What battery specs for 98' (NON VANOS) 540i?

[jamfool]

I need a new battery and found this locally:

• Startup power: 720 Amps
• AH Value 90
• Reserve capacity: 160
• Bench Charge: 9.5 Amps
• Weight (kg): 22.48
• Dimensions (LxDXH): 353x175x190mm

I am away from the car, so I can't check what I have at the moment, will this one do guys?

Thanks

[Qsilver7]

VANOS doesn't require a different battery type. Look for battery class size 49 or 95 (or the emerging nomenclature of H8 or H9) as suitable replacement batteries for the e39.

E39 Battery:


But why not try Walmart/EverStart ($77 for a 48/49/H8 or 94/95/H9 battery) or Autozone/Duralast ($99 for a 49 DL or $155 for a 95 DLG battery) or Advance Auto/AutoCraft Titanium ( approx $100-$125 for a 49-1)...below are some images from past threads about replacement batteries:

[edjack]

Make sure it has vent connections on each end. Save your old elbow.

[mjbauman]

When my battery started dying last year I got a Walmart Everstart for $77.... it's been fine ever since.

It does have the vent in the right place.

[Qsilver7]

Yeah...the 94/95/H9 batteries usually vent on the side like the BMW original battery... and ditto...if you still have the little black elbow attached between your battery and the car's vent gray vent tube (seen in the pic below)...DO NOT TOSS IT AWAY...you'll need it if you buy another side venting battery:

...and the 48/49/H8 batteries usually vent on the top center and requires a vent kit to extend over to the car's vent tube (should be free & stuck to the side of the battery)

(E38 with a Duralast 49 D w/vent kit attached to car's (gray) vent tube)

[first540i]

what happens if you dont have the vent tube?

[jamfool]

I mentionned Vanos because apparently the TU engine uses a different battery...but I stand corrected.

Anyway I got the 720amps battery earlier on, but it sounds like my engine takes 1 sec longer or so to start up, would the 720amps explain that?
What is the OEM recommendation for this, isn't 850amps?

Thanks

[Qsilver7]

what happens if you dont have the vent tube?

If you're lead acid battery is NOT vented to the exterior of the car, then you risk the off gases of the battery igniting (it can happen)...and you may also see more corrosion in you battery compartment since these gases are building up in a mostly enclosed space.

When the battery is located in the engine bay...there's usually enough air movement to carry these naturally occuring off gases away. But when the battery is in an enclosed space (like under the rear seat or in the trunk)...BMW designed a vent tube that carries these gases to the exterior of the car.

(car's vent tube in back corner of the battery compartment)


...and yes, the battery can explode...like in the image below...all it takes is a spark to ignite the off gases...and a spark can occur while driving around and the alternator overcharges..sending a spark back to the battery compartment area...KABOOM!!!

...it sounds like my engine takes 1 sec longer or so to start up, would the 720amps explain that?
What is the OEM recommendation for this, isn't 850amps?

Thanks

I honestly don't know...but along with the 720 amps...the original BMW battery also had a spec of 90 AH (amp hour)...and sometimes replacement batteries may have the 720 amps...but have a spec of 80AH or less.

[jamfool]

I honestly don't know...but along with the 720 amps...the original BMW battery also had a spec of 90 AH (amp hour)...and sometimes replacement batteries may have the 720 amps...but have a spec of 80AH or less.

Looks like the start up is fine now after a spin, my dead battery was 745amps, the new one 720, might be some adaptation period due to the new lower amp.

Thanks for the feedbacks.

[first540i]

hmmm i have acdelco and i dont think i have a vent tube for the battery...

[joako]

I'm pretty sure that's not the WalMart battery I have, that one seems smaller and IIRC the one i have is the widest that will fit.

FWIW there's mounting holes for 3 different size batteries in the E39 trunk.

[fivetwoeight]

I have the vent tube in mine but not link on the battery to connect it.

[fivetwoeight]

I got a 780 CCA or DIN 88 last week for mine.

[jamesdc4]

FWIW there's mounting holes for 3 different size batteries in the E39 trunk.

Correct. If you get the right battery, there shouldn't be a problem with fitment.
Battery Replacement with Duralast 49-DL

I have the vent tube in mine but not link on the battery to connect it.

Once again, if you purchase the right battery, this shouldn't be a problem. Sounds like you got a battery without a vent tube (which may not be a problem, but I'd change it out for a proper one if I were you.).
Battery Replacement with Duralast 49-DL

[Cyrix2k]

I mentionned Vanos because apparently the TU engine uses a different battery...but I stand corrected.

Anyway I got the 720amps battery earlier on, but it sounds like my engine takes 1 sec longer or so to start up, would the 720amps explain that?
What is the OEM recommendation for this, isn't 850amps?

Thanks

No. That's it's rated current delivery at a spec'd temperature. If your engine cranks weakly, it could be due to an undersized battery. Simply cranking longer is something else. Most modern batteries are rated in excess of the factory unit.