BMW Replacement Battery
Tips & Support
- Sponsor
- OPTIMA Batteries
- Location
- Yalaha, Florida
Automakers can sometimes make it very challenging for car owners to replace their batteries. Take late-model BMWs for example. Batteries that come from the factory may have a series of several numbers on the label, including 61 216 919 342 or 61 21 6 924 022 or even 118668-20DE, as is the case for owners of 2011 BMW M3s. However, when you go to an auto parts store or search online using one of those numbers, they rarely correlate with the battery size options you are presented with by aftermarket retailers.
A BMW dealership will always have the answer and know which battery your BMW needs and maybe that is the intent? However, some folks may prefer to save a few dollars and replace their own battery. If that's the case, they'll need to know that the 61 216 919 342 number on their battery corresponds with the H8 group size. However, in many cases, that may not be their only option for a replacement battery.
Many fitment guides may offer two or even three different replacement batteries for BMWs. The H6 is larger than the H5, the H7 is larger than the H6 and the H8 is larger than the H7. Some BMWs, like the 2011 BMW M3, can use an H6, H7 or H8 battery, so which one should you choose? The answer may depend on a variety of factors.
As batteries increase in size, their price also goes up, so if you choose an H8 battery, you'll probably be paying more than you would, if you chose an H7 or H6 battery. Are you actually getting more for your money? In the example we offered of the 61 21 6 924 022 battery, the reserve capacity for that factory H8 battery is 160 minutes and it is rated at 900 cold cranking amps. By comparison, the OPTIMA DH7 YELLOWTOP is conservatively-rated at 155 minutes of reserve capacity and 880 cold cranking amps (they routinely load test well above that mark). Other H8 batteries may be rated at even lower numbers. Why pay for a larger H8 battery, if you get nearly the same (or perhaps better) specifications from a smaller H7 battery?
Some BMW owners track their cars and would prefer to run the smallest battery possible, to save weight. If that's the case, as it might be for 2011 BMW M3 owners, then the DH6 YELLOWTOP would be the physically smallest direct-fit option between the H6, H7 and H8. Whatever battery you choose, you will maximize performance and lifespan, by keeping the voltage properly-maintained whenever possible. We're so confident this is the case, we'll add one year of free replacement warranty coverage to your OPTIMA battery, if you purchase it and a Digital 1200 battery charger from us at the same time.
A BMW dealership will always have the answer and know which battery your BMW needs and maybe that is the intent? However, some folks may prefer to save a few dollars and replace their own battery. If that's the case, they'll need to know that the 61 216 919 342 number on their battery corresponds with the H8 group size. However, in many cases, that may not be their only option for a replacement battery.
Many fitment guides may offer two or even three different replacement batteries for BMWs. The H6 is larger than the H5, the H7 is larger than the H6 and the H8 is larger than the H7. Some BMWs, like the 2011 BMW M3, can use an H6, H7 or H8 battery, so which one should you choose? The answer may depend on a variety of factors.
As batteries increase in size, their price also goes up, so if you choose an H8 battery, you'll probably be paying more than you would, if you chose an H7 or H6 battery. Are you actually getting more for your money? In the example we offered of the 61 21 6 924 022 battery, the reserve capacity for that factory H8 battery is 160 minutes and it is rated at 900 cold cranking amps. By comparison, the OPTIMA DH7 YELLOWTOP is conservatively-rated at 155 minutes of reserve capacity and 880 cold cranking amps (they routinely load test well above that mark). Other H8 batteries may be rated at even lower numbers. Why pay for a larger H8 battery, if you get nearly the same (or perhaps better) specifications from a smaller H7 battery?
Some BMW owners track their cars and would prefer to run the smallest battery possible, to save weight. If that's the case, as it might be for 2011 BMW M3 owners, then the DH6 YELLOWTOP would be the physically smallest direct-fit option between the H6, H7 and H8. Whatever battery you choose, you will maximize performance and lifespan, by keeping the voltage properly-maintained whenever possible. We're so confident this is the case, we'll add one year of free replacement warranty coverage to your OPTIMA battery, if you purchase it and a Digital 1200 battery charger from us at the same time.