BMW Battery Question

[sb2002]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a battery from a BMW dealer for my 1987 325is. When I ordered the battery, I was told it would be part number 61211378094 but when I picked up the battery, they gave me part number 61212353803.

The battery they gave me is smaller than my previous battery and the factory battery hold down doesn't reach the lip on the bottom of the battery.

I followed up with the dealer and they said 61212353803 is the current part number for the car.

Does anyone have any experience with this issue or know what the current part number is for a factory battery? I've searched realoem.com and can't find 61212353803 listed for any car.

Thanks.

[estoguy]

Sorry bro, I can't help.

My PO had gotten a VW battery (I think it's one meant for diesel cars, so bigger), which was way cheaper. Been a champ too - bought 2010/12, and I just recently put a load tester on it. Still well in the green. :) Starts solid every time. :)

[Das Delfin]

Just go to the batteries plus website and look up the Group number (basically size and cca) for your car and go to a store and see if they have one that fits. AutoZone/Napa is fine too but ideally you want an East Penn/Deka battery, which is made in America, as opposed to Interstate, which is mexican made. Mine I think was a Group 96 (can't remember but also for some reason it's a different size for con models) and fit great if you consider the fact that the hold down is missing in my car

[sb2002]

Thanks for the feedback. The dealer agreed to take the battery back so I'll find one that fits. I agree that any auto parts store should have the appropriate group battery - I'm just surprised BMW either no longer produces or my dealer couldn't figure out which battery was right for the car.

[101]

The rear mounted battery models (all except verts and 318's) can take either a Group 48 or a Group 49 battery. There are two options on the plastic hold down tray for the bolt to secure it.

Front mounted battery models take either a Group 47 or a Group 48 battery.

Those are the "old" Group numbers. I don't know how they translate into the newer numbers.

Most people run the Group 48 batteries.

[Das Delfin]

^ now some of them are called H6 or H5 but they seem to be only on european cars and for the most part everyone still uses stuff like Group 48, Group 65, etc.

The newer BMWs use stuff like 48's and 49's but it looks like yours is a Group 91 (also known as a T6 but nvm that part!), which is quite a bit thinner than a 48 or 49.

http://www.batteriesplus.com/products/560-SLI/3951-Car-and-Truck-Batteries/720807-BMW/325i/1987-L6-2-dot5L-600CCA/1.aspx

[sb2002]

Thanks. I'm starting to wonder if the dealer gave me a Group 47 battery. It was substantially smaller than the battery that needed to be replaced, which was Group 48.

I picked up a Group 91 battery and all is well.