What battery are you using?

[pi4ovete_84]

My battery died the other day after 14 years of service Can you believe that? That was the original bmw battery that came with the car. I could't find maxx-48 at walmart, so bought the autocraft silver from advance autoparts. Fits good, but can not close the box completely. Tnx for the posts. It helped me.

[J!m]

I use an Optima red top, but to use that you need a slightly longer ground cable because the posts are toward the rear of the car, and the original configuration is toward the front. I did not see anyone comment on this detail... If the posts are toward the rear, and you keep the stock cable, you are forced to use a shorter battery.

But, if you can't spare $5.00 for a new cable, special order the Optima Orange top battery (should be the same price as the red). This has the posts toward the front like the factory battery.

No spills, leaks, problems. I think I got four years from my original BMW battery (maybe more?), and about eight from the first optima. New (2-year old) optima is going strong.

I also use them in my Land-Rover (two actually) and have been quite happy, even when completely drained by the fridge. Just re-charge and they are good to go (yellow tops in that case).

[SSpeedracer]

Autozone's Duralast Gold T6-DLG fits under the cover.

[MrMajicCity]

I got something by Bosch

[MINIz guy]

I just went from a Duralast 48-DL to Autocraft Silver 42-1. Advance Auto has a great 30% off deal so my total was under $90.

I went from 700CCA to 495CCA, but that is still enough to start my car in the winter. I also saved 10 lbs and the new battery is 1" smaller in all dimensions. The one downside is that the original battery tie down doesn't work on this battery so I've secured it in place with zip ties for the moment. Once I get back to NJ I will figure out a proper way to secure it.

[performanceisland]

Originally Posted by SSpeedracer

Autozone's Duralast Gold T6-DLG fits under the cover.

That is the correct size battery for the ti and a great battery at that, if you notice the writing on this autozone T6-DLG battery, it says made in Germany, most of this type/size battery are, I suspect by the same manufacturer and get resold under different brands, and we get a great deal on them with our commercial account !!! I use their batteries even in our plow trucks. They are reliable and last long enough, and carry a great replacement warranty. 60Ah 700CCA not sure what that is compared to the BMW oem battery.

[Bayerische E36]

The only batteries I've ever used in my cars (including my E46 racecar) have been Optima Red Tops.

Now, the Red Tops had some issues a few years back, and maybe are still encountering the same, but I've owned four of them for at least 4 years each and not a single one has given me a problem. Two of them have lived through two Canadian and Chicago winters with no sign of slowing.

After the Red Top debacle, I bought a Yellow Top as they are, in any event, stronger batteries. I've had the Yellow Top for 3 years and not a single problem to date.

Sure, the Optimas may be be a bit pricey, but you also get quite a bit of peace-of-mind for the premium.

[wolferj-RIP]

Can't believe I never posted in this thread...

I use a Bosch battery that is for the Miata. Fits perfectly (in the right rear hatch compartment, that is...)



Why? Because I needed to make a little room in the engine compartment;