The OEM supplier for BMW batteries is Exide - but buying an Exide battery is exactly the same as buying a BMW battery, they are just rebranded and marked up.

A good alternative is the Mini cooper battery - which is exactly the same as the M3 CSL battery - you save about 19lb in weight from the OEM M3 Battery and it'll crank okay provided you don't run heavy audio equipment.

Just check that the CCA has enough juice to get your car going.

The standard E46 M3 battery Exide Classic CCA730 94R-60

http://174.143.96.117/BIN/images/EXIDE/94R-60.jpg

It's actually used on a lot of other European cars (might pay to see which dealership has the cheapest price):

for e.g. Audi A4s, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, Jag X-Type, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, Land Rover LR2 and 3, Merc C300 and C350, Porsche Boxter, VW Gold, Jetta, Passat, Touareg

The Mini Cooper S Battery is Exide Classic CCA 600 - Part 47-60
http://174.143.96.117/BIN/images/EXIDE/47-60.jpg

Used in even more cars .. like Audi TTs, Jags, loads of Mercs, Loads of Saabs, Loads ov VWs and virtually the whole Volvo range LOL ....


Link to all battery specs and application search for Exide here: http://www.showmetheparts.com/n2ebattery/#


But if you are really really weathy and have nothing else better to buy ... get this: I can't remember who makes this now, but I am sure I can find out with a bit of digging.

http://www.icars.sg/wp-content/uploa...on-battery.jpg

ive gone for this!

7.7kgs

http://www.jegs.com/images/mini_100/...147-B2317R.jpg

I've got the same one as Shimmy and can confirm after yesterday that it will crank the car over loads of times without going flat.

Tom - are you thinking of Voltfreaks for the li-ion battery?

Shimmy and Nathan .... Why not the Braille B106C?? Much lighter and works with our cars apparently:

B106C
6.6lbs/3.2kg
527 Pulse Cranking Amps*
10 Amp/Hr Reserve
5.8” x 3.4” x 4.2”
Left Side Positive
MSRP $219.99

http://www.braillebattery.com/index....tteries/b106c/

No, not Voltphreaks ... although they do have some pretty cool and reasonably priced products I must say !!

I believe the Porsche Lithium-ion is made by Li-Tec of Germany ;)

I went with the heavier one as the car is used for endurance racing and I'd rather carry a few extra kgs than it not start after refuelling!

Same here

my car is a road car with heater, a/c, etc etc and better safe than sorry.

I don't know enough about the card output to push it to it's limits and Braille etc recommended this one for all car with standard electrical outputs.

I'll take a pic of the battery on our race car, cranks and runs it fine, but weighs fook all and is about the size of a decent scooter battery!!!:thumbs:

How much does your car weigh now?

+1 yeh how much does it weigh in at now ad?

Mine is currently 1350kg with fuel, and still a road car. Not too bad:beer:

1350 with a full tank is impressive, mine was 1340 last year and was still road legal with aircon, electric windows, all the pollen filters etc etc.