# BMW 3 Compact batteries

> We stock 13 batteries that fit the BMW 3 Compact across its 2 generations (1994-2005), from 60 to 85 Ah, with cold cranking between 540 and 800 A and prices starting at 59.10 € including VAT.

## BMW 3 Compact generations

Not every generation uses the same battery. If your year fits more than one, tell them apart by body style or let the plate resolve it.

| Generation | Years | Body | Batteries | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Compact II | 2001–2005 | berlina | 24 | /gb/car-batteries/bmw/3-compact-e46 |
| 3 Compact I | 1994–2000 | berlina | 21 | /gb/car-batteries/bmw/3-compact-e36 |

## Best-selling batteries for the BMW 3 Compact

| Modelo | V | Ah | CCA (EN) | Tech | € VAT incl. | Stock | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car battery Varta E11 12V 74Ah 680A | 12 | 74 | 680 | PLOMO/ACIDO | 66,95 | ✓ | https://baterias.com/gb/battery-varta-e11-12v-74ah-680a |
| Car battery Varta E44 12V 77Ah 780A | 12 | 77 | 780 | PLOMO/ACIDO | 78,70 | ✓ | https://baterias.com/gb/battery-varta-e44-12v-77ah-780a |
| Start-Stop battery Varta A7 12V 70Ah 760A AGM | 12 | 70 | 760 | AGM | 118,15 | ✓ | https://baterias.com/gb/battery-varta-a7-agm-12v-70ah-760a |
| Car battery Varta D24 12V 60Ah 540A | 12 | 60 | 540 | PLOMO/ACIDO | 59,10 | ✓ | https://baterias.com/gb/battery-varta-d24-12v-60ah-540a |
| Car battery Varta F17 12V 80Ah 740A | 12 | 80 | 740 | PLOMO/ACIDO | 80,90 | ✓ | https://baterias.com/gb/battery-varta-f17-12v-80ah-740a |
| Start-Stop battery Varta A6 12V 80Ah 800A AGM | 12 | 80 | 800 | AGM | 146,65 | ✓ | https://baterias.com/gb/battery-varta-a6-agm-12v-80ah-800a |
| Car battery Varta D15 12V 63Ah 610A | 12 | 63 | 610 | PLOMO/ACIDO | 70,19 | ✓ | https://baterias.com/gb/battery-varta-d15-12v-63ah-610a |
| Car battery Varta E38 12V 74Ah 750A | 12 | 74 | 750 | PLOMO/ACIDO | 83,10 | ✓ | https://baterias.com/gb/battery-varta-e38-12v-74ah-750a |
| Car battery Varta E43 12V 72Ah 680A | 12 | 72 | 680 | PLOMO/ACIDO | 74,19 | ✓ | https://baterias.com/gb/battery-varta-e43-12v-72ah-680a |
| Car battery Varta F18 12V 85Ah 800A | 12 | 85 | 800 | PLOMO/ACIDO | 97,19 | ✓ | https://baterias.com/gb/battery-varta-f18-12v-85ah-800a |
| Start-Stop battery Varta A8 12V 60Ah 680A AGM | 12 | 60 | 680 | AGM | 106,70 | ✓ | https://baterias.com/gb/battery-varta-a8-agm-12v-60ah-680a |
| Car battery Varta D59 12V 60Ah 540A | 12 | 60 | 540 | PLOMO/ACIDO | 64,15 | ✓ | https://baterias.com/gb/battery-varta-d59-12v-60ah-540a |

## How to know which battery your BMW 3 Compact takes

The real shortcut is your registration number. It settles generation, engine and factory battery in seconds — exactly where most people get it wrong when buying.

Another route is the vehicle paperwork: the registration date places you in one of the generations listed. In the overlap years, body style is the detail that separates them.

As a final check, look at the battery currently fitted: the label shows capacity (Ah) and cold cranking amps (A). Always replace with equal or higher figures, never lower, and keep the same dimensions and terminal layout.

## Start-Stop: which battery your 3 Compact needs

Start-Stop on the modern 3 Compact changes the rules: the battery takes hundreds of micro-cycles daily. The correct answer is EFB for basic systems and AGM where braking energy is recovered. Dropping to a conventional battery is the most expensive mistake you can make here.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which battery does a BMW 3 Compact take?
It depends on the generation and engine: there are 13 compatible batteries in total, from 60 to 85 Ah and 540 to 800 A of cold cranking. The best sellers for this model are Car battery Varta E11 12V 74Ah 680A, Car battery Varta E44 12V 77Ah 780A, Start-Stop battery Varta A7 12V 70Ah 760A AGM. With your plate we tell you the exact one in seconds.

### How much does a BMW 3 Compact battery cost?
Between 59.10 € and 146.65 €, VAT included, depending on capacity and technology (lead-acid, AGM). Start-Stop versions (AGM or EFB) sit at the top of the range because they withstand many more cycles.

### How do I know which generation my 3 Compact is?
By the registration year: 3 Compact II (2001-2005); 3 Compact I (1994-2000). If your year falls in the overlap between two generations, tell them apart by body type (hatchback, estate or coupé) or use the plate finder, which settles it with no doubt.

### Can I fit a battery with more amps?
Yes, as long as the dimensions fit the tray and the terminal layout matches. More capacity (Ah) and more cold cranking (A) do not harm the vehicle: the alternator charges it the same and you gain margin in winter. What you must never do is go below the original figures.

### How long does a BMW 3 Compact battery last?
Between 4 and 6 years in normal use. Start-Stop batteries (AGM/EFB) tend to last slightly less in city driving because of the number of starts, but they are designed for that cycling. If the car sits unused for weeks or you notice slow cranking in the cold, get it checked.

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Updated: 2026-07-29 · https://baterias.com/gb/car-batteries/bmw/3-compact