At One Place

BCI Group 49 battery

What replaces a BCI Group 49
Group 49, H8, L5, DIN L5, 49/H8
12 V lead-acid, 354 × 175 × 190 mm

The BCI Group 49 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 49
Nominal voltage
12 V
Chemistry
Lead-acid
Size
354 × 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 49 Yes — same cell
H8 Yes — same cell
L5 Yes — same cell
DIN L5 Yes — same cell
49/H8 Yes — same cell

Codes that look close but are not

Code Why it is not a substitute
Group 48 / H6 76 mm shorter. The H8 is the long one; nothing else in the H series is close to 354 mm.

Where it turns up

  • BMW X5, 5 Series and 7 Series
  • Mercedes GL, ML and S-Class
  • Audi Q7 and A6
  • Larger European SUVs with start-stop systems

Cars in this group very often use AGM rather than flooded batteries, because start-stop systems cycle the battery far harder than a conventional starter does. Fitting a flooded battery where AGM is specified shortens its life dramatically and can confuse the charging system.

Common questions

What is equivalent to a BCI Group 49?
Group 49, H8, L5, DIN L5, 49/H8 — all the same 12 V cell under different manufacturer codes.
Can I use a Group 48 / H6 instead of a BCI Group 49?
76 mm shorter. The H8 is the long one; nothing else in the H series is close to 354 mm.
Is the BCI Group 49 rechargeable?
Yes. Use a charger made for its chemistry and never substitute a primary cell of the same size.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Official vendor product documentation — At One Place

How these figures are compiled and checked