Do you want to change your BMW battery? Not sure what it will cost?

The real challenge for many car owners is to find a good quality battery replacement at an affordable price. There are so many options you can feel overwhelmed.

But don’t worry!

In this guide we’ll break down the cost to replace your BMW 1 Series battery, what’s included, and how to save money without paying extra charges.

You’ll make battery replacement easy and inexpensive with our guide.

When Will You Need a New Battery?

A car battery will typically last between 3 and 5 years, but in the UK, the battery lifespan can be shortened due to weather, driving habits and vehicle maintenance as extreme temperatures can leave them unable to hold a charge. 

If your car doesn’t start properly; if you see dashboard warning lights, or if the headlights are dim when you're idling, you will need the battery replacement. But consult with the mechanic before the actual replacement.

But before winter it’s also a good idea to have regular servicing and battery checks to fix any problems before they get difficult to address.

What Types of Batteries Can Be Used in the BMW I8?

BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car, with an electric motor powered by a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. It has a 12-volt auxiliary battery for standard car functions, such as lights and infotainment. Here's an overview of the types of batteries used and their differences, benefits, and roles:

1. Lithium-Ion Battery with High Voltage

• Purpose: Powers the electric motor.
• Capacity: Later models offered approximately 11.6 kWh, giving around 20–30 miles of electric-only range.

Benefits:

• High Energy Density: The i8 can deliver exceptional electric performance as well as improved fuel efficiency.
• Lightweight Design: It keeps the car agile and fast with a low centre of gravity.
• Durability: Made to be reliable for daily use, designed for long cycles of charging and discharging.
• Regenerative Charging: Improves energy efficiency, and recharges during braking.
• Drawbacks: It can be costly to replace, and performance may degrade with heavy use.

2. 12-Volt Auxiliary Battery

• Purpose: It powers traditional vehicle electronics, such as the alarm system, dashboard, and headlights.

Benefits:

• Compatibility: Easy to replace, cost-effective compared to the lithium-ion battery, and widely available.
• Reliable Support: It ensures that the high-voltage battery is not the only thing that keeps running while it’s depleted.

Find the Key differences between These Two Types

Different Types of BMW Car Battery Replacement Cost?

These are the average range of costs for battery replacement in the UK for difrent types of cars. Check this in below:

What's Included in a Car Battery Replacement & Fitting for the BMW I8?

• 12-month warranty included
• Complimentary collection and delivery service
• No work will be carried out without your consent
• Only genuine manufacturer parts or equivalent used
• All parts and labour covered under our 12-month Fixter warranty

BMW i8 Battery and BMW i8 Hybrid Battery

• BMW i8 Battery (Li-ion): The BMW i8 has an 11.6 kWh capacity, Li-ion battery. The electric motor is powered by this battery for a pure electric driving range of 20-30 miles (depending on driving conditions). It is meant to be charged using a standard electric outlet or a fast charging station.
• BMW i8 Hybrid Battery: The i8’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system includes a hybrid battery. The electric motor is combined with a 1.5-litre petrol engine to deliver about 357 hp combined. For the car’s electric-only mode, the hybrid battery is important and the petrol engine provides additional power.

Which One Is the Best Among These Batteries?

BMW i8 Hybrid Battery is a better option as it uses the electric motor and petrol engine power together, which makes more power, efficiency and flexibility. The i8 does not have a lot of electric-only range from its Li-ion battery, but the hybrid system gives you a longer drive and better overall performance.

Is the BMW 1 Series Expensive to Maintain?

Well, it is not as difficult to maintain as the battery system replacement is not a daily job to do. You have to replace it in rare situations. After a year or after the 3 to 5 years. The standard battery replacement cost is up from £100 to £300. But for an advanced battery system like a hybrid model, the cost can be higher, up to £500 to £800. 

BMW 1 Series Battery Stop Start

Stop-Start technology reduces fuel burn by turning off the engine when idling and saving energy, then restarting it smoothly as required. Because the battery is constantly on, it needs a good one.

• The BMW 1 Series Stop-Start system switches off the engine when the car is stationary, such as at traffic lights, to save fuel and cut emissions.
• It restarts instantly when you press the accelerator, with no delays in driving.
• This system uses an advanced AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery that is well-suited to frequent starts and stops.

BMW 1 Series Battery Jump Start.

Another way to power a dead battery is to connect it to an external source, called a method of jump-starting. This is a quick fix to get your car to run again, but if the issue continues, it's a quick fix to get your car to run again, but you should follow with regular battery maintenance or replacement.

• Use jumper cables from a donor car or battery to connect the positive and negative terminals.
• Do not damage the electronics of the car during the process and follow the BMW manual instructions.

What Tools are Essential for DIY Car Battery Replacement?

Essential tools for DIY battery replacement include:

• Battery terminals and Securing bolts can be removed with a Wrench or Socket Set.
• Battery charge check - Before and after replacement with a voltmeter.
• Battery hold-down bolts - Tighten with the torque Wrench to the correct pressure.
• Batteries – Working with batteries can hurt your eyes, so safety glasses are a must-have.

Final Thoughts

Your BMW i8 car battery cost for replacement depends more on the service provider, whether you are having it repaired by the official BMW service provider or the local workshop. Long-term expenses can be reduced by choosing the right service provider, exploring warranty options, and ensuring proper maintenance of the vehicle’s hybrid system. 

KSB Autostyling is your one-stop shop for trusted service in the UK for car battery replacement if you're looking for expert care and cost-effective solutions for your BMW i8. We specialise in BMW battery replacement, hybrid system support, aerodynamics, and more.

Have questions about BMW i8 battery replacement costs or other products? We’re here to help.

Contact us now:
Phone: +44 7931 222240
Email: info@ksbautostyling.co.uk