---
title: "BCI Group 48 equivalent: Group 48, H6, L3"
description: "The BCI Group 48 is a 12 V lead-acid cell, also sold as Group 48, H6, L3. Full equivalents, what does not substitute, and where it is used."
url: https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-48/
site: "At One Place"
---

# BCI Group 48 battery

**What replaces a BCI Group 48: Group 48, H6, L3, DIN L3, 48/H6**

12 V lead-acid, 278 × 175 × 190 mm

The BCI Group 48 is a rechargeable 12 V lead-acid prismatic. The codes below are the same physical cell sold under different manufacturer names, and any of them will fit.

## Specification

- **IEC designation:** BCI Group 48
- **Nominal voltage:** 12 V
- **Chemistry:** Lead-acid
- **Size:** 278 × 175 × 190 mm
- **Rechargeable:** Yes

## Codes that mean the same battery

*Different manufacturers, one physical battery. Voltage, chemistry and dimensions all match.*

| Code | Fits? |
| --- | --- |
| Group 48 | Yes — same cell |
| H6 | Yes — same cell |
| L3 | Yes — same cell |
| DIN L3 | Yes — same cell |
| 48/H6 | Yes — same cell |

## Codes that look close but are not

| Code | Why it is not a substitute |
| --- | --- |
| Group 47 / H5 | 36 mm shorter. It will sit in an H6 tray but the hold-down will not clamp it, and an unrestrained battery in an engine bay is a real hazard. |
| Group 49 / H8 | 76 mm longer again. H6 and H8 are frequently cross-shopped and only one will fit. |

## Where it turns up

- BMW 3 Series and 5 Series
- Mercedes C-Class and E-Class
- Chevrolet Equinox, Malibu and Traverse
- Volkswagen Passat and Audi A4

## Common questions

### What is equivalent to a BCI Group 48?

Group 48, H6, L3, DIN L3, 48/H6 — all the same 12 V cell under different manufacturer codes.

### Can I use a Group 47 / H5 instead of a BCI Group 48?

36 mm shorter. It will sit in an H6 tray but the hold-down will not clamp it, and an unrestrained battery in an engine bay is a real hazard.

### Is the BCI Group 48 rechargeable?

Yes. Use a charger made for its chemistry and never substitute a primary cell of the same size.

## Related pages

- [6LR61 battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/9v/)
- [BCI Group 35 battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-35/)
- [BCI Group 51R battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-51r/)
- [BCI Group 65 battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-65/)
- [BCI Group 24F battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-24f/)
- [BCI Group 47 battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-47/)
- [BCI Group 27 battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-27/)
- [BCI Group 49 battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-49/)
- [BCI Group 24 battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-24/)
- [BCI Group 34 battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-34/)
- [BCI Group 78 battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-78/)
- [CR-P2 battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/crp2/)

## Sources

- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)