What Battery Does a 2014 BMW 328i Use?

The 2014 BMW 328i typically uses an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Group 94R/H7 battery, around 80–95 Ah and 800+ CCA, and any replacement must be properly registered and often coded to the car so the charging system functions correctly. This article explains the correct battery type, key specifications, brand options, and the critical steps you must follow when replacing the battery in a 2014 BMW 328i.

Contents

Understanding the 2014 BMW 328i Battery Requirements
Key Specifications for a Replacement Battery
Battery Registration and Coding: Why It Matters
How to Confirm the Correct Battery for Your Specific 328i
Practical Advice on Replacing the Battery
Summary

Understanding the 2014 BMW 328i Battery Requirements

The 2014 BMW 328i, part of the F30 generation 3 Series, uses a sophisticated electrical and charging system that is sensitive to the type and capacity of the battery installed. Getting the specification wrong—or failing to register the new battery in the car’s software—can shorten battery life, trigger warning lights, or create electrical issues over time.

Original Equipment Battery Type

From the factory, most 2014 BMW 328i models (both rear-wheel drive and xDrive variants) came with an AGM battery mounted in the trunk. BMW uses AGM because the battery is inside the passenger compartment area (trunk), and AGM units are sealed, spill‑resistant, and better suited to modern start‑stop and high‑load electrical systems.

Below is a list of the key characteristics of the factory-style battery that BMW typically fits to a 2014 328i.

Type: AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), not traditional flooded lead-acid

BCI Group Size: 94R (also labeled as H7 in European sizing)

Typical Capacity: About 80–95 Ah (amp‑hours), commonly around 90 Ah

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): Generally around 800–900 CCA, depending on brand

Location: Trunk/right side under trim panel

Polarity/Layout: “R” (reverse) terminal layout to match OEM cable routing

These characteristics are the baseline you should match or exceed when selecting a replacement, to ensure compatibility with BMW’s intelligent charging system and to maintain starting performance and battery longevity.

Why AGM Is Recommended

BMW’s charging and energy management system in the F30 is calibrated for AGM behavior. While some cheaper flooded batteries may physically fit, they are not recommended for this model year because they can off‑gas more, are less tolerant of deep cycling, and may not respond well to the car’s charging strategy, particularly in vehicles with auto start‑stop and heavy electrical options.

Key Specifications for a Replacement Battery

Selecting a new battery for your 2014 BMW 328i requires more than just matching the physical size. You need to match the battery chemistry, electrical capacity, and layout, and then make sure the vehicle software is told about the change.

Core Specs You Should Match

The following specifications are the most important to match when buying a replacement battery for this vehicle.

Chemistry: AGM (mandatory if you want OEM-equivalent performance and safety)

Group Size: 94R/H7 to ensure proper fitment and cable reach

Amp‑Hour Rating: 80–95 Ah, similar to the original rating in your car

CCA Rating: At least around 750–800 CCA; 800+ CCA is typical and safe

Reserve Capacity: A higher number is better for supporting electronics

Terminal Orientation: Positive on the correct side to match BMW’s cables

Matching these specs ensures the car can start reliably in cold weather, support all electrical accessories, and that the intelligent alternator and energy management systems operate within their designed parameters.

Popular Aftermarket Battery Options

Several major brands produce batteries that meet BMW’s requirements for the 2014 328i. Availability varies by region, but most auto parts retailers will stock at least one suitable AGM 94R/H7 option.

The following list highlights common, reputable aftermarket battery options that are frequently chosen for the 2014 BMW 328i, based on typical U.S. and European offerings as of late 2024.

BMW OEM (Dealer-Branded) AGM 94R: Usually 90 Ah; highest compatibility but often the most expensive.

Exide AGM 94R/H7: Exide is an original supplier for many European brands and offers OEM‑grade batteries.

VARTA Silver Dynamic AGM H7: Common in Europe; equivalent to 94R, widely used as an OEM replacement.

Interstate MTX-94R/H7 AGM: Sold through many shops in North America; solid performance and warranty.

DieHard Platinum AGM 94R (H7): Available at many large U.S. chains; strong CCA and reserve capacity.

Bosch S6 High Performance AGM H7: Common in Europe and some U.S. markets; designed for start‑stop systems.

Duralast Platinum AGM H7-AGM (94R): AutoZone’s premium AGM; often a good balance of price and specs.

Any of these, provided they are AGM and in the 94R/H7 size, will typically work for a 2014 BMW 328i, but always confirm fitment using the retailer’s lookup tool and by comparing to your existing battery label.

