AGM battery E39, E46, E53, E60, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66: Introduction

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 21 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW Z4, 2006 BMW M3, 2006 BMW M Roadster, 2006 BMW M Coupe, and 2006 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The first VRLA batteries, better known as AGM batteries , came into service in September 2002.

(VRLA means v alve-r egulated l ead a cid, i.e. lead acid battery with pressure relief valve. AGM stands for a bsorbent g lass m at, i.e. absorbent glass-fibre fleece)

AGM batteries are installed in models with electrical consumers that have high energy requirements. AGM batteries (90 Ah) are currently installed in:

The AGM battery (70 Ah) is installed as the second battery in option 146 (2nd battery).

The continuously increasing power requirements of modern vehicle electrical systems demand ever more efficient battery solutions. A modern luxury-class vehicle has some 100 actuator motors that have to be fed with electrical current. In addition, there are safety, environmental and comfort features that are increasingly becoming part of the standard equipment, for example anti-lock brake system (ABS), dynamic stability control (DSC), electric power steering (EPS), heated catalytic converter, electronically controlled suspension, air conditioning and navigation system.

Current consumption is considerable even when the vehicle is not in use.

The greater price for the same size battery is balanced out by the following benefits:

Greatly enhanced service life
Improved starting reliability at low temperatures
Reliable starting of engines with high starting current requirements, e.g. high-performance diesel engines
100% maintenance-free
Low risk in the event of an accident (reduced environmental risk)