Ultimate Battery Guide, for future generations of FAQers

[2thosd2]

I just called my BMW dealership they say it's a 42 group size

[Collinster742002]

I use Durolast Batteries from AutoZone. They are made in Mexico and the 60 mos. units usually last me about 72 mos. But, I live in a "warm" climate and if you're in a cold climate you may not get the same life out of them I do. Use 'em in both my '75 and my wife's '76. The P/N is worn off so I can't read any details. My records indicate this one's been in my car 4½ yrs. now. If I remember correctly they cost around $60.

Bob Napier

I've had bad luck with the Duralast's. I run the same battery (47DL) in my 02 and 98 Volvo S70 and I've already had to replace them twice due to dead cells. The S70 is a daily and the 02 sits... a lot. To remedy this I got a battery float charger that keeps it fresh all the time. It does it's job pretty well.

Before that, it had an Autocraft Silver battery from 2002. It finally stopped holding a charge in December of 2010.

[Guest Anonymous]

I flip my battery, so the ground is towards the front of the car, dont like the hot terminal so close to the nose of the beast, not original, but great if battery shifts or heaven forbids i collide with said snow bank on the way to post, have had great luck with Interstate batteries for longevity.

Dave Miller

DBMW2002

76 Golfie, Screamin Yellow Zonker

97 328is For when u absolutley positively gotta get there fast

[John_in_VA]

(nt)

[Stevenc22]

Dual PC680 under back seat wired into a battery switch so when I store car it doesn't drain.

[andrew02]

I was just in the market for a new battery. The one I just replaced was going on 5+ years and had no name or information on the battery. After doing some research I wanted to get the BMW P/N 61.21.7.567.181 battery. After calling 2 local bmw dealerships I wasn't able to purchse their battery because they didn't carry it in stock and I couldn't get a straight answer of whether or not it could be ordered. So, I decided to go with Sear's Diehard Group 47 Gold battery. It has 600 CCA, 3 year full-time warranty, and fits nicely in the front. The total was $142.82. I have a diehard battery in my VW passat and it's lasted many years. We'll see how this new one holds up.

[jgerock]

(nt)

When I sold my VW last year, I tried to get another Die Hard from the local Sears. My old trade in was still good - just old. NLA indeed. They called the local Olympus on Eisenhower Avenue and I picked up a Bosch Group 42.

[napa02]

Just to throw my to cents worth in... I wouldn't get too caught up in brand names. There is only a few players in the battery manufacturing game

Johnson Controls, Exide, and East Penn. If you get a battery at your local auto parts store/Mass retailer/ or OE dealership, its more than likely made by one of these guys... This does not apply to the specialty batteries but for your main stream lead acid batteries.

[jgerock]

Just to throw my to cents worth in... I wouldn't get too caught up in brand names. There is only a few players in the battery manufacturing game

...East Penn/quote]

Thanks for mentioning one of my customers! BTW - East Penn will sell you a no-branded battery for a very low price and will take trade-ins...right at their factory in Lyon Station, PA.

[Buckeye]

On my way back from Business trip in Kentucky stopped at pep boys store in Florence, KY and picked this battery.

[bublinki]

Thanks to Eastside Bimmer. An old post, but good reading and excellent information that still stands.

Starting the resurrection(3rd or 4th time during my ownership) once again. This time it has been parked for 4 years...