Really stupid ballery question

[andreas]

ok, so I'm still a bit new to 2002 (or any car) mechanics, but I've been at it for a few years now and am learning things, but I have to admit that I feel like a total moron right now because my battery is dead and I can't find info in archives here or in any of the 3 manuals for the 02 I have that explain exactly what kind of battery to get - I'm missing something obvious, right?!

I guess I'm looking for group size, cca, and Rc right?

so what are the spec for our batteries (sorry for stupid question)?

Andreas

[_z_]

i don't know the size or whatever, but the stock battery I got out of a 91 toyota pickup fit perfectly -- and it had a little pop up handle so you can drop it into that tight little spot and pull it out easy.

on the tii you have to do some serious wedging to get a regular sized battery in there

[BillWilliams]

the correct group size. Sorry I forgot what they told me.

[KFunk]

Unless you have special needs for your battery, you should just be able to go to any parts store and tell them the make, model, and year of your car, and they'll give you one that will work. In some places like Wal-Mart you might have to look it up yourself in their little book or computer.

Keep in mind that a generic battery might not fit well with your factory hold-down. The perfectionists get a pricey battery from BMW dealerships I think.

But usually a proper hold-down isn't that important, unless you autocross, in which case they really make sure the battery is held in tight.

[esty]

don't sweat it, just go to walmart and but their $36, 24 month battery

i've had one on my car for 6 years and it's like that pink rabbit that beats a drum

[eastsidebimmer]

From CD:

BMW BATTERY FOR ALL 2002'S

PART NUMBER 61.21.7.567.181

This is what I have, the dealer had it in stock, it's white and has a cool good, recharge, replace sight glass on top. As Kfunk said, if you like perfection......

[Beaner7102]

Just get one that fits the battery tray and your wallet. Remember the + post is on the top left (looking down on it) One of my cars has a massive 530 CCA truck battey, very handy if you run out of gas 1/2 a mile from the servo - you practly drive it on the starter it has so much kick. Beaner7102

[dlhoovler]

I got mine from Wal-Mart for something like $30. Works fine.

-Dave

[Guest Anonymous]

You need a R26 battery... Walmart or Pep Boys should do the trick.

[Napes]

All 3 of my ' 02s have batteries from AutoZone and they fit perfectly, including using the OEM holddown. Last one I had was a 48 month model and lasted 6 yrs. Cost is a little under $50, I think.

Bob Napier

[andreas]

(nt)

[ingraham]

tii and turbo: BCI Group Size 26R; don't believe otherwise, even when the "book" says 42.

Most original 2002 battery holddown clamps are broken or gone. Look for a flexible strap of some kind to hold it down.

[Mike Self]

(nt)

[SteveJ]

OSH (local hardware store) has a two pack of 6 foot nylon lashing straps. I use one to strap the battery to the tray and the other strap is in the trunk for when the strap fails or I meet up with someone with a loose battery. Fit the strap and then cut the excess 3 or 4 feet off. Hit the end with a lighter and it will not fray.

[ingraham]

it's a little shorter, front-to-back, than a 42. BCI info here: http://www.rtpnet.org/~teaa/bcigroup.html