I did a search and couldn't find the info I wanted. I'm having a problem getting the tray removed that covers the battery, using the instructions
in the owners manual. I talked to a service advisor and he said, you just have to work at it.

I also need to know if I need to buy an OEM battery, or if you guys use a different brand. If you buy a non BMW battery, does it have the vent tube
connection?

My battery isn't causing a problem at the present, but I think it might be the original battery and the car was first bought by a doctor, in Dec. 2000. I just
got done replacing the battery in my wife's Camry, (totally dead) and it was only 4 years old. That gave me cause for concern about the BMW battery.

Thanks for any info.

The OEM battery tends to run on the stupid side of expensive. The Duralast 49-DL from Autozone fits perfectly and is only about $70.

Any group size 49 battery should work for you I would recomend Interstate, also Exide isnt a bad choice that is where the BMW batteries the dealerships carry come from.

And the 49-DL has a vent tube to go along with it.

You should do what I did. If something breaks, upgrade it. My battery died, I bought an Optima Redtop from Advance for $110. Have one in this car, had one in my last car, and they've been great.

I have a red top in mine and have had no problems

And as for the battery cover, yeah, you just have to work at it. Don't forget, of course, to remove the two screws that hold it down(they're not really screws, you only have to turn them a quarter turn to unlock them).

I also found it necessary to pull back the trunk wall liner (the stiff carpet around that area). The bottom edge of the liner fits down into two channels on the battery cover, and unless you pull it out of those channels, you risk breaking the plastic if you force it out.

My OEM battery lasted for a little over five years. It died last summer. Replaced it with an OEM one. Been happy ever since.

Dan

Thanks so much guys, I appreciate all the good info. Now I need to get the
cover off to see if it has been replaced, which I suspect it hasn't, since it doesn't appear on any of the servcce invoices.

Thanks again,
Bill

Any auto parts store will have a replacement, (autozone, advance, napa...) They will also have about a 7 yr. prorated warranty, and they will cost half of what the dealer wants. Don't buy a BMW battery.