
BMW's original car battery is from the German brand Bosch. Bosch is globally renowned for its innovative and cutting-edge products and system solutions. Introduction to the Bosch brand: Bosch is one of Germany's industrial enterprises, engaged in the automotive and intelligent transportation technology, industrial technology, consumer goods, and energy and building technology industries. In 1886, when 25-year-old Mr. Robert Bosch founded the company in Stuttgart, he positioned it as a 'factory for precision mechanics and electrical engineering.' Headquartered in Stuttgart, southern Germany, Bosch employs over 230,000 people across more than 50 countries. Bosch is globally renowned for its innovative and cutting-edge products and system solutions. History of Bosch: In 1909, the Bosch Group opened its first trading office in China, and in 1926, it established its first automotive after-sales service workshop in Shanghai. Today, all business divisions of the group are established in China: automotive technology, industrial technology, consumer goods, and building intelligent technology. Bosch currently has 37 companies in China, including Bosch (China) Investment Ltd. in Shanghai.

When my X3 had its battery replaced, the repair slip listed VARTA, which is called Varta in Chinese. The mechanic said that all BMW models use this brand, especially vehicles with auto start-stop systems, which require EFB or AGM types. At the time, he compared two models: a regular battery costing over 700 yuan, and the original AGM battery priced at over 2,000 yuan but lasting more than five years. He recommended checking the battery tray during replacement—last time, mine had corrosion that caused a power drain.

Last time at the BMW specialist shop, I saw a removed OEM battery with the embossed word 'Varta' on its black casing. The technician mentioned that the cold cranking amperage (CCA) is generally above 700A, which is 40% higher than regular batteries. If purchasing a replacement yourself, pay attention to the H8 model corresponding to an 80Ah capacity. Vehicles with automatic power management systems also require computer matching. Once, a friend opted for a cheap off-brand battery, resulting in constant error reports from the auto start-stop function.

Field test data: The Varta AGM battery used in BMW G series has specifications of 12V 92Ah with 800CCA cold cranking amps. This battery has a designed lifespan of approximately 6 years, but actual usage shows driving habits significantly affect its longevity. I used to listen to music after turning off the engine, which resulted in replacing the battery after just 3 years. Now I've learned my lesson - during every maintenance service, I ask the technician to check the battery health with specialized equipment. Replacing it when the health drops below 50% gives me greater peace of mind.


