What Type of Battery Is in a BMW 335i?

The BMW 335i typically uses a 12‑volt Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery sized around Group 94R (also known as H7) with a capacity in the 80–95 Ah range, but the exact specification depends on model year, market, and factory equipment. Below is a detailed breakdown of battery types, sizes, and what BMW owners need to know when replacing or upgrading the battery in a 335i.

Understanding the BMW 335i and Its Electrical Demands

The BMW 335i, especially in its E90/E92/E93 (mid‑2000s to early 2010s) and F30 (2012–2015) generations, is an electronically complex vehicle with advanced engine management, comfort features, and safety systems. These systems place higher demands on the battery than older, simpler cars, which is why BMW pairs the 335i with a high‑capacity, computer-managed battery and charging system.

Factory Battery Type: Lead‑Acid vs AGM

Most modern 335i models come with AGM batteries, though some early or lower-spec cars may have conventional flooded lead‑acid batteries. Understanding the distinction is key if you’re planning a replacement.

AGM Battery (Most Common in 335i)

The dominant factory-installed battery type in BMW 335i models from roughly 2007 onward is the AGM battery. These are sealed, maintenance‑free batteries designed to cope with high electrical loads and frequent charge/discharge cycles.

The main advantages of AGM batteries in the BMW 335i include:

• Better resistance to vibration and heat under the hood or in the trunk area.
• Higher cycle life, making them more suitable for vehicles with many electronic consumers.
• Low self‑discharge, which helps the car handle periods of infrequent use.
• Compatibility with intelligent charging systems and, in some markets, start‑stop technology.

These advantages explain why BMW specifies AGM batteries in most 335i configurations, particularly where there is start‑stop, high audio loads, or many comfort options.

Conventional Flooded Lead‑Acid Battery (Less Common)

Some earlier or lower-option 335i models, especially in the mid‑2000s, may have been delivered with conventional flooded lead‑acid batteries, typically also 12‑volt and of similar physical size.

Key characteristics of conventional batteries include:

• Lower cost than AGM batteries, making them appealing as budget replacements.
• Shorter service life under heavy electrical load compared with AGM equivalents.
• Higher sensitivity to deep discharges and under‑charging.
• Potentially different charging profile compared with AGM, which matters for BMW’s battery management system.

While a standard flooded battery may physically fit, BMW’s system is tuned for specific battery types and capacities, so swapping types without proper programming can reduce performance and battery life.

Typical Battery Specifications by Generation

Although there can be variation by year and market, most 335i models fall into two main chassis generations, each with broadly similar battery specifications.

E90/E92/E93 335i (Approx. 2006–2013)

The E90 sedan, E92 coupe, and E93 convertible 335i variants usually have the battery mounted in the trunk, on the right side under the trim. These vehicles typically use a large H7 / Group 94R battery.

Common original‑equipment specifications for an E90‑series 335i include:

• Voltage: 12 V
• Type: AGM (most commonly), with some early or basic cars using flooded lead‑acid
• Size / Group: 94R or H7 DIN size
• Capacity: Approximately 80–90 Ah, depending on equipment level
• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): Typically in the 720–900 CCA range, varying by brand

Because BMW tailors the battery to the car’s options (heated seats, iDrive, upgraded audio, etc.), the exact amp‑hour rating can differ even within the same model year, so verifying the label on the existing battery or VIN‑based lookup is recommended.

F30 335i (Approx. 2012–2015)

The F30 3 Series generation modernized the electrical system further and often includes energy recuperation and more sophisticated battery management.

Typical factory battery specifications for an F30 335i include:

• Voltage: 12 V
• Type: AGM is the standard in most markets, especially where start‑stop is available
• Size / Group: Commonly 94R (H7) or sometimes slightly different European DIN sizes, but similar footprint
• Capacity: Roughly 80–95 Ah, again depending on the specific configuration
• CCA: Around 760–900 CCA, depending on the brand and exact part

Because the F30 platform’s electrical architecture is highly sensitive to correct battery data, matching both capacity and type when replacing the battery is especially important.

