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):
For these petrol engines, we recommend batteries with dimensions of 242x175x190 mm and a capacity exceeding 59 Ah. The weakest of these is the battery Varta Blue Dynamic D24 which capacity is 60 Ah and Cold Cranking Amps is 540 A. The most powerful battery is Lucas Supreme LS027 of a capacity 65Ah and Cold Cranking Amps: 640 A. All of the above motors have a base hold-down B13.
For these petrol engines, we recommend batteries with dimensions of 276x175x190 mm or 278x175x190 mm and a capacity exceeding 67 Ah. The weakest of these is the battery Halfords Essentials HB 096 which capacity is 70 Ah and Cold Cranking Amps is 640 A. The most powerful battery is Lucas Supreme LS096 of a capacity 78Ah and Cold Cranking Amps: 780 A. The base hold-down of the above batteries is B13.
For these petrol engines, we recommend batteries with dimensions of 276x175x190 mm or 278x175x190 mm and a capacity exceeding 71 Ah. The weakest of these is the battery Varta Blue Dynamic E11 which capacity is 74 Ah and Cold Cranking Amps is 680 A. The most powerful battery is Lucas Supreme LS096 of a capacity 78Ah and Cold Cranking Amps: 780 A. All of the above motors have a base hold-down B13.
These diesel engines should work with batteries of dimensions 315x175x190 mm, which capacity is minimum 77 Ah. The most basic battery of this set is Exide Excell EB800 of a capacity 80Ah and 640A Cold Cranking Amps, the battery with the biggest capacity is Exide Premium EA900 of a capacity 90 Ah, having 720A Cold Cranking Amps. All of the above motors have a base hold-down B13.
These diesel engines should work with batteries of dimensions 352x175x190 mm or 353x175x190 mm, which capacity is minimum 92 Ah. The most basic battery of this set is Varta Blue Dynamic G3 of a capacity 95Ah and 800A Cold Cranking Amps, the battery with the biggest capacity is Exide Premium EA1000 of a capacity 100 Ah, having 900A Cold Cranking Amps. All of the above motors have a base hold-down B13. 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!
See also information about other cars of this manufacturer