Installed new battery in X5M - XS Power D4900

[deansbimmer]

I had been having the "Increased battery drain" showing on my car for a while, indicating something wasn't right. Our 2011 X5M had an OEM BMW battery with a 2014 mfg date in it, but it apparently had weakened and wouldn't charge as well as before. When shutting off the car, the X5 leaves the water pump and electric fan running to help cool the car down. Coupling that with leaving the radio running after shut-down, the iDrive would show the "battery charge low" screen after roughly 10 minutes. I diagnosed it as a failing battery.

In looking at alternatives, I wanted a more powerful option with deep cycle capability. I found the XS power D4900. These are big in the mobile audio world and are popular for their hybrid starting/deep cycle abilities. Priced at about the same as a new OEM battery, I decided to try one. Since they don't come with terminals installed, I ordered tall terminals at the same time.

It fit OK in the X5, but the terminals are too close to the housing which left a very tight fit for the BMW's - IBS and + clamp. Everything went together alright and I've been driving it now for a month or so. I re-coded the car VO for the battery AH, and registered the change with ISTA/P.

This battery made a night and day difference! The car cranks faster when starting. No more "increased battery drain" notification. The electric fan turns at a noticeably higher RPM after shutting off the car. I can leave the radio running for hours after turning the car off, and still come back to a strong start afterwards.

I highly recommend checking these out for any Group 49 battery application.

[philly42]

Thanks for sharing! I just replaced my battery a couple of weeks ago. (though the main issue was the alternator) The local autopart store had a battery with a higher capacity but it seemed too for the side battery mount. I’ll try the D4900 next time around.

How long are you batteries lasting with the TX heat?

[boneca]

Thanks for the info

I had my car for almost 2 years and have yet to replace the battery (not sure when or even if it was ever replaced before), I was getting "Increased battery discharge" message last fall but used battery charger a few times since and it never came back (I drive car daily and probably there is not much time for discharge)

What is the price for this battery if you don't mind me asking?

Also can this be coded using iCarly or it needs to be thru " VO for the battery AH, and registered the change with ISTA/P"?

[JMD]

Good info on your battery replacement,... As a suggestion, you may want to have the new battery 'registered',.... I replaced the battery in my previously owned 4.8is,...and didnt register the battery! I later caught a near $1000 alternator bill.

:-(

[deansbimmer]

Originally Posted by philly42

How long are you batteries lasting with the TX heat?

I haven't had to replace many batteries in our cars since we don't keep them for more than a couple years- but based on date codes on batteries I have replaced, I'd say 3-5 years. Most of BMW's batteries are trunk mounted, which really negates any harm that Texas heat would cause in a similar engine bay mounted battery.

What is the price for this battery if you don't mind me asking? Also can this be coded using iCarly or it needs to be thru " VO for the battery AH, and registered the change with ISTA/P"?

About $350.
https://www.amazon.com/XS-Power-D490.../dp/B00B7WOBAU

I coded the VO with NCSexpert to change the AH, and registered the battery change with ISTA/P. I am not familiar with Carly so I couldn't say whether it can or can't.

Good info on your battery replacement,... As a suggestion, you may want to have the new battery 'registered',.... I replaced the battery in my previously owned 4.8is,...and didnt register the battery! I later caught a near $1000 alternator bill.

I did, see above. Registration is necessary in just about every BMW after 2000, but often overlooked.

[philly42]

Originally Posted by JMD

Good info on your battery replacement,... As a suggestion, you may want to have the new battery 'registered',.... I replaced the battery in my previously owned 4.8is,...and didnt register the battery! I later caught a near $1000 alternator bill.

:-(

Not registering the battery usually leads to it being overcharged and killed by the alternator...not the other way around.
I just finished replacing the alternator and I don't want to every do it again.

[jschimmels]

I just bought the exact same battery. Thanks for the suggestion. Can you give me step-by-step instructions on coding for "VO for the battery AH, and registered the change with ISTA/P.

I just bought the cable to connect to the car. I don't have the software yet. Thanks in advance for your help.

[deansbimmer]

The process is too involved for me to relay step by step instructions here. There are numerous threads already on the net for it if you search google. Just follow the steps posted for the particular software you're going to be using.

[BzsBimmer]

As someone who’s about to go through the battery replacement process, here’s a good step by step

http://www. 1 add icts(dot)com/forums/showthread.php?t=1338304
Remove spaces and add the . in (dot)com

[boneca]

can someone suggest which tall terminals needs to be ordered along with XS Power D4900 battery, maybe you have a link as well?

Thank you

[BzsBimmer]

Originally Posted by boneca

can someone suggest which tall terminals needs to be ordered along with XS Power D4900 battery, maybe you have a link as well?

Thank you

These are the ones I found.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XH69MY..._RX.sAbWN5K40M

[boneca]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

These are the ones I found.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XH69MY..._RX.sAbWN5K40M

Thank you!

[JMD]

Originally Posted by philly42

Not registering the battery usually leads to it being overcharged and killed by the alternator...not the other way around.
I just finished replacing the alternator and I don't want to every do it again.

Understood,....alls I know,...the Voltage Regulator went bad,....it issue,...the vehicle would suddenly die while driving! The warning when the vehicle was about to die,..would be "the radio suddenly dying",...then the engine,...and a hard hit on the tranny/drivetrain! After realizing what was going on,...I'd quickly put it in "Neutral" when the radio die,...and did a Quick ignition On/Off!

Yes it was dangerous,..very!,..and yes!,...it was repaired!

TC

[frankenm]

Originally Posted by JMD

Understood,....alls I know,...the Voltage Regulator went bad,....it issue,...the vehicle would suddenly die while driving! The warning when the vehicle was about to die,..would be "the radio suddenly dying",...then the engine,...and a hard hit on the tranny/drivetrain! After realizing what was going on,...I'd quickly put it in "Neutral" when the radio die,...and did a Quick ignition On/Off!

Yes it was dangerous,..very!,..and yes!,...it was repaired!

TC

Did the car to go into park?

I've always wondered what happens when your moving and the car accidentally turns off or loses power ... at highway speeds this could be lethal.

[JWMich]

Just to provide one more data point on the annoying battery discharge matter:

I have had increased battery discharge at startup since acquiring my X5M two years ago. Also, I have always received a low power message after 30 seconds in accessory mode.

Dealer efforts have been limited to charging battery and looking for parasitic draws. After dealer charge, condition has been alleviated for one to two days, but no more. I did not bite on a new dealer-installed battery, since car was starting immediately, even at sub-zero temps, and working fine.

Two weeks ago, I finally got annoyed enough at the error notifications that I installed and registered the XS Power D4900. Problem solved, just like that.

As with so much in life, the answer is MORE POWER.

[Deftronix]

Replaced the original battery with one of these today.



Just a heads up that the short height terminals (580) work better than the 586's for our application. I was not able to use the 586s due to my aftermarket stereo wiring and clearance issues. Regardless, the red power distributor that sits on top of the battery has a big space between using 586. The 580 is closer to stock fitment.


Wanted to let ppl know if they came across the thread in a search