2006 BMW 120D E87 - Battery Replacement

In this video I replace the ageing (and believed to be original) battery on this 2006 BMW 120D, 1 Series E87. The starter motor has been getting slower and slower and it was important that this battery was replaced ahead of the colder winter weather, when it would have failed altogether.
The original battery was a BMW part produced by Varta and the replacement was a Bosch component, 80Ah, as was the original.
Following this replacement, the car was to be taken to have the battery registered/coded, which is a must for these vehicles. I do not currently have the software to perform this coding on BMW cars.
If you enjoy my videos and would like to help support Auto Knight in creating similar content, please click here: www.buymeacoffee.com/AutoKnight
Disclaimer - Please be advised that my videos are not instructional and are merely footage of me, with many years of motor trade experience, carrying out vehicle repairs. Please conduct your own research, ensure you have the correct tools/necessary expertise and undertake your own due diligence before carrying out vehicle repairs. If in doubt, entrust an automotive technician.

[@sussexexternalcleaning6276]

Very informative thanks 👍🏻

[@Chris-pd2uv]

very very so clear video, thanks man!!

[@cafeplay7505]

great video cheers, I noticed on changing the battery for the first time todaty that mine did not have the positive battery lead

[@jadwigapasiak6264]

Thank you very much for this video ❤

[@tomwootton2112]

Really great how 2 video thanks 😊

[@thetallyman99]

Good video...thank you.

[@burako82]

great replacement video, thanks alot, will buy the same bosch as its one of the qood quality cheapest option out there :D

[@andonstoimenov]

Thanks for the help! 👍

[@rafaelsouzapedrosa]

do i need to put any code after replace the battery ?

[@mariotupa7950]

hello my bmw 118D 2007 battery die ! Bmw has eco too , can I replace my battery with a normal one and not having problem with the eco ? thanks !!

[@Kossik]

Awesome video, thanks a lot for that. Just FYI as it might help other folks watching this too, the particular model on your video (same as mine) actually does not have the IBS (intelligent battery sensor) and I have got it verified by BMW specialist in this case the battery does not need to even be registered after the replacement. The car simply charges that with the regular/steady state voltage. You can recognize the IBS, if the car has it, as an additional item on the negative terminal's (brown) cable of a car.

[@autoknight747]

Thank you. That is incredibly helpful. I know my E92 had it but in the back of my mind I did wonder about these 1 series!

[@viliambena6767]

Ive got the same rusty connectors on my BMW e87. Will white grease fix it ? Im always worried if it can't cause fire or something one day 😄

[@autoknight747]

White grease can prevent any corrosion from deteriorating further. I cannot know how corroded your terminals are. Heavily corroded terminals may cause a high resistance situation which can generate heat, in which case they may need further attention.

[@viliambena6767]

@@autoknight747 i see thanks . Mine are just like these on this video , it seems to be the same for all of these bmw . I’ve thought it might be a good idea to use contact cleaning spray or white grease as you just to protect it , until I’ll charge battery and clean it up ( but that’s just surface corrosion , under those terminals it’s more ) that’s the hard part . Was just always scared it might interfere with electric current ( white grease ) and cause fire or something

[@tyrelldankwa9059]

The bolt for the positive side is stuck very tightly how can I take it off?

[@richlee509]

Use a longer spanner with more leverage

[@alexpotts5147]

Hi I have the same bmw 1 series 120d 56 plate it’s a auto and iv just changed my battery by watching your video, because of the end of your video iv ask 3 garages to code it one of them being Halfords and all 3 have said it doesn’t need to be coded because it’s not start stop or because it’s not a certain type of battery when it’s the same battery you have fitted can you shed some light on this? Thanks

[@autoknight747]

If in doubt I would check with a BMW dealer to establish if this coding is required. There are some vehicles that do not require this but many do.

[@alexpotts5147]

How would i check with bmw? Phone or website?

[@autoknight747]

@@alexpotts5147 Contact your local dealer who should be able to advise on your specific vehicle.

[@andreyzozulya1181]

If your car was made till 2004 year you don't need to do coding after replacing battery.

[@thetallyman99]

I tried buying this battery but it says its not compatible with an e87 120d 56 plate.

[@autoknight747]

Ah right, maybe different spec car. From memory I think the owner sourced the battery. Still going strong though, I was working on that car again just the other day, fixing a water leak in the boot.

[@brendangranger]

Hi there... What happens when you don't code the battery-in, won't it be charged by the car? Changed mine 'same car', worked well a few times soon after changing but now won't start the car :(

[@autoknight747]

Not all vehicles require coding but those that do, it’s like an ‘on demand’ intelligent charging system, so the charging inputs will be based on the battery requirements. By coding the vehicle with the battery size and details it will charge accordingly for the new battery. You may want to check alternator output and for any current drain, if yours has become discharged so soon.

[@pauldeal68]

I changed mine today as the Mrs said car won't start ...had a look defo battery just grabbed one from Halfords as they had one on the shelf that was for my model 2010 bmw1 series diesel... just Swapped over no issues apart from having to reset the clock...didn't know anything about registering etc and starting issues

[@pauldeal68]

I broke my vent pipe the black plastic tip broke off that pushes into side of battery, I will try and super glue it...if it fails any idea where I can get a replacement guys ??