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Most common fit — BMW 3 Series: Bosch S5 A (AGM), type 115 — 80Ah 800A, AGM, type 115 (315mm) – recommended on most G20 engines. Bosch S5 A (AGM), type 115 — check price on Amazon
Fitment varies by engine and build date — other variants are listed below.
Battery Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery Group | 115 on almost the whole range; 019 recommended only on the M340d; 020 listed as the largest option |
| Type | AGM on every G20 engine |
| Capacity | 80 Ah (type 115), 95 Ah (type 019) or 105 Ah (type 020) |
| Cold Cranking Amps | 800 A (115), 850 A (019) or 950 A (020) |
| Dimensions | 315 x 175 x 190 mm (115), 353 x 175 x 190 mm (019) or 394 x 175 x 190 mm (020) |
| Terminal Type | Top post |
| Start-Stop Compatible | Yes |
What the OE fitment data lists for this car
| Engine | Batteries listed |
|---|---|
| 318 i (156 PS), 320 i (184 PS, incl. xDrive), 330 i (258 PS, incl. xDrive) | 115 AGM 80 Ah 800 A (315 x 175 x 190) – recommended; larger alternatives listed: 019 AGM 95 Ah 850 A (353 mm), 020 AGM 105 Ah 950 A (394 mm) |
| 320 d mild hybrid (163 / 190 PS) | 115 AGM 80 Ah 800 A (315 x 175 x 190) – recommended |
| 330 d xDrive (265 PS) | 115 AGM 80 Ah 800 A – recommended; 019 AGM 95 Ah 850 A and 020 AGM 105 Ah 950 A also listed |
| M340d mild hybrid xDrive (340 PS) | 019 AGM 95 Ah 850 A (353 x 175 x 190) – recommended; 020 AGM 105 Ah 950 A |
| M340i (387 PS, incl. xDrive) | 115 AGM 80 Ah 800 A – recommended; 019 AGM 95 Ah 850 A and 020 AGM 105 Ah 950 A also listed |
| 330 e plug-in hybrid (184 / 292 PS, incl. xDrive) | 115 AGM 80 Ah 800 A – recommended; 027 AGM 60 Ah 680 A (242 mm) also listed, plus 019 and 020 AGM |
Source: published VARTA battery-finder fitment data (varta-automotive.com) for the BMW 3 Series (G20 / G21), consulted August 2026. Every G20 fitment is AGM. The 353 mm type 019 is a listed option on most engines and the recommendation only on the M340d – on the rest, the recommended battery is the shorter 315 mm type 115. 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.
The recommended fitment on most G20 engines is the 315 mm type 115, not the 353 mm type 019. Measure the tray before ordering a larger battery.
Recommended Batteries for BMW 3 Series
Bosch S5 A (AGM), type 115
Varta Silver Dynamic AGM, type 115
Yuasa YBX9019 AGM, type 019
Frequently Asked Questions
What battery does a BMW 3 Series need?
An AGM battery, and on most engines a type 115 rather than a type 019. VARTA fitment data for the 3 Series (G20 and G21) lists a type 115 AGM, 315 x 175 x 190 mm, at 80 Ah and 800 A as the recommendation for the 318i, 320i, 330i, 320d mild hybrid, 330d, M340i and 330e. The larger 353 mm type 019 at 95 Ah and 850 A is offered as an alternative on most of those, and is the recommendation only on the M340d mild hybrid. Confirm by registration, or measure the battery you remove, before ordering.
Does the BMW 3 Series need an AGM or EFB battery?
AGM. Every G20 3 Series engine in VARTA fitment data is listed with an AGM battery, and no EFB option appears. Fit AGM again, and have the replacement registered to the car through BMW power management. Fitting an EFB or a plain flooded battery to a car built for AGM will shorten its life sharply.
How long does a BMW 3 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 3 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 →