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Most common fit — BMW 1 Series: Bosch S4 E (EFB), type 096 — 70Ah 760A, EFB, type 096 (278mm) – fits most 1 Series engines. Bosch S4 E (EFB), type 096 — check price on Amazon
Fitment varies by engine and build date — other variants are listed below.
Battery Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery Group | 096 on most engines; 115 on the 116i, 118i 136 and 128ti; 027 listed on the 120i |
| Type | EFB is the recommended fitment on most engines; AGM is the recommendation on the 128 ti |
| Capacity | 60 Ah (type 027), 70 Ah (type 096) or 80 Ah (type 115) |
| Cold Cranking Amps | 640–680 A (027), 760 A (096) or 800 A (115) |
| Dimensions | 242 x 175 x 190 mm (027), 278 x 175 x 190 mm (096) or 315 x 175 x 190 mm (115) |
| Terminal Type | Top post |
| Start-Stop Compatible | Yes |
What the OE fitment data lists for this car
| Engine | Batteries listed |
|---|---|
| 116 i (109 PS), 118 i (136 PS) | 115 EFB 80 Ah 800 A (315 x 175 x 190) – recommended; 115 AGM 80 Ah 800 A |
| 118 i (140 PS) | 096 EFB 70 Ah 760 A (278 x 175 x 190) – recommended; 115 EFB 80 Ah 800 A |
| 120 i (178 PS) | 027 EFB 60 Ah 640 A (242 x 175 x 190) or 096 EFB 70 Ah 760 A – both recommended; AGM versions of each also listed |
| 116 d (116 PS), 118 d (136 / 150 PS), 120 d (190 PS, incl. xDrive) | 096 EFB 70 Ah 760 A (278 x 175 x 190) – recommended; 115 EFB 80 Ah 800 A |
| 128 ti (245 PS) | 115 AGM 80 Ah 800 A (315 x 175 x 190) – recommended |
| 128 ti (265 PS) | 096 AGM 70 Ah 760 A (278 x 175 x 190) – recommended; 115 AGM 80 Ah 800 A |
| M135i xDrive (306 PS) | 096 EFB 70 Ah 760 A (278 x 175 x 190) – recommended; 115 EFB 80 Ah 800 A |
Source: published VARTA battery-finder fitment data (varta-automotive.com) for the BMW 1 Series (F40), consulted August 2026. No F40 1 Series is listed with a type 019 battery. Type 019 is a 353 mm case used on much larger cars and will not fit this one. Where more than one battery is listed, the manufacturer fits different sizes across builds — measure the battery you remove, or confirm by registration, before ordering.
No F40 1 Series is listed with a 353 mm type 019 battery. Match the case size and technology of the battery you remove.
Recommended Batteries for BMW 1 Series
Bosch S4 E (EFB), type 096
Varta Silver Dynamic AGM, type 115
Yuasa YBX9096 AGM, type 096
Frequently Asked Questions
What battery does a BMW 1 Series need?
It depends on the engine, and it is not a type 019. VARTA fitment data for the 1 Series (F40) lists a type 096 battery, 278 x 175 x 190 mm, at 70 Ah and 760 A for the diesels, the 118i 140 PS and the M135i. The 116i, the 118i 136 PS and the 128 ti 245 PS are listed with a type 115, 315 x 175 x 190 mm, at 80 Ah and 800 A, and the 120i with a type 027, 242 x 175 x 190 mm, at 60 Ah and 640 A. Confirm by registration, or measure the battery you remove, before ordering.
Does the BMW 1 Series need an AGM or EFB battery?
EFB on most engines, with AGM listed as an alternative and as the recommendation on the 128 ti. BMW registers a new battery to the car through the power management system, so fit the same technology and capacity that came out, and have the replacement registered. Never put a plain flooded battery into a start-stop 1 Series.
How long does a BMW 1 Series battery last?
Typically 4–6 years depending on driving patterns. Short urban journeys and cold winters reduce battery life. Start-stop systems are harder on batteries, so quality AGM batteries are essential.
Can I replace the BMW 1 Series battery myself?
Yes for most models — it’s usually located in the engine bay. However, start-stop vehicles may need the battery management system reset with a diagnostic tool after fitting.
How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →