---
title: "BCI Group 49 equivalent: Group 49, H8, L5"
description: "The BCI Group 49 is a 12 V lead-acid cell, also sold as Group 49, H8, L5. Full equivalents, what does not substitute, and where it is used."
url: https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-49/
site: "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

- [6LR61 battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/9v/)
- [BCI Group 48 battery](https://atoneplace.net/battery/bci-48/)
- [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 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/)