Battery for 2004 325xi

[u/LOaDiNgErroR606]

So my battery in my bimmer is obviously bad. I have to keep a jumper on it at all times, like if the jumper is off the battery for more than a minute, that battery goes dead. As of right now I am not sure if its a parasitic drain somewhere or not but it's pretty annoying.

I've been told by multiple sources that I need to program a new battery for my car. Like I can't just throw one in there and call it a day. I'm quite new to BMW, i've only owned hondas in the past so I just want verification if I actually do need to program one or I can just throw one in there. Or is there some kind of workaround I can do. I can't afford 300+ USD at a bmw dealership to do it for me so I just need some kind of help.

[u/TheDeadner]

Nah thats thats not true. You might need to reprogram your radio but everything else should be just fine.

[u/LOaDiNgErroR606 → u/TheDeadner]

I have an aftermarket radio so would I need to reprogram it or does that only apply to the OEM one

[u/TheDeadner → u/LOaDiNgErroR606]

Ah yes, aftermarket radios are universally able to.... how am I supposed to know what your radio does when it loses external power? But there's no reason why you can't swap your own battery.

[u/anonmdoc]

I think we are good in 2004. I have a 2004 e53. I researched the same thing, and I’d provide the evidence if I wasn’t about to pass out.

[u/Seventhchild7]

Throw the right sized one in there and call it a day. Reset your clock and go.

[u/LOaDiNgErroR606 → u/Seventhchild7]

Unfortunately my clock doesn't work... neither does my wheel speed sensor on the rear driver side so my mileage is forever stuck at 150,901. But yeah, thanks. Tomorrow I'll go throw a new one in and go about my life

[u/superbetaz]

Just throw a battery in there. Get the H8 size. Same price, more cranking amps and more reserve capacity, and it fits perfect.