>Register.
7. Click “start search” and select “ABL register battery replacement.”
8. 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

1. Launch Tool32.exe
2. Navigate to: File > Load SGB > C:/EDIABAS/ECU/[choose the appropriate .prg file for your DME as per appendix A]
3. Find “steuern_batterietausch_registri” in the list of jobs
4. Go to the Jobs menu.
5. Choose “Run Job” (in German, it’s “Job Einmal Ausfuhren [run job once]”)
6. Ensure the operation reports “Okay.”

Method 4: Register BMW Battery with NCSEXPERT

1. Launch NCSEXPERT.exe
2. Choose File > Load profile > Select a profile that allows manipulation (you may need to create one, refer to online resources) > Click OK.
3. Press F1 (VIN/ZCS/FA)
4. Press F3 (CS/FA f. EC) > Select E89 (chassis family for E9x and E8x vehicles) > Click OK > Select CAS > Click OK
5. Press F6 (Back)
6. Press F1 (VIN/ZCS/FA)
7. Press F2 (Enter FA) > Select E89 > Click OK
8. A window labeled “Enter VIN” will appear > check that the VIN is correct > Click OK.
9. A window labeled “Enter FA” will appear > locate VO for old battery (e.g. -B090) > highlight –B090 and press delete
10. Enter the new battery type, –A080 (per Appendix B), in the “Attribute” box > Click Add > Click OK.
11. Press F6 (Back)
12. Press F4 (Process ECU) > Select CAS > Click OK
13. Press F2 (Change Job) > Select FA Write > Click OK
14. Press F3 (Execute Job)
15. Verify that the write has been completed with “Job Ended.”
16. Press F1 (Change ECU) > Select FRM/NFRM > Click OK
17. Verify the lines: get coded, FRM, JOBNAME = FA_Write
18. Press F3 (Execute Job)
19. Verify that the write has been completed with “Job Ended.”
20. Keep NCSEXPERT open
21. Press F4 (Process ECU) > Select CAS > Click OK
22. Press F2 (Change Job) > Select CODIERDATEN_LESEN (read ECU) > Click OK
23. Press F3 (Execute Job)
24. Verify “Job Ended”
25. Keep NCSExper.exe open and go to the “work” folder where the ECU trace file was saved to ([X]:\NCSEXPER_64\WORK)
26. Open the generated FSW_PSW.TRC file with Notepad
27. 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)
28. Clear the file (CTRL + A > backspace)
29. Choose: File > Save
30. Go back to NCS Expert > Press F2 (Change Job) > Select SG_codieren (Write ECU) > Click OK
31. Press F3 (Execute Job)
32. 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

1. Replace BMW Battery with AGM (Advanced Glass Mat)
2. Locate the OBD-II port near the brake pedal under the dashboard and plug in the BMW NT510 scan tool.
3. Turn the key to position II,
4. Press the Push Start button, if applicable, without pressing the brake pedal.
5. Using NT510, select BMW, scan for VIN, select Body menu 4, Power Supply (Battery), and option 2 for Battery Registration.
6. 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:

• Registration – This mandatory step informs the vehicle that a new battery has been installed, closely matching the original’s specifications. Most comprehensive BMW diagnostic tools can accomplish this task. Failing to complete this step can reduce the lifespan of the new battery.
• Coding -It’s essential to reprogram your vehicle’s system when installing a new battery with significantly different specifications from the one being replaced. Differences in Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), ampere-hours (Ah), or battery chemistry (like Pb, lead acid, or AGM) necessitate this coding step. Unfortunately, only a limited number of scanners can perform this task. For a hassle-free experience, we highly recommend choosing a replacement battery with specifications closely matching the original. Ideally, CCA and Ah values should not deviate by more than 5% to avoid the need for coding. This 5% guideline is based on our extensive testing and experience. Additionally, select the same type of battery; for instance, if the existing battery is AGM, the replacement should also be AGM.

What will happen if I don’t register a BMW battery?

If a new BMW battery isn’t registered with the car’s onboard computer, also known as the DME (Digital Motor Electronics), various problems can arise. Firstly, the DME may not accurately calibrate the charging system for the new battery, leading to either overcharging or undercharging. This can diminish the new battery’s lifespan and lead to premature failure.

Additionally, failing to register the battery could trigger erroneous “check control” alerts on the dashboard. These warnings may suggest issues with the charging system or the battery, even when there is no real problem.

Another crucial point to note is that if the battery is unregistered, it could hinder the vehicle from starting. The DME requires the battery’s voltage and capacity to manage the car’s electrical system efficiently. Lacking this data, the vehicle may struggle or fail to start altogether.

Conclusion

Ultimately, if the battery is unregistered while driving, the DME might struggle to track its charge level accurately. This could result in the battery becoming over-discharged, potentially damaging the battery and other electrical system components.

In summary, failing to register a new BMW battery can lead to problems such as reduced battery lifespan, inaccurate warning alerts, starting difficulties, and harm to the vehicle’s electrical system. Consequently, it’s crucial to register the battery immediately upon installation. Here are some complications you might encounter if you neglect to register a BMW battery:

• Shorter life for the new battery
• Potential electrical issues and malfunctions
• A drivetrain malfunction warning may come on

We strongly advise against bypassing battery registration on a BMW, even if you’ve seen someone on YouTube do it without programming. Skipping this step may compromise the longevity of your new battery unless you’re merely aiming to get the car operational without concern for battery lifespan.

BMW Battery Registration Scan Tools

To register a BMW battery, an OBD-II scan tool is required. Below are some popular scan tools for BMW battery programming.

1. YOUCANIC Full System Scanner – This 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.
2. AUTOPHIX Enhanced BMW Full Systems Diagnostic Scan Tool 7910
3. BMW Scanner Diagnostic Tool FOXWELL NT510 Elite Full System BMW
4. ANCEL BD300 Bluetooth BMW/Mini Cooper OBD1 OBD2 Scanner

Frequently Asked Questions