Getting a new battery - sensible upgrade?

[jimmyslr]

I think my battery is on the way out. It's less than happy when starting in the cold, even if I know it's fully charged. Also, it seems to run down very rapidly when left alone for a few days. Suffice to say, I fancy a new one rather than finding myself stranded.

Are there any obvious (I am sure someone has "been there, done that") replacements? On my Caterham many of us owners swapped to gel based high-output batteries; these are also happy to sit charged for long periods without deteriorating. Unfortunately, that make does not seem to have an RS sized one!

Thanks for any ideas[]

 

[Guest]

The Bosch Silver-top range seem rather good, and the make is probably correct too...

 

[rskiwi]

The correct one is a 32 amp hour which is the minimum. I have a 60 amp hour which is a lot heavier and as I do not use it very often I have a trickle charger connected. Do not forget to let engine idle for 15 minutes when you reconnect battery so as to reset management system.
Jeff

 

[Guest]

Also... switch off the alarm with the key etc (or wear earmuffs) as many alarms go off (using internal batteries) when you disconnect the main battery.

 

[jimmyslr]

Thanks chaps. Have had that fun and games with alarm when battery has gone flat on me in past!

The original one definitely not for me - have had my fill of lightweight, low power batteries with the Caterham. I'm only a slim lad so a few extra kilos on the battery is not a worry[]

The top of range Bosch could be a runner; just need to find a supplier. There don't seem to be many internet based sellers of quality batteries - lots of sellers of cheap and cheerful kit. Anyone know of a nice company that would like to part me from my cash?

James

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

James,

German Swedish & French do the Bosch batteries. (https://secure.gsfcarparts.com/shop/shop.asp) They seem to have a 66AH for £45 or a 72AH for £52 (all + VAT). I believe Costco also do some good deals but you need to be a member.

Regards

Dave

 

[Jamie Summers]

I've got the 72ah Bosch Silvertop in my C2 - certainly a little bigger than the standard RS battery, but now means my car will happily sit for a fortnight or more and start first time. I'm pleased with it so far (had it for about 6 months), but will have to see how it gets on when it's really cold. That said it started first turn at 8am this morning in the snow !

Jamie

 

[RichardLW]

I walked round the corner to Halfords and bought one of their's when my battery expired. Same shape and size as the original but higher capacity, and cheaper. Two years on, no problems yet.

 

[carreraboy]

I know this might be a little surprising but if you open the front lid and look to the bottom right there is a little red turnkey which if twisted in the correct direction with little effort completely cuts off the electrics in some other cars which have been used in Club Sport etc the isolator switch may be mounted on the dash same principle just a gentle turn of the wrist and giess what no flat batteries has worked for me for nearly 4 years....one of the greatest attributes of the 964RS the only 911 ever out of the 15 or so I have owned I have not had to replace the battery...try it it really works honest........