engine and drivetrain Need New Battery. What to get?

[jrhone]

I searched te FAQ and didn't quickly come up with anything so I'm asking. What kind of battery should I get? I have a napa group 47 battery in the car now that was in the car when I got it 4 years ago. So no clue as to its age. Car doesn't seem to hold much of a reserve charge. It turns over but this morning was really slow. I replaced the cables and they are tight. Have a e21 alternator. All seems to be ok. I think it's just an old battery. Looking at the group 47s for pep boys thy seem to be like 530 CCA. Is that low?? I know it a small engine and should turn good. Oh and I have a newer 5 series starter. Maybe I need a battery that's a bit beefier to turn the starter better? I plan at some time to put the battery in the trunk. Should I look for a sealed battery?

[c.d.iesel]

how long do you want it to last ?

how long did your current battery last ?

more.........

bmw / DOUGLAS no. 10046-063W

61.21.7.567.181 50AH

$145 list as of 3/29/2013

last I heard - mine was 10 years old and still ticking .

[Stefan_m2002tii]

Battery in trunk? Def a sealed one.

I hava a optima redtop, sits in the car all winter and starts without charging for months

[BDB]

jrhone,

just bought a new battery on saturday. size GR42 fits as well if fitment is an issue. GR42 is about 1/2 lower (battery terminals). as for kind of battery, i'll leave it up to more knowledgable folks.

[Timmer]

Group sizes 42 and 26r are the two most common for engine compartment batteries. I bought a group size 26r from Advance Auto for my NK 1969 2000 back around 2003 and still going strong when I sold he car in 2010, although I did remove the battery late November/early December for winter garage storage; kept the battery in my basement on a wood shelf., no charging needed at first start up come spring.

Tim

[Timmer]

Group sizes 42 and 26r are the two most common for engine compartment batteries. I bought a group size 26r from Advance Auto for my NK 1969 2000 back around 2003 and still going strong when I sold he car in 2010, although I did remove the battery late November/early December for winter garage storage; kept the battery in my basement on a wood shelf., no charging needed at first start up come spring.

Tim

[jrhone]

Thx guys. I bought an Optima group 34R red top. It's identical in length and width and about an inch shorter. It's git double the power of the group 47 I'm replacing and it's sealed so I can put it in the trunk without issues. Oh and the R means the terminals are reversed so the positive and negative teinals are on the same sides as the group 47. Autozone had it in stock for only $30 more than their store brand high end battery. Gonna drop it in today.

[Mike Self]

(nt)

[M3M3]

for reference, here is the battery info on what i am using

[jrhone]

Here is the battery I got. The fit was VERY tight but worked. What I like is double cranking power of the old battery. Plus the terminals are closer to the center of the battery so the positive terminal isn't close to the body.

[Hans]

Walmart or Costco are reasonably priced and good warranty. Costco is supposed to be good quality, but some models lack feet on the sides/ends. Optima available at both places last I looked, but an expensive way to go. I'd focus on getting one that fits in the tray, with clearance for the hold down rods and terminals on the right side. Bigger the better. Use a battery tender over the winter.

[jrhone]

Walmart or Costco are reasonably priced and good warranty. Costco is supposed to be good quality, but some models lack feet on the sides/ends. Optima available at both places last I looked, but an expensive way to go. I'd focus on getting one that fits in the tray, with clearance for the hold down rods and terminals on the right side. Bigger the better. Use a battery tender over the winter.

Winter? Im in Newport Beach...no winters here...lol

[Hans]

Well fine.

[OriginalOwner]

jrhone,

I'm curious to know the "exact and precise" dimensions of the battery.

In my tii I only have 1/2" clearance between the top-back-edge of the battery and the air cleaner ..... a tight squeeze with the Group 42 battery I've always used.

Cheers,

Carl

[jimk]

Walmart or Costco are reasonably priced and good warranty. Costco is supposed to be good quality, but some models lack feet on the sides/ends. Optima available at both places last I looked, but an expensive way to go. I'd focus on getting one that fits in the tray, with clearance for the hold down rods and terminals on the right side. Bigger the better. Use a battery tender over the winter.

Winter? Im in Newport Beach...no winters here...lol

Then 4 or 5 D cells and some duct tape outa work for you and they should fit the tray. Some bungie will hold them down!