Selecting the right battery for your BMW X5 E70, produced between 2006 and 2013, is crucial for ensuring the reliable operation of your vehicle and maintaining all its advanced features. The E70 generation offers a wide variety of engines, both petrol and diesel, each with different electrical requirements and, in some cases, advanced Start-Stop systems. When choosing a battery for your BMW X5 E70, you should pay attention not only to the engine type but also to whether your car is equipped with a Start-Stop system, as this significantly affects which battery technology is suitable.
For standard petrol engines without Start-Stop technology, such as the 3.0 si and 4.8i, the typical requirement is for a lead-acid battery with a capacity ranging from 80 to 100 Ah and a cold cranking amperage (CCA) between 640 and 900 A. If you own the 3.0 si engine, a battery with a capacity of 80-90 Ah and a cold cranking current between 640 and 800 A will be ideal. For example, suitable battery models for this configuration include Bosch S40 11, Bosch S50 11, Exide EA900, Exide EB800, Lucas LP115, Varta F16, and Varta F19—these are just examples of compatible options, and there are other brands and models that may fit as well. For the 4.8i, the requirements are slightly higher, with a recommended capacity of 95-100 Ah and CCA in the 800-900 A range, where batteries like Bosch S40 13, Bosch S50 13, Exide EA1000, Exide EB950, Halfords HCB 019, Lucas LP019, Lucas LS019, Varta G3, and Varta H3 are exemplary matching models.
If your BMW X5 E70 is equipped with more advanced petrol engines such as the xDrive 30i, xDrive 35i, xDrive 48i, or xDrive 50i, but still does not feature Start-Stop technology, you need to consider AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries. These engines require batteries with a capacity of 95-96 Ah and a CCA of 850 A. AGM batteries are specifically designed to handle higher power demands and frequent cycling, which is important for vehicles with more electronics or those subjected to demanding conditions. Examples of batteries that meet these criteria include Bosch S5A 13, Exide EK950, Exide EK960, Halfords AGM 019, Lucas LF017, and Varta G14. Again, these are just a selection of suitable models, illustrating the range of choices available.
For diesel engines without Start-Stop, such as the 3.0 d and 3.0 sd, requirements are similar to the high-powered petrol engines: look for batteries with a capacity between 95 and 100 Ah and a CCA between 800 and 900 A. Here, standard lead-acid batteries are still appropriate, and the aforementioned Bosch, Exide, Lucas, Halfords, and Varta models with similar specifications will fit well.
When your BMW X5 E70 is equipped with a Start-Stop system, as in the case of the 3.0 sd, xDrive 30d, xDrive 35d, xDrive 40d, and the high-performance M 50d models, you must use AGM batteries exclusively. The Start-Stop system puts much more strain on the battery due to frequent engine restarts and increased demand from vehicle electronics. For these engines, look for AGM batteries with a 95-96 Ah capacity and an 850 A CCA. The M 50d and M petrol version require the most powerful batteries of all, with a capacity of 105-106 Ah and a CCA of 950 A—examples of compatible batteries for these models include Bosch S5A 15, Exide EK1050, Exide EK1060, Lucas LF020, and Varta H15.
It’s worth noting that AGM batteries, while typically more expensive, offer several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries. They are more resistant to deep discharges, have a longer lifespan in demanding conditions, and are completely sealed, making them safer and maintenance-free. This is particularly important for modern vehicles like the BMW X5 E70, which are packed with electronic systems including air suspension, navigation, infotainment, and adaptive lighting. An interesting fact is that, due to their construction, AGM batteries can also be mounted in various positions, which gives manufacturers and mechanics greater flexibility in vehicle design and repairs.
After replacing the battery, especially in models equipped with Start-Stop or sophisticated electronic modules, it is strongly recommended to register the new battery in the car’s computer system using appropriate diagnostic equipment. This ensures proper battery management and longevity, as the vehicle’s charging system will adapt to the new battery’s characteristics.
In summary, always match the battery to your engine type, presence or absence of Start-Stop, and the exact technical parameters as outlined in your car’s documentation. Using one of the exemplary, compatible batteries mentioned above will help maintain the reliability and performance of your BMW X5 E70, ensuring smooth operation for years to come.
BMW X5 in version E70 was produced in the years 2006 – 2013. The following table presents information about batteries that match each of the engines available on the market.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for BMW X5 (2006-2013):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
BMW X5 E70 – petrol engines:
- 3.0 si
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 11 | 80 Ah 740 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| 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 |
| Lucas Premium LP115 | 80 Ah 670 A | 317x175x190 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 X5 E70 – petrol engines:
- 4.8 i
| 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 |
| Lucas Premium LP019 | 95 Ah 800 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS019 | 100 Ah 850 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic G3 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic H3 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
BMW X5 E70 – petrol engines:
- xDrive 30 i
- xDrive 35 i
- xDrive 48 i
- xDrive 50 i
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 13 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK950 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK960 | 96 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 019 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF017 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM G14 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
BMW X5 E70 – petrol engines:
- M
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 15 | 105 Ah 950 A | 393x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK1050 | 105 Ah 950 A | 392x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK1060 | 106 Ah 950 A | 393x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF020 | 105 Ah 950 A | 393x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM H15 | 105 Ah 950 A | 393x175x190 mm | More |
BMW X5 E70 – diesel engines:
- 3.0 d
- 3.0 sd
| 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 |
| Lucas Premium LP019 | 95 Ah 800 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS019 | 100 Ah 850 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic G3 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic H3 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
BMW X5 E70 – diesel engines:
- 3.0 d
- 3.0 sd – with Start-Stop
- xDrive 30 d – with Start-Stop
- xDrive 35 d – with Start-Stop
- xDrive 40 d – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 13 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK950 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK960 | 96 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 019 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF017 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM G14 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
BMW X5 E70 – diesel engines:
- M 50 d – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 15 | 105 Ah 950 A | 393x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK1050 | 105 Ah 950 A | 392x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK1060 | 106 Ah 950 A | 393x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF020 | 105 Ah 950 A | 393x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM H15 | 105 Ah 950 A | 393x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your BMW X5 , 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!