For petrol engines without the Start-Stop function, such as the 116i, 118i, 120i, and 130i, conventional lead-acid batteries are generally suitable. The required capacity and cold-cranking amps (CCA) vary depending on the specific engine: for example, the 116i typically uses batteries with a capacity between 50 and 58 Ah and CCA in the range of 420 to 540 A. Suitable examples for this configuration include Bosch S40 02, Exide EA530, and Varta C22, among others. For the more powerful 118i and 120i engines, a slightly larger battery is needed, usually between 60 and 65 Ah and 540 to 640 A CCA. In these cases, models such as Bosch S40 05, Exide EA640, or Varta D24 would fit. The 130i without Start-Stop requires an even larger battery, typically ranging from 74 to 78 Ah and with a CCA between 680 and 780 A; examples of compatible batteries are Bosch S40 08, Exide EA770, or Varta E44.
If your BMW 1 Series is equipped with the Start-Stop system, the requirements change significantly. Start-Stop technology places much greater demands on the battery because it needs to endure frequent engine restarts and support the vehicle's electrics even when the engine is temporarily off. For petrol engines with Start-Stop, like the 116i, 118i, 120i, and 130i, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries are highly recommended due to their superior cycling capability and resilience under high-load conditions. The typical capacity for these batteries is between 70 and 72 Ah, with a CCA of 720 to 760 A. Some compatible AGM batteries for this application include Bosch S5A 08, Exide EK700, and Varta E39.
Diesel engines have specific needs due to their higher compression ratios and the increased power required to start them, especially in colder climates. For diesel variants without Start-Stop, such as the 116d, 118d, and 120d, lead-acid batteries with a higher capacity, generally between 80 and 88 Ah and a CCA of 700 to 800 A, are necessary. Examples of suitable batteries include Bosch S40 10, Exide EA852, and Varta F17. An interesting detail is that for these diesel models, it is crucial to pay attention to the battery height, as the space in the battery compartment often necessitates a battery with a reduced height of 175 mm. This is a subtle yet important factor that can be easily overlooked during replacement.
For diesel engines with Start-Stop, such as the 116d, 118d, 120d, and 123d, AGM batteries are again the preferred choice, with a typical capacity between 80 and 82 Ah and a CCA rating of around 800 A. Examples of suitable AGM models include Bosch S5A 11, Exide EK800, and Varta F21. These batteries provide the robustness and cycling endurance that modern Start-Stop systems demand, ensuring longevity and optimal vehicle performance.
It is also worth mentioning that battery technology has advanced significantly over the years. AGM batteries, for instance, are sealed and maintenance-free, making them not only safer but also more reliable under heavy use. This is particularly beneficial for drivers who use their BMWs in urban environments, where frequent stops and starts are common. Another interesting fact is that many modern BMWs require the battery to be registered with the vehicle's onboard computer system after replacement. This process ensures that the vehicle charging system recognizes the new battery and operates optimally, which is especially crucial for cars with energy management systems or Start-Stop technology.
In summary, selecting the right battery for your BMW 1 Series E81 or E87 from 2003-2012 depends on matching the battery type, size, capacity, and starting power to your car’s specifications. While the above-mentioned brands and models are examples of compatible batteries, always double-check the dimensions and electrical specs before purchasing, and consider professional installation and registration to guarantee optimal performance and longevity.
BMW 1 Series in version E81, E87 was produced in the years 2003 – 2012. We invite you to a list of batteries matching individual engine versions.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for BMW 1 Series (2003-2012):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
BMW 1 Series E81, E87 – petrol engines:
- 116 i
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 02 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 02 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB500 | 50 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA530 | 53 Ah 540 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 012 | 52 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP079 | 50 Ah 420 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS012 | 58 Ah 520 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic C22 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic C30 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
BMW 1 Series E81, E87 – petrol engines:
- 118 i
- 120 i
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 05 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 05 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB620 | 62 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA640 | 64 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 027 | 62 Ah 550 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP027 | 60 Ah 540 A | 243x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS027 | 65 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D24 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D15 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
BMW 1 Series E81, E87 – petrol engines:
- 130 i
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB740 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA770 | 77 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 096 | 76 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP096 | 75 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS096 | 78 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E11 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E44 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
BMW 1 Series E81, E87 – petrol engines:
- 116 i – with Start-Stop
- 118 i – with Start-Stop
- 120 i – with Start-Stop
- 130 i – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 08 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK700 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK720 | 72 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard AGM 096 | 70 Ah 720 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 096 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF096 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM E39 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
BMW 1 Series E81, E87 – diesel engines:
- 116 d
- 118 d
- 120 d
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 10 | 80 Ah 740 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 10 | 85 Ah 800 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB802 | 80 Ah 700 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA852 | 85 Ah 800 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 110 | 80 Ah 760 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP110 | 80 Ah 800 A | 317x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS110 | 88 Ah 800 A | 317x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic F17 | 80 Ah 740 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic F18 | 85 Ah 800 A | 315x175x175 mm | More |
BMW 1 Series E81, E87 – diesel engines:
- 116 d – with Start-Stop
- 118 d – with Start-Stop
- 120 d – with Start-Stop
- 123 d – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 11 | 80 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK800 | 80 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK820 | 82 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 115 | 80 Ah 800 A | 317x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF115 | 80 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM F21 | 80 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your BMW 1 Series , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!