Choosing the right battery for the BMW 3 Series E46 (1998-2005) is crucial for ensuring vehicle reliability. It’s important to consider the engine type and battery capacity to match the car’s needs. For petrol models without the Start-Stop system, such as the 316i, 318i, or 323i, lead-acid batteries with a capacity ranging from 60 to 78 Ah and a cranking current between 540 and 780 A are recommended. Example suitable models include Bosch S40 05, Exide EA640, or Varta D15.
Versions with larger engines, such as the 320i, 325i, or 330i, require slightly larger batteries with a capacity ranging from 74 to 78 Ah and a cranking current between 680 and 780 A. Suitable models include Bosch S50 08, Exide EB740, or Varta E44. It is important that the battery has the appropriate capacity to meet the demands of larger engines, which require more energy to start.
For diesel models like the 318d or 320d, it is recommended to use batteries with higher capacity, from 80 to 90 Ah, with a cranking current between 640 and 800 A. Example suitable models for these vehicles are Bosch S50 11, Exide EA900, and Varta F16. For more powerful versions, like the 330d or 330xd, batteries with a capacity of 95 to 100 Ah are appropriate, such as the Bosch S40 13 or Varta H3.
Interestingly, in older models like the BMW E46, lead-acid batteries are still widely used because they are more economical and readily available. Their design allows for long life with regular use, and replacement is relatively simple. However, it’s important to regularly check the battery condition, especially in older cars, where natural wear may occur.
BMW 3 Series in version E46 was produced in the years 1998 – 2005. The following table presents information about batteries that match each of the engines available on the market.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for BMW 3 Series (1998-2005):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
BMW 3 Series E46 – petrol engines:
- 316 i
- 318 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 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 3 Series E46 – petrol engines:
- 323 i
- 328 i
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 08 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC700 | 70 Ah 640 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 Essentials HB 096 | 70 Ah 640 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 Black Dynamic E13 | 70 Ah 640 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 3 Series E46 – petrol engines:
- 320 i
- 325 i
- 325 xi
- 330 i
- 330 xi
| 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 3 Series E46 – diesel engines:
- 318 d
- 320 d
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 S50 11 | 85 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB800 | 80 Ah 640 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA900 | 90 Ah 720 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic F16 | 80 Ah 740 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic F19 | 85 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
BMW 3 Series E46 – diesel engines:
- 330 d
- 330 xd
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 13 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 13 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB950 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA1000 | 100 Ah 900 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 019 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic G3 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic H3 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your BMW 3 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!