Hi all, The cold has finally killed my original OEM battery on my 97 328i convertible. I need to find a replacement battery but haven't been able to find any except the dealer who said it could be anywhere from 120 to 170 for the battery, IMHO, thats too much. Does anyone know who makes a battery for my car and where I can purchase it from?

I have heard that NAPA carries one, but they are closed now as it's 5:30... Anyway all suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Al.

ttt

I originally posted this in the main section, but since we finally got our forum it's here too: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=646698

I also forgot to mention about the vibration resistance in the battery... Does it matter if i just use a regular battery??

-Al.

The convertible used a high vibration battery which is the same as the other battery just designed for the location. I don't know of many batteries that will survive like the original will if you want the exact same battery. I would got to Batteries Plus if you have one and bring them the battery as there are two sizes used and I prefer the longer battery as it has more amp hours of life...

im not sure what the difference is, but id like to know too. mine seems to be getting weak.

I just replaced my original 7 year old with one from the dealer for around $140. Really not that bad when you start comparing to the other out there for $120 that do not fit pefectly.

Your Dealer has a better price! I just got mine for $170.00 I looked at all the aftermarket ones and couldnt find anything good, so I just went for the OEM one. All in all I'm happy cause it fits exactly like it should.

I went to O'Reilly Auto Parts about 4 years ago and it works great. I think it cost $65 and they installed it for me (I was in my business clothes).

Douglas Battery used to make the Convertible (and other E36 model) OEM batteries. I picked up the exact same Douglas battery (minus the BMW Roundel and Part # stickers) from Batteries Plus for 50 bucks below the dealer price. It ran right about 110. after tax. Look for discount coupons (5 bucks- 10 bucks off) at the Batteries plus website, and be sure to check the coupons for surrounding stores too, as they'll usually honor their other outlets' coupons.

I have Interstate battry in mine, not by choice though, it came with the car. Another project... sigh.
Your Dealer has a better price! I just got mine for $170.00 I looked at all the aftermarket ones and couldnt find anything good, so I just went for the OEM one. All in all I'm happy cause it fits exactly like it should.

We don't have a batteries plus here in the NJ tristate area... I've also looked for Douglass Batteries online and couldn't find anything.

douglasbattery.com is the website where I found their customer service number. (800-244-8182) I called that and asked for a listing of local distributors. The best distributer in my area was Batteries Plus, but must be different in your area.

I'd do the OEM battery, less hassel.
Hi all, The cold has finally killed my original OEM battery on my 97 328i convertible. I need to find a replacement battery but haven't been able to find any except the dealer who said it could be anywhere from 120 to 170 for the battery, IMHO, thats too much. Does anyone know who makes a battery for my car and where I can purchase it from?

I have heard that NAPA carries one, but they are closed now as it's 5:30... Anyway all suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Al.