New Style BMW Battery???

[GlobalRider]

When did BMW switch to the new style battery in the oilheads?

Both my 2003 and 2004 GS Adventures came with a gel cell made by Exide Technologies. Both of these batteries have a vent in the top cover. The part number ended in -200.

The battery I just received (part number ending with -800) no longer has a vent and the battery is made in Portugal according to a label on the shrink wrap. It is a gel battery as stated on the label.

Since the replacement flooded lead acid BMW Mareg battery for my R100 GS was made in Portugal, I'm wondering if BMW switched suppliers. Edited to add: not the case. The new battery is still made by Exide Technologies

I was never overly impressed with the batteries that came in my oilheads. The one in the 2003 lasted just over 4 years which I find unacceptable.

[chrisZ]

Switch to a AGM battery if you have a choice. The Odyssey batteries (PC680) are highly recommended by all who use them. As for the life of your battery being 4 years, I find that acceptable for the wet cell types.

[GlobalRider]

Oh and by the way, thanks to both Jason and Ben of Hammersley BMW (http://www.webparts.com) for the great service.

The batteries were back ordered from BMW NA and didn't come in till last Wednesday (fresh batch :thumb) and I needed it sent to a UPS Store stateside where I was going to be on Friday.

$104.41 + $18.95 for overnight shipping got it there Thursday morning.

Up here, BMW dealers (I called two) are charging $230 for the same battery. :scratch :laugh :nyah :huh

[GlobalRider]

Switch to a AGM battery if you have a choice. The Odyssey batteries (PC680) are highly recommended by all who use them.

I would have if they would come with the correct battery posts. You'd think it would be in Odyssey's interest to do so considering how many BMWs are around and how their battery line never changes.

As for the life of your battery being 4 years, I find that acceptable for the wet cell types.

Well considering I get 8 full years out of my BMW Mareg batteries, a half life is unacceptable. In fact, I used my first replacement BMW Mareg battery from my R100 GS (filled 8 years ago) to start my oilhead. And the car batteries are even older at 9 and 17 years.

[chrisZ]

8 years on a battery is quite impressive. I've just replaced two batteries, one sealed Yuasa in my VFR after 3 years and another maintenence type from dealer in my RT after 4 years. I keep these batteries on battery tenders off season and even between rides during the season. Obviously I'm doing something wrong. :banghead

[PAULBACH]

8 years on a battery is quite impressive. I've just replaced two batteries, one sealed Yuasa in my VFR after 3 years and another maintenence type from dealer in my RT after 4 years. I keep these batteries on battery tenders off season and even between rides during the season. Obviously I'm doing something wrong. :banghead

Sounds like you are doing everything right! :thumb

Maybe a new supplier is in order! :scratch

[jingdog]

Anyone try these? Theyre AGM.

http://www.beiterbatteries.com/mobility_12v_200ah.htm

[bmwmick]

Anyone try these? Theyre AGM.

http://www.beiterbatteries.com/mobility_12v_200ah.htm

I recently replaced my Panasonic LC-X1220P (4 years old) with one of these:
http://www.batteriesasap.com/48.html
It's a 22AH battery in the same size as the Panasonic.

I've been using the AGM Panasonic's in all my bikes for about 10 years and have never had one fail. I replace them every 4 years.

[syoung]

I had bad luck with a Toyo-after installation it quickly lost charge, and even using a charger before every ride, it finally left me stranded. I ended up buying another battery at the dealer after being towed in. I would go for the BMW, which I have had good luck with approx 3 years even in the Arizona heat. Sam

[GlobalRider]

And as I've always said, simply taking the voltage reading of a battery is pretty well meaningless, at least as far as indicating the health of a battery.

I charged up my originally installed, almost 5 year old BMW gel battery and then tried to start my GS. The starter may have turned over 2 twice, if that. And yet, shortly after doing so, the open circuit voltage read 12.73 V (my replacement read 12.77 V upon pick-up last weekend, was put on my Optimate III immediately and will be installed tonight).

Edited to add: Now that the battery is installed, the following voltages were measured:

Battery installed, ignition off: 12.98 V
Engine running (no load other than what turns on with the ignition on. ie: low beam & tail light): 14.05 V (could be a bit higher) from idle to 4000 RPM.

[wsteinborn]

And as I've always said, simply taking the voltage reading of a battery is pretty well meaningless, at least as far as indicating the health of a battery....

But, watching the voltage while cranking. That is helpfull.

Mine started dipping below 10V while cranking, and now the red warning light flashes at the same time. My battery has been slowly deteriorating. I just can't tell how long to let it go before replacing it.

[GlobalRider]

But, watching the voltage while cranking. That is helpfull.

Kind of hard with a Digital Multimeter without a "hold" feature. The voltage varies during starting due to the varying load on the starter and an analog meter has other drawbacks. But yes, a load test is one; the other being a capacity test. Now to go and try that battery load tester I bought at Harbor Freight. Edited to add: yes it works and the old battery is toast.

The new battery is installed and what a difference.

BTW, the new battery is a BMW Exide and not a BMW Mareg as I originally thought and stated in the first post. It is made in Portugal though...and I would assume so was the original that came with the motorcyle since it was labelled in numerous languages.

[wsteinborn]

I may have to get a battery tester.....

My voltmeter in the lower-right of the photo (engine is not running):

http://www.dustyjacket.com/mc/r1200rt/zumo1.jpg

[GlobalRider]

I may have to get a battery tester.....

This is what I picked up at Harbor Freight...100 AMP 6/12 Volt Battery Load Tester (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90636)

My voltmeter in the lower-right of the photo (engine is not running):

http://www.dustyjacket.com/mc/r1200rt/zumo1.jpg

That looks like a DATEL meter. I have a DATEL just like it but with an LCD display so that it can be connected to the battery in the "always on" mode. Even when parked in the garage, I can tell what my battery voltage is. It only draws 2 mA.