Battery type - Standard or AGM?

[InsanePineapple]

I just bought a battery charger, which has three charge settings: standard, AGM, or Cell. My web searches so far seems to indicate that the OEM battery is AGM, but looking at the battery itself, I see no indication that it is an AGM type. Any thoughts what type of battery this is?

[BMWZ4RIDER]

Great question. I too would be interested to know the type.

[InsanePineapple]

Found a thread on e90post. The battery looks similar but is a bit higher rated. People in the thread seems to think it's a regular non-AGM battery:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=673035

[raven333]

AGM are best suited for cars that live a life of short runs, they are a lot more expensive but do offer advantages over ordinary batteries. BMW generally use AGM in cars with lots of electronics for example 6/7 series and the m series cars.

[HerrK]

Originally Posted by morfinx

I just bought a battery charger, which has three charge settings: standard, AGM, or Cell. My web searches so far seems to indicate that the OEM battery is AGM, but looking at the battery itself, I see no indication that it is an AGM type. Any thoughts what type of battery this is?

If your battery were an AGM, it would not have the electrolyte condition window (red circle, black iris, clear center) and related condition state markings.

It is a std wet cell.

Newer Z4's use the AGM type.

[raven333]

Originally Posted by HerrK

If your battery were an AGM, it would not have the electrolyte condition window (red circle, black iris, clear center) and related condition state markings.

It is a std wet cell.

Newer Z4's use the AGM type.

Hate to counter state but the AGM's do have the condition window, with green as fully/charged and black as below charge or dud!!!!
Normally AGM have a higher amp-age, normally 110 amps, because they are much better at dealing with high drainage on starting because the battery is not being fully charged due to the fact that the car is doing short runs. BMW have a big write-up in the TIS document about the different batteries and the conditions of use!!!!

[InsanePineapple]

Originally Posted by raven333

Hate to counter state but the AGM's do have the condition window, with green as fully/charged and black as below charge or dud!!!!
Normally AGM have a higher amp-age, normally 110 amps, because they are much better at dealing with high drainage on starting because the battery is not being fully charged due to the fact that the car is doing short runs. BMW have a big write-up in the TIS document about the different batteries and the conditions of use!!!!

Are you saying that my particular battery is an AGM?

Seems like the consensus so far is that it's a standard wet cell. I had already charged it using the standard charging profile, so hopefully I didn't do any permanent damage.

[raven333]

On my 6 series it said AGM on the battery, so yours is a standard battery. The best battery charger to buy is made by Ctek ! which BMW actually sell under their name. It charges all types of batteries as it has intelligent sensors. I have a Ctek7000. Never had a battery issue since I bought it, I do a recharge every month especially if I have had a short run month. Keeping the battery in top condition is the least understood part of a car and yet in some cars it creates the most niggling and intermittent problems, just look at the 6 series forum to get an idea of what poor battery condition can do!!!!!!"
As I mentioned AGM batteries are generally higher in amps I do not think they are in the 80AH range, most start at 110AH +

[z4z4z4]

Yes BMW uses 80AH AGM batteries.

In my 2011 35i
Battery from Exide - AGM 80AH 800A 1 61217598775 $399

I also looked up 2011 28i and found three size AGM batteries used, 70, 80 and 90 AH.

Realoem.com is your friend.

[InsanePineapple]

Originally Posted by z4z4z4

Yes BMW uses 80AH AGM batteries.

In my 2011 35i
Battery from Exide - AGM 80AH 800A 1 61217598775 $399

I also looked up 2011 28i and found three size AGM batteries used, 70, 80 and 90 AH.

Realoem.com is your friend.

I did check realoem and the model number seems to apply it's an AGM. But all evidences are against mine being an AGM. AGM is supposed to be black, and standard wet cell is supposed to be white. What color is yours?

[E89Tardis]

My 2009 35i with newly replaced battery (AMG)

[z4z4z4]

Originally Posted by morfinx

What color is yours?

Mine is black. 70AH. I noticed pic of battery for E89Tardis is a black 80AH.
Maybe premium sound and/or navigation requires larger battery and more Reserve Crank (RC) rating. ?

[E89Tardis]

I do have 2009 Nav but no premium sound. I never saw the battery that came with the car. This was a recent replacement.