BMW 225xe Battery Replacement Cost Explained (in 2024)

Are you wondering how much is the BMW 225xe battery replacement?

In this article, I will answer this question.

If you’re in a hurry, here’s a short summary of the article:

BWM 225xe battery replacement costs around from around $5,000 (£4,100) to $10,000 (£8,200). If you want to upgrade the battery to get an extra 6 miles of range (10 km), it’s not worth it.

BMW 225xe Battery Basics

The BMW 225xe is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 7.7 kWh. The battery pack is located beneath the rear seats, which helps to maintain the vehicle’s balance and handling.

While the battery is designed to last for the life of the vehicle, over time its performance can degrade due to factors such as age, temperature, and usage patterns.

Degradation is one of the reasons why you might want to replace the battery. Another reason is the 2019 battery upgrade.

In 2019, BMW introduced an upgraded battery for the 225xe plug-in hybrid model. The new battery has a capacity of 10 kWh, an increase from the previous 7.7 kWh battery.

This upgrade provides an increase in electric driving range, from the previous 25 miles (40 km) to an estimated 31 miles (50 km) on a full charge.

The upgraded battery also offers faster charging times. With a Level 2 charger, the battery can be charged in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, which is faster than the previous model’s charging time of 2 hours and 45 minutes.

The battery can also be charged using a Level 1 charger, which takes approximately 4 hours.

Furthermore, the Bavarian manufacturer is also claiming the new version drops its CO2 emissions by 15 percent.

When Should You Replace the Battery in Your BMW 225xe?

There are several signs that may indicate that your BMW 225xe battery needs to be replaced. The most obvious sign is a decrease of at least 20% in the vehicle’s electric range.

If you’re not able to travel as far on a single charge as you were when the vehicle was new, it could be a sign that the battery is losing its capacity. Degradation of range over the 30% warranty criteria is a sign that you need to think of battery replacement.

Additionally, you may notice a decrease in the vehicle’s overall performance, such as slower acceleration or reduced power output.

Other signs to watch out for include issues with charging the battery or a battery warning light appearing on the dashboard.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician to determine if the battery needs to be replaced or if there’s another underlying issue.

The technician will be able to perform diagnostic tests and evaluate the battery’s performance to determine if a replacement is necessary.

Additionally, if your vehicle is still under warranty, it’s important to check the specifics of your warranty to see if a battery replacement is covered.

You can also replace your battery with an upgraded one with a capacity of 10 kWh, but it’s pretty expensive.

To summarize, you should only replace your BMW 225xe battery if its performance is significantly decreased.

Are BMW Battery Replacements Covered Under Warranty?

BMW only covers against failures of the high voltage battery as a result of manufacturing defects for 3 years without a mileage limit, and then for up to 6 years from the date of first registration, or up to 60,000 miles (100,000 km), whichever occurs first.

This means that if a part fails, such as a battery cell or a high voltage cable, BMW will cover the parts, labor, and other expenses associated with the repair.

This warranty is capable of assignment or transfer to subsequent vehicle owners. 

So, if your battery performance decreases dramatically, and it came out it’s a manufacturing defect, your battery might be replaced for free, as long as your vehicle was used according to the owner’s manual.

In other cases, like upgrading the battery, the warranty doesn’t apply.

Important: EV battery replacement can cost $1000s. To avoid high-voltage battery replacement, there are some things you can do. Read this article to find out the 10 best ways to maximize EV battery life and save tons of money!

How Long Will a BMW 225xe Battery Last?

Generally, electric vehicle batteries last 15-20 years, or 100,000-200,000 miles (160,000-320,000 km) but some factors may reduce their lifespan.

For instance, batteries may degrade faster in hotter climates as heat does not pair well with EVs. Additionally, charging the battery at a Level 3 station overheats it as the process is too quick.

As a result, currently, EVs are projected to lose an average of 2.3% of their battery capacity each year.

Also read: EV Battery in Hot Temperature: 5 Things to Know

How Much Does it Cost to Replace the BMW 225xe Battery?

The cost to replace the BMW 225xe battery can vary depending on several factors. However, as a rough estimate, the cost of a replacement battery for a 7.7 kWh BMW 225xe battery can range from around $5,000 (£4,100) to $10,000 (£8,200).

When compared to other vehicles, the cost of a BMW 225xe battery replacement falls within the typical range for electric or hybrid vehicles.

For example, the cost to replace the battery in a 2017 Ford C-Max Energi, which has a 7.6 kWh battery capacity, ranges from around $3,000 (£2,500) to $5,500 (£4,500).

The cost to replace the battery in a 2019 Kia Niro EV ranges from around $8,500 (£7,000) to $11,000 (£9,000)

Overall, while the cost of battery replacement can be significant, it is not a common occurrence for most drivers.

Batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles are designed to last for many years, and with proper maintenance and care, drivers may never need to replace their vehicle’s battery.

And if you want to upgrade the battery, it’s probably not worth it. Paying thousands of pounds or bucks just to get 6 miles (10 km) more drive range, doesn’t sound like a good deal.

What Factors Affect the BMW 225xe Battery Replacement Cost?

  1. Battery Age and Condition: The age and condition of the battery can also impact replacement costs. Older batteries or batteries that have been poorly maintained may be more prone to failure and could require more expensive repairs or replacements.
  2. Supply and Demand: As with any product, supply and demand can affect the cost of EV battery replacement. If replacement batteries are in high demand but low supply, prices are likely to be higher.
  3. Labor Costs: Labor costs associated with battery replacement can also vary widely depending on location, shop rates, and expertise. EV batteries can be complex and require specialized knowledge and tools to replace, which can add to the overall cost of the replacement.
  4. Battery Size and Capacity: The size and capacity of the EV battery pack can have a significant impact on the cost of replacing it. Larger batteries with higher capacity are generally more expensive to manufacture, and therefore more expensive to replace.

How to Prolong the Lifespan of the BMW 225xe Battery?

  1. Avoid charging the battery to 100% or letting it completely discharge. Instead, aim to keep the battery’s charge level between 20% and 80% as much as possible. Charging to 100% or discharging to 0% can put more stress on the battery and reduce its overall lifespan.
  2. Avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures. High temperatures can cause the battery to degrade faster, while low temperatures can reduce its performance. If possible, park the car in a garage or a shaded area during hot weather.
  3. Use regenerative braking when driving. Regenerative braking can help to recharge the battery while driving and reduce the amount of wear and tear on the brakes.
  4. Drive the car regularly. If the car is left unused for long periods of time, the battery may degrade faster. Regularly driving the car can help to keep the battery healthy.
  5. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance. This can include things like regular software updates and cooling system checks. Regular maintenance can help to detect any potential issues with the battery early and prevent more serious problems from occurring.

Summary

BMW 225xe batteries should last even up to 20 years. While battery capacity gradually decreases over time, certain factors such as frequent fast charging and exposure to high temperatures can accelerate the process.

If a replacement is necessary, it can be quite expensive.

To minimize battery degradation, it is recommended to avoid excessive fast charging and prevent your car from overheating in the sun.

Although it may not entirely prevent battery aging, these practices can potentially extend the lifespan of your EV battery by a year or two.

Upgrading the battery to the newer one with 10 kWh is also not worth it, and too expensive.