Can I install a higher capacity battery in my BMW 3 318 i?

Yes, you can install a higher capacity (Ah) battery as long as the physical dimensions fit your BMW 3 318 i battery compartment and the positive terminal position matches.

What battery fits the Bmw 3 318 I?

The Bmw 3 318 I requires a battery with the correct capacity (Ah) and Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) for this engine. Compatible batteries offer 60-61 Ah, 540-600 A (CCA), 12 V, case T5/LBN2, conventional flooded technology. Browse the compatible battery list below.

How many Ah does the Bmw 3 318 I battery need?

The exact Ah rating for the Bmw 3 318 I depends on the vehicle's original electrical consumers. Compatible batteries offer 60-61 Ah, 540-600 A (CCA), 12 V, case T5/LBN2, conventional flooded technology. Use our finder for a precise recommendation.

How long does a battery last in a Bmw 3 318 I?

With normal use, a battery for the Bmw 3 318 I lasts 3–5 years. A healthy alternator and avoiding deep discharges significantly extend battery life.

What type of battery does my car need?

You need the make, model and engine. If your car has Start-Stop (the engine switches off at traffic lights), it needs an EFB or an AGM battery, depending on what it came with: if it has an AGM, fit another AGM; if it has an EFB, another EFB or an AGM. On cars with battery management (BMW, Mercedes, VAG group…), moving from EFB to AGM requires coding the new battery. Without Start-Stop, a conventional battery is fine, or an EFB or AGM if you want a longer life.

What is the difference between AGM, EFB and standard batteries?

A conventional (lead-acid) battery is for cars without Start-Stop. An EFB is a reinforced conventional battery for basic Start-Stop. An AGM offers the highest performance and is fitted as standard on cars with advanced Start-Stop, regenerative braking or high electrical demand. Replacement rule: an AGM only with another AGM; an EFB with another EFB or an AGM; a conventional battery with any of the three. Never move down in technology.

How do I find the right battery for my vehicle?

Use the search tool by selecting your vehicle's make and model. Our system automatically filters compatible part numbers verified by our technicians. If you have any questions, contact us via WhatsApp.

What warranty do the batteries have?

All our batteries come with the legal guarantee provided by consumer law against manufacturing defects. If a battery has a manufacturing defect, it will be replaced at no cost to the user.

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BMW 3 318 i

Batteries for BMW 3 318 i 115 hp (petrol, 1993-1998)

BMW · 3

Which battery does a BMW 3 318 i need?

Specifications and battery: 318 i (115 hp)

BMW 3 318 i (115 hp, petrol, 1993-1998) takes a conventional 60 Ah, 540 A battery (242 × 175 × 175 mm), with the positive terminal on the right.

Brand: BMW
Model: 3 (E36)
Built: 09/1993 - 11/1998
Power: 85 kW / 115 hp
Fuel: Petrol
Engine size: 1,796 cc (1.8 L)
Cylinders: 4
Body type: Saloon
Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive
Engine codes: M43 B18 (184E2)

Battery for this engine

Version	Technology	Capacity	Cold cranking (EN)	Size (L×W×H)	Polarity
Main	Conventional	60 Ah	540 A	242 × 175 × 175 mm	+ on the right

This engine shares its battery with the 318 i (113 hp), 318 is (140 hp) and 318 is (140 hp): the compatible batteries are exactly the same.

Data: vehicle specifications and the battery manufacturer's application catalogue.

🔧 Battery Expert Advisor

Battery analysis for your BMW 3 318 i

Quick answer You need an ordinary lead-acid battery of 60 Ah. Our recommendation: VARTA D59.

VARTAD59

ordinary lead-acid60 Ah540 A242×175×175

€64.80

Buy

Prices and availability updated on 23/10/2026

Based on the batteries we found for your vehicle, our experts help you pick the right one.

📋 What we found

For your BMW 3 318 i we found 3 compatible conventional (non Start-Stop) batteries.

⚡ Battery type for your vehicle

✓ Your BMW 3 318 i does not need a Start-Stop battery. The conventional ones shown fit your vehicle and are the most affordable option. If you want a higher-quality, longer-lasting battery, you can also fit an EFB or AGM as an upgrade — they are fully compatible and last more years.

📊 View AGM vs EFB vs Conventional — full comparison

⭐ Our recommendation

Our recommendation

For your BMW 3 318 i we recommend the VARTA D59 (ordinary lead-acid, 60 Ah). It's the battery recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for your BMW 3 318 i — the OEM equivalent. Varta is the world's leading manufacturer of starter batteries and supplies first-equipment (OEM) batteries to the major European car makers.