Battery Registration and Coding: Why It Matters

On BMWs like the 2014 328i, swapping the battery is not just a mechanical job; it’s also a software step. Once a new battery is installed, the vehicle’s control unit needs to be informed through a process called “battery registration,” and sometimes “coding” if capacity or battery type changes.

What Is Battery Registration?

Battery registration tells the BMW’s DME/IBS (Digital Motor Electronics/Intelligent Battery Sensor) that a new battery has been installed. The car then resets its battery aging calculations and adjusts charging behavior so as not to overcharge a fresh battery or undercharge an old one.

Below are the key reasons registration is required for the 2014 BMW 328i.

Correct Charging Profile: The alternator output is adjusted based on battery age and condition.

Extended Battery Life: Prevents overcharging that can quickly degrade a new battery.

Error Prevention: Reduces risk of electrical fault codes and warning messages.

Accurate Monitoring: Ensures the car’s energy management system can correctly monitor state of charge.

Without registration, the car assumes the old, worn battery is still in place, and continues using an inappropriate charging strategy, which can shorten the lifespan of the new battery and cause confusing electrical issues.

When Coding Is Also Needed

If you change the battery’s type (for example, AGM to flooded, which is not recommended) or capacity (for example, 90 Ah to 70 Ah or 105 Ah), you may need not just registration, but coding. Coding updates the vehicle to expect a different battery specification so it can adjust its charging maps correctly.

The following situations commonly require both registration and coding on a BMW 328i (F30).

Changing From Flooded to AGM or Vice Versa: Chemistry changes require different charging behavior.

Significant Capacity Change (Ah): Moving up or down more than a minor step from OEM.

Non‑OEM-Spec Installations: Any time you deviate notably from the factory configuration.

Retrofitting Start‑Stop or Additional Electronics: When the vehicle’s energy demands change markedly.

Most 2014 328i owners replacing like‑for‑like AGM 94R batteries will need registration but not complex coding, as long as capacity stays close to the original value. Many independent BMW shops and some advanced DIYers use tools such as ISTA, Autel, or BimmerLink/BimmerCode for these tasks.

How to Confirm the Correct Battery for Your Specific 328i

Although most 2014 BMW 328i models share the same general battery spec, it is always wise to confirm what is currently installed and what the car was originally configured for, especially if you bought it used and don’t know its full service history.

Check the Existing Battery Label

The most direct way to verify what you need is to inspect the battery already in the trunk. Remove the right‑side trim panel in the cargo area to expose the battery and look for the label.

The label will usually provide the following information, which you should match as closely as possible.

“AGM” or “VRLA” Marking: Confirms the battery is an AGM type.

Group/Size: Often printed as 94R or H7.

Amp‑Hours (Ah): A number like 80 Ah, 90 Ah, or 92 Ah.

CCA Rating: Indicates cold cranking capability, often 800+ CCA.

Production Date Code: Helps you see how old the current battery is.

If the existing battery is not AGM or the size doesn’t match BMW’s typical configuration, it may have been replaced incorrectly in the past, and you’ll likely want to revert to a proper AGM 94R/H7 style unit and then register it correctly.

Use VIN-Based Fitment Tools

Many online and dealer systems can look up the original battery specs using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is especially useful if the current battery is missing labels or you suspect it is not the correct type.

To ensure accuracy, take these steps when using VIN-based systems and retailer databases.

Enter the Full VIN: This allows the system to identify engine, trim, and market.

Confirm “AGM” in the Listing: Some fitment guides list both AGM and non‑AGM; choose AGM.

Check Ah and CCA: Match them closely to OEM if multiple options exist.

Verify Group 94R/H7: Ensure you don’t accidentally choose a different size like 49 or 95R.

This double‑check against your VIN helps prevent mistakes, particularly on cars with special equipment such as additional audio systems or cold‑weather packages that may affect recommended battery spec.

Practical Advice on Replacing the Battery

Replacing the battery on a 2014 BMW 328i is a manageable job for an experienced DIYer but carries higher stakes than on an older, simpler car. If you are not comfortable with registering or coding the battery, it’s wise to involve a BMW‑savvy shop.

Mechanical Replacement Basics

From a purely mechanical perspective, swapping the battery is straightforward but space is somewhat confined in the trunk, and the unit is heavy.

The basic mechanical steps and considerations can be summarized as follows.