Why the Battery Type Matters in a BMW 335i

BMW employs an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) and a battery management strategy that controls charging based on the battery’s age, type, and state of charge. This makes the correct battery type and programming more than just a technicality.

Impact on Performance and Reliability

If the wrong type or capacity battery is installed, several problems can appear over time, even if the car initially starts and runs without issue.

Common issues caused by incorrect battery fitment or programming include:

• Premature battery failure due to incorrect charging profile.
• Erratic electrical behavior, such as flickering lights or random warning messages.
• Reduced efficiency of energy recuperation and alternator control.
• Strain on the alternator from constantly over‑ or under‑charging the battery.

These effects often develop gradually, which can make it difficult to trace them back to an incorrectly specified or unregistered replacement battery.

Battery Registration and Coding in the BMW 335i

Unlike many older cars, swapping the battery in a 335i is not purely a mechanical job. BMW expects that every new battery will be “registered” with the vehicle’s control modules.

What Is Battery Registration?

Battery registration is an electronic procedure performed via specialized software that tells the car a new battery has been installed and records its characteristics.

During registration, the system typically:

• Resets the internal battery aging data and charge history.
• Adjusts charging strategy according to battery type (AGM vs flooded) and capacity (e.g., 80 Ah vs 90 Ah).
• Helps prevent over‑charging a fresh battery or under‑charging an older one.
• Maintains proper operation of comfort and efficiency features tied to the charging system.

Registering the battery ensures that the car’s IBS and alternator operate in a way that maximizes the new battery’s lifespan and stability.

What Happens If You Don’t Register the Battery?

Many 335i owners drive for some time with an unregistered battery, but problems often surface later, especially on AGM units.

Potential consequences of skipping registration include:

• Accelerated battery wear, sometimes resulting in replacement within a couple of years.
• Intermittent electronic gremlins, such as warning lights and accessory malfunctions.
• Suboptimal charging, particularly in extreme temperatures or short‑trip driving.
• Diagnostic confusion if technicians see mismatched battery data in the control units.

For these reasons, BMW dealers and experienced independent shops generally regard registration as mandatory whenever the battery is replaced or its specifications are changed.

How to Identify the Correct Battery for Your Specific 335i

Because BMW made incremental changes across years, trims, and markets, the most reliable approach is to verify what your specific vehicle calls for, rather than relying solely on generic fitment charts.

Practical Steps to Confirm the Right Battery

Owners can use a combination of visual checks and data sources to determine the exact battery their BMW 335i needs.

Useful methods to confirm your battery specification include:

• Inspect the existing battery label: Look for capacity (Ah), voltage, CCA, and whether it’s clearly marked as AGM or not.
• Use your VIN: Enter the Vehicle Identification Number into BMW parts catalog sites (or ask a dealer) to get OE part numbers.
• Check the trunk or engine bay label: Some cars have a sticker showing approved battery types and capacities.
• Consult the owner’s manual: It often lists recommended battery capacities and sometimes notes AGM requirements.

Once you have the factory specs, you can select an aftermarket battery that matches those key details, even if the brand differs from the original BMW-branded unit.

Common Replacement Options and Brands

Many mainstream battery manufacturers produce AGM units that meet or exceed BMW’s original specifications for the 335i.

Aftermarket AGM Batteries That Typically Fit a 335i

While availability varies by region, several well-known brands offer compatible 94R/H7 AGM batteries for the BMW 335i.

Examples of commonly used replacement options include:

• Exide / Varta AGM (Europe): Frequently used as OEM suppliers for BMW, with 80–95 Ah units.
• Interstate (North America): AGM 94R models designed for European cars with high electrical loads.
• Bosch AGM: Widely available in both EU and US markets, often with OE‑level quality.
• ACDelco / DieHard / Other premium brands: Offer 94R AGM batteries that meet modern European spec requirements.