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Verified selection

Class: Car Batteries
Brand: BMW
Model: 3
Engine: 318 i

Order now with express shipping: your product ships today and arrives on Monday before 5 PM (Spain mainland and Portugal only).

Before you buy: check 3 key points

Although the batteries shown are sourced from information provided by manufacturers, we recommend checking on your current battery:

Dimensions (length × width × height, including terminals and protrusions)
The dimensions shown are the maximum of the battery and include the height of the terminals, small ridges at the base and any lateral protrusions. Measure your current battery completely, from edge to edge. The new one must be the same size or slightly smaller — never larger, it would not fit in the housing.
Positive terminal (left or right viewed from the front — check the battery photo carefully)
Stand facing the battery, with the manufacturer's label facing you and the terminals on top. Locate the terminal marked with +: if it is on your right, it is "positive right"; if it is on your left, it is "positive left". Do not rely on how the battery is mounted in the car — the position is always measured looking only at the battery itself.
Technology (AGM, EFB or conventional — the same as your current battery or higher)
Depending on the manufacturer, the same technology may be labelled differently: AGM may also appear as VRLA, AGM Start-Stop or AGM Deep Cycle. EFB may appear as EF, EFB+ or Enhanced Flooded Battery. Conventional may appear as SLI, Lead-Acid, Wet or Standard. If your vehicle has Start-Stop, the battery must be AGM or EFB — never conventional.

If you have any questions, just ask us and we'll be glad to advise you with no obligation.

Conventional Battery

This is a standard or conventional battery for vehicles without a start-stop system

3 products

Comparison table of available products
Category	Make	Reference	Capacity	Cold cranking	Dimensions	Technology	Price
Conventional Battery	VARTA	D59	60 Ah	540 A	242×175×175 mm	Conventional	€64.80	More info
Conventional Battery	VARTA	D21	61 Ah	600 A	242×175×175 mm	Conventional	€69.40	More info
Conventional Battery	TUDOR	TA612	61 Ah	600 A	242×175×175 mm	Conventional	€57.10	More info

Complete your purchase

Chargers

Chargers for your battery

1 product

Battery charger ABSAAR Pro4.0 6/12V 4A Smart Charger
- 6 V
€50.60

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, you can install a higher capacity (Ah) battery as long as the physical dimensions fit your BMW 3 318 i battery compartment and the positive terminal position matches.
: The Bmw 3 318 I requires a battery with the correct capacity (Ah) and Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) for this engine. Compatible batteries offer 60-61 Ah, 540-600 A (CCA), 12 V, case T5/LBN2, conventional flooded technology. Browse the compatible battery list below.
: The exact Ah rating for the Bmw 3 318 I depends on the vehicle's original electrical consumers. Compatible batteries offer 60-61 Ah, 540-600 A (CCA), 12 V, case T5/LBN2, conventional flooded technology. Use our finder for a precise recommendation.
: With normal use, a battery for the Bmw 3 318 I lasts 3–5 years. A healthy alternator and avoiding deep discharges significantly extend battery life.
: You need the make, model and engine. If your car has Start-Stop (the engine switches off at traffic lights), it needs an EFB or an AGM battery, depending on what it came with: if it has an AGM, fit another AGM; if it has an EFB, another EFB or an AGM. On cars with battery management (BMW, Mercedes, VAG group…), moving from EFB to AGM requires coding the new battery. Without Start-Stop, a conventional battery is fine, or an EFB or AGM if you want a longer life.
: A conventional (lead-acid) battery is for cars without Start-Stop. An EFB is a reinforced conventional battery for basic Start-Stop. An AGM offers the highest performance and is fitted as standard on cars with advanced Start-Stop, regenerative braking or high electrical demand. Replacement rule: an AGM only with another AGM; an EFB with another EFB or an AGM; a conventional battery with any of the three. Never move down in technology.
: Use the search tool by selecting your vehicle's make and model. Our system automatically filters compatible part numbers verified by our technicians. If you have any questions, contact us via WhatsApp.
: All our batteries come with the legal guarantee provided by consumer law against manufacturing defects. If a battery has a manufacturing defect, it will be replaced at no cost to the user.
: In mainland Spain and Portugal delivery takes 24 working hours if you order before 6:00 pm and the battery is in stock; for the Balearic Islands and other EU destinations allow 2 to 5 days. Batteries are shipped fully charged and ready to install.

Guides

: This vehicle has no Start-Stop. According to the manufacturer, it does not need to be registered after the change.

Batteries for BMW 3 318 i 115 hp (petrol, 1993-1998)

Which battery does a BMW 3 318 i need?