What battery should I use for my e30

[reelizmpro]

Still recommended Costco H6 and they also have an AGM version as well as Walmart. I picked up an Optima Yellowtop for a good price and it's been okay. It has high CCA/CA's but it also weighs a ton. I still keep it on a tender as sometimes I don't drive the car for months.

[nando]

So, rather than creating a new thread - I thought I'd bump this somewhat recent one (only 3 years old! it's basically new!)

My E30's battery is dead - I don't think I have a parasitic current draw with it off (but I will test it). I noticed last time I drove it, it seemed to crank a little slower. Then a week later, it was completely dead - not even the lights turned on with the doors. I jump started it and drove it all day, shut it off and started it up again a couple times, and it seemed fine. 3 hours later, it was dead again. I'm getting 14v at idle so the alternator is still good (I replaced the regulator a while back too).

The thing is my E30 probably spends 6 months a year on the trickle charger. I'm guessing it's not doing the battery any favors, it's probably only 3 years old at this point. The original DieHard battery that was in it when I first got the car lasted for almost 15 (probably should have just refurbished it!).

I'm thinking of switching to an AGM or a deep cycle battery - less weight would be nice but isn't super critical. I have all the factory electronics except for a stereo.

What batteries are people using that store their cars for large parts of the year? I could pull the batter terminal off when it's under a cover, but I like being able to just get in it and drive whenever I feel like it, instead of screwing around disconnecting stuff. I have been driving it weekly when the weather is nice so it hasn't been on the trickle charger in a few months, but a week between drives shouldn't kill the battery with only the OBC/clock drawing power.

I could just get another regular battery, but I think with my use case it'll probably be dead again in a few years. I think this is the 2nd battery I've gone through since I started storing my E30 for half of the year.

[Andre3127]

Coolant is coolant, and there nothing special about a cast iron block and an aluminum radiator. In my opinion, don't sweat it and just run cheap antifreeze and change it every two-three years (Like you're supposed to).

[jeffnhiscars]

Costco H6/48 is now a different style with a handle and caps for the posts and slightly more expensive $115. Still 730CCA and 910CA which is better than most in that size group and of course they still have the 42 month no questions asked free replacement policy.

Due to 30 years of use, corrosion and wear/tear, belt tension, etc...keep track of the alternator voltages. It should be at least 13.8v with the car at idle. If it's lower than 13.8, then the alternator isn't adequately charging and will slowly degrade the battery over time. If you go weeks at a time between driving your car like I do, the car may not start and you'll start going through batteries as low voltages can damage them. Try your best to keep the battery charged. My vert was going through batteries compared to my other cars. Turns out it was only putting out 13.3v. I put in a higher voltage, voltage regulator to get it to 14.1v which is much better and buys me time before I have to replace the alternator itself.

Costco's inventory must be regional as I haven't seen a group 48 there since I made a warranty claim on the one I had a few years ago and they couldn't replace it

[reelizmpro]

Costco H6/48 is now a different style with a handle and caps for the posts and slightly more expensive $115. Still 730CCA and 910CA which is better than most in that size group and of course they still have the 42 month no questions asked free replacement policy.

Due to 30 years of use, corrosion and wear/tear, belt tension, etc...keep track of the alternator voltages. It should be at least 13.8v with the car at idle. If it's lower than 13.8, then the alternator isn't adequately charging and will slowly degrade the battery over time. If you go weeks at a time between driving your car like I do, the car may not start and you'll start going through batteries as low voltages can damage them. Try your best to keep the battery charged. My vert was going through batteries compared to my other cars. Turns out it was only putting out 13.3v. I put in a higher voltage, voltage regulator to get it to 14.1v which is much better and buys me time before I have to replace the alternator itself.

[PDXPeter]

This is the one Im using. Cranks over very nicely.
https://www.batteriesplus.com/batter...00cca/sli91t6m

If you have the battery up front then you have a height limitation. Make sure its not taller than this battery.

[digger]

the bmw batteries work quite well, i was thinking of getting a bigger one than stock something like 61217586962

[bankrupt]

Walmart sells 3 different sizes that fit long, longer and longest. From 600cca to 900ccas. The space in the bmw rear tray allows for longer or shorter sizes. I got most ccs cause I like in the snow mountains. More amps is a plus. Regarding coolant. It’s all good. Except 50/50 is no good for freezing temps under -25. Must use concentrated.

[e30austin]

Bosch, Deka or Interstate batteries are great. Group 48 units work great, for these cars. Anything newer than an E32, I'd say a Group 94 is necessary, due to the amount of electronics those cars have.

BMW blue coolant, only!

[flyer92]

For your coolant question....I have been using good 'ol Prestone 50/50 in my '92 vert for over 20 years with zero issues and never any rust.

[dlmrun2002]

I've had real good luck with Walmart Everstart batteries. I think they are made by Johnson controls. Also Deka Batteries are good. Optima sealed batteries used to be good but I heard they were bought out by one of the three majors corps so I don't know how good they are today. Years ago they were very good, sealed and great in the trunk.

dlm ny country

[efficient]

thats a good battery the one you chose.has good cca, better then most.
i remember when i bought my bosch battery i got it for like 90 bucks but the cca is like 750.
you should be fine with your decision, it probably has a good warranty with it.

[Fish Milk]

I’d highly recommend Costco for their Interstate batteries if you can. This is the one in my vert. I found out when my alternator went out and killed my battery that they have a full replacement warranty for 42 months. No longer pro-rate it as they did in the past. Basically they have you return it in the refund line for a full refund and then go back to automotive to buy another one.


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Ah man im confused as to what to do lol I can still return the battery I’m getting which is interstate mtp 90-T5 idk if it’s good or not, if it isn’t then I guess I would have a better chance going to Costco and getting the one you have. I’m a bit lost tbh, but the main question is the battery im getting okay for my car? Interstate battery website says it is


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[htseng]

What battery should I use for my e30



I’d highly recommend Costco for their Interstate batteries if you can. This is the one in my vert. I found out when my alternator went out and killed my battery that they have a full replacement warranty for 42 months. No longer pro-rate it as they did in the past. Basically they have you return it in the refund line for a full refund and then go back to automotive to buy another one.


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[Fish Milk]

batteries use a naming structure that starts with the word "group" and is followed by a number and then maybe some more letters



our cars can use Group 48, 91, 92, 94, and many others that are european style inset posts, positive on the right hand side, and at least 600 cold cranking amps (CCA's)



there are only two or three manufactures of batteries in the US and at this point they all have similar levels of quality so just pick the brand with the best warranty or the store closest to where you live. 2 or 3 year is standard and price will be anywhere from 120-170 depending on warranty and power rating. You should be able to find a Group 48 with a 2 year warranty and around 650 CCA's for around 120

Thanks for the info I appreciate it, I didn’t want to wait too long so I already ordered the battery I needed from an interstate battery seller a day and a half ago, it said on their website as well that a megatron plus 90-T5 is the right battery for my car, 30 month warranty and 600 cca. You mentioned 91 and 92 but no 90, so is it okay or did I get the wrong battery? I called and everything and they said yep that’s the right fit and everything for your specific model, bmw 1989 325i


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