Regardless of brand, matching the key parameters—type (AGM), size (94R/H7), voltage, and amp‑hour rating—is more important than using a specific logo on the case.

Key Takeaways for BMW 335i Owners

Choosing the right battery and installing it correctly in a BMW 335i is central to the car’s reliability and electrical health. While the broad answer is that the 335i uses a 12‑volt AGM battery of around 80–95 Ah in the 94R/H7 form factor, the details still matter.

Practical Recommendations

Owners should keep a few core principles in mind when dealing with battery replacement.

Important points to remember include:

• Most BMW 335i models are designed for an AGM battery; replacing AGM with conventional lead‑acid is not advised without proper coding.
• Match or closely match the original amp‑hour rating and physical size (commonly Group 94R / H7).
• Always register the new battery with the car’s control system after installation.
• When in doubt, confirm the specification via the existing battery label, VIN lookup, or a BMW‑savvy technician.

Following these practices will help ensure the 335i’s electrical system remains stable, with fewer unexpected battery‑related issues over the long term.

Summary

The BMW 335i is engineered to run on a high‑capacity 12‑volt AGM battery, most commonly in the Group 94R (H7) size with an 80–95 Ah rating, though exact specifications vary by year, market, and option package. Some earlier or simpler cars may have shipped with conventional flooded lead‑acid batteries, but AGM has become the standard due to the model’s substantial electrical demands. When replacing the battery, owners should match the original type and capacity, ensure proper physical fit, and crucially, register the new battery with the vehicle’s electronic control system to maintain correct charging behavior and maximize service life.

What kind of battery does a 2012 BMW 335i take?

Duralast Platinum Group Size 48 H6 AGM Battery H6-AGM.

What battery does a 335i need?

DieHard Platinum AGM – Battery: H6 Group Size, 4 Year Warranty, 760 CCA, 950 CA, 120 Minute Reserve Capacity (Part No. H6-AGM)

What type of battery is a BMW battery?

BMWs typically use Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, especially in models from 2005 onwards, due to their ability to support the vehicle’s advanced electronics and start-stop systems. Newer models and some M series cars may also use lithium-ion batteries, which have a higher energy density and are common in electric and hybrid vehicles. Conventional flooded lead-acid batteries are used in some older models or as supplemental batteries in EVs, but AGM and lithium-ion are the standard for modern BMWs. 
This video demonstrates the location of the battery in a BMW and how to access it: 57sJustin BuiceYouTube · Aug 18, 2022
Common battery types in BMWs

• AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat): The most common type for modern gasoline BMWs. These batteries are sealed, maintenance-free, and handle frequent charging cycles and high electrical demands better than traditional batteries. 
• Lithium-ion: Primarily found in electric and hybrid vehicles, though some performance models may use them as well. They offer higher energy density and efficiency. 
• Conventional flooded lead-acid: Used in older models. While less common in newer BMWs, they may be used as a supplemental battery in EVs to power other systems. 

Important considerations for BMW batteries

• Start-stop systems: Many modern BMWs have automatic start-stop technology that requires an AGM battery to handle the frequent re-cranking. 
• Advanced electronics: The high electrical demand from navigation, climate control, and other systems also necessitates a more robust battery like an AGM or lithium-ion. 
• Battery registration: When replacing an AGM battery, the new battery needs to be registered with the vehicle’s computer system so the car can properly manage charging. 

You can watch this video to learn how to register a new battery in a BMW: 44sFCP EuroYouTube · Dec 10, 2024

Which battery is used in the BMW 3 series?

Suitable batteries for BMW 3 Series (Diesel) Passengers Vehicles

	AMARON PRO Automotive Battery – 600109087 (AAM-PR-600109087)
Series	Pro
Item Code	AAM-PR-600109087
Model	600109087
Product Dimensions (LxBxH) (mm)	353x175x190