Access: Remove the right‑side trunk trim and any cover panel over the battery.

Safety First: Turn off the car, remove key/fob from proximity, and avoid open metal tools touching both terminals at once.

Disconnect Negative Terminal First: Then the positive, to reduce risk of short circuits.

Remove Hold‑Down Clamp: The battery is secured at the base; unbolt this to free it.

Lift Carefully: AGM batteries are heavy; use proper lifting technique or assistance.

Install New Battery: Place it in the tray, secure the hold‑down, then connect positive first, negative last.

Once the physical installation is complete, the car will usually start and run, but you have not yet finished the job—registration through software is still needed to properly integrate the new battery.

Software Steps: Registering the New Battery

After the mechanical replacement, the software side is crucial. Many independent shops and some dealerships will include registration as part of the battery replacement service, but if you replace it yourself you may need a compatible diagnostic tool or app.

Here are common ways owners and shops handle registration on a 2014 BMW 328i.

BMW Dealer or Specialist: Uses BMW ISTA or equivalent factory software to register and, if needed, code the battery.

Independent Shop with BMW Tools: Many European specialists own proper diagnostic equipment capable of registration.

DIY with OBD Tool: Apps like BimmerLink (with a compatible OBD adapter) or some Autel and Foxwell scanners can register batteries on F‑series BMWs.

Confirm Success: After registration, check for any lingering fault codes and verify no new warning lights appear.

Taking the time to register the battery significantly improves longevity and reduces the risk of unexpected electrical glitches, making it a non‑negotiable step for a modern BMW like the 2014 328i.

Summary

A 2014 BMW 328i is designed to use an AGM Group 94R/H7 battery, typically around 80–95 Ah and 800+ CCA, mounted in the trunk and integrated with an intelligent charging system. While several brands—BMW OEM, Exide, VARTA, Interstate, DieHard, Bosch, and Duralast among others—offer suitable AGM replacements, the crucial requirements are matching the AGM chemistry, 94R/H7 size, and similar capacity and performance specs.

Equally important, any new battery must be electronically registered with the car, and in cases where the capacity or type changes, possibly coded as well. Checking the existing battery label, verifying fitment via your VIN, and either using a competent shop or proper diagnostic tools ensure that your 2014 BMW 328i continues to start reliably and that its complex electrical system operates as designed.

What kind of battery does a 2014 BMW 328i take?

Duralast Platinum Group Size 94R H7 Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Battery H7-AGM.

What type of battery does a BMW 328i use?

A BMW 328i typically uses a 12V lead-acid battery, but the specific type, group size, and technology depend on the model year, with many newer models requiring an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery due to the start-stop system. Common group sizes include Group 48 (H6), Group 94R (H7), or Group 49 (H8), so it is essential to verify the correct size for your specific vehicle.

Key information

Voltage: All batteries are 12V.
Technology: Older models may use a standard flooded lead-acid battery, while newer models with a start-stop system require a more robust AGM battery.
Group Sizes: The physical size and terminal configuration vary by year, with common sizes including Group 48 (H6), Group 94R (H7), and Group 49 (H8).
Battery Registration: For newer BMWs, the new battery must be registered with the vehicle’s computer system after installation, even if the same size is used, to ensure proper charging.

How to find the right battery

Check your current battery: The group size will be printed on the label of your old battery.
Use an online fitment tool: Use your vehicle’s year, make, and model on an auto parts store’s website to find compatible batteries.
Consult your owner’s manual: This will provide the definitive specifications for your car.
Take measurements: You can also measure your old battery and compare it to the dimensions of new batteries.

What type of battery does my BMW use?

BMWs use one of three types of car battery: Lead-acid, GEL or Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM). Each one operates differently, will have different pros and cons while in use, and should even be installed and handled in different ways.

What battery does a BMW 3 series use?

A BMW 3 Series uses various battery types, but modern models commonly use AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries with specific sizes like Group 94R (H7) or Group 48 (H6). The exact battery depends on the specific model year and features like stop-start systems, but the key specifications are 12V voltage and a certain amp-hour (Ah) and cold-cranking amp (CCA) rating, such as the common 90Ah/720CCA for many E90 models.
Common battery types and specifications

AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat): This is the recommended type for newer models, especially those with a stop-start system, as it provides better performance and longevity.
EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery): This is a more advanced version of a traditional lead-acid battery and is suitable for some models.
Standard Lead-Acid: Older models may have used conventional lead-acid batteries, but these are less common now.