12 replies to this topic

[Top Cat & Benny]

Hi there!

I am hoping someone might be able to give me some advice - the "new" battery in my mini has died after 18 months of use. The battery runs an immobiliser & tracking devices at all times, which were not standard to this mini, as originally manufactured. I have been looking at car batteries, & was wondering if there is any benefit in upgrading to a calcium as opposed to lead acid battery, & indeed if this would be compatible with the electrical system? Also, I have read that installing a "bigger" battery may be beneficial. I wonder if any one can advise me please as to which battery/batteries I can use in my mini.

Mini City E, 1985, 998cc.

All advice gratefully received!

Mini thanks! Rosie.

[momini]

I have a 70 amp calcium battery now. Because when I leave the car alarm on without driving for 2 weeks it starts where as old battery amp was rubbish/flat.

50 - 70 pounds price range. Bosch is good.

[jetblack81]

My ethos on batteries is fit the biggest that physically fits. Avoid cheap brands as well. Most minis pre about 93 ran a 038 or 015 battery, roughly 265en cca and 330en cca respectively. You havent said if it is a daily driver doing long or short runs or whether its a toy that gets used rarely. The 063 fits the mini and i even think the 065 and 075 go in if you want to get really serious. The higher the mileage you do the better it is for battery longevity. So many people buy cheap or standard batteries and expect them to last without using maintenance chargers when they only do about 3 or 4k miles a year. Batteries will sulphate if this happens and you will be lucky to get 2 years even out of a decent brand.
Indeed calcium or evenn silver batteries are better, they deliver a higher cranking output, have a marginaly better a/h capacity and withstand extreme temperatures better. I run a bosch silver 063 battery in mine and it fires up on the nail everytime even if i have neglected it for a bit. Will probably set you back £90 from Halfords as they are a bit pricy but shop around. Halfords do a calcium 063 which is a bit cheaper but slightly less powerful. There batteries are made by varta so dont think your paying a premium for a poor quality if you do decide on one of theres, but for me it would be bosch all the way. I think my bosch 063 is just short of 500cca.

[jetblack81]

And yes it will be fine with all your electrics.

[Wigeon Incognito]

I completely agree with the above but just wanted to add that dependant on use a maintenance charger can be a very good investment too.

My car is garaged and more of a toy so I leave it hooked up to an Accumate and never have any battery issues.

I started using them after going through a couple of Bosch Silvers in another car due to lack of use. Luckily the Mini gets used more often!

Some of the solar maintenance chargers are meant to help too if your car is kept outside.

[Top Cat & Benny]

Hi there!
Many thanks for the above!

My mini is a daily driver but we are only going short distances. The "dead" battery was fitted by the AA about 18 months ago, with a 3 year warranty, & I think they're gonna replace it free of charge... Gonna try for an upgrade based on the needs of my lil old car!

Failing that, I think I will use it just to drive to a Halfords & will upgrade myself anyway! After all, it was minis' birthday on Thursday, so he deserves a treat!

Mini thanks for the replies!
Rosie.

[Jordie]

Be prepared to spend a fortune at halfords. Even eurocarparts may be cheaper, see hotukdeals as sometimes they have vouchers for discounts on batteries.

Same battery from a proper local automotive shop is half the price or less in most cases.

I have just fitted a 075 to my mini, not because i needed to, just because i get them cheap and it is a good 'upgrade' over the standard 038 type.

[Orange-Phantom]

I would highly recommend the Ctek MXS 5.0 smart charger.

It gets fantastic reviews (I can vouch for it as well) and it can even revive previously dead batteries!

I also have the Exide Maxxima 900dc (Deep Cycle) battery (fits nice and snug) Although kinda pricey! I've just checked Google Shopper and the cheapest I found it for is £160 from Griffin Batteries!

[Top Cat & Benny]

Hi guys! Mini thanks for all your advice!
We are up & running, & at the moment, it hasn't cost us a penny. So I will take the time to shop around for batteries, & try get the best value I can!
I think my issue may be the short journeys we do, & feel I must make the effort to give him a real good run more often! You see, I also have a 2nd mini, my "toy", & he gets most of the long runs out to car shows, etc!
Mini regards, Rosie.

[tractor]

http://www.racshop.c...attery-063.html

i just bought one of these an 063 bosh battery delievered for £30, i thought it might be worth a try

Cheers
Trac

Edited by tractor, 01 November 2012 - 03:51 PM.

[tractor]

sorry looks like they don't sell that battery anymore, i literally ordered it last week heres the invoice



trac

[firstforward]

I would highly recommend the Ctek MXS 5.0 smart charger.

It gets fantastic reviews (I can vouch for it as well) and it can even revive previously dead batteries!

I also have the Exide Maxxima 900dc (Deep Cycle) battery (fits nice and snug) Although kinda pricey! I've just checked Google Shopper and the cheapest I found it for is £160 from Griffin Batteries!

I just don't get it why you would want a deep cycle battery for a car and at that price???? it only has a 2 year warranty also, by the way its here at £140ish http://www.ebay.co.u...y-/400243126040,

Best bet is go for a good make with a 4 - 5 year warranty, 600CCA ( 350 will do) is more than enough for a Mini at around £60-70

[Orange-Phantom]

Firstforward the battery I have is so that I can run the sound system when out without the Engine running and then being able to start it again! It's probably overkill and not required for most users but it's never let me down which in my book is well worth it.

It has got great reviews except for the price!

http://www.autoexpre...e-maxxima-900dc

For most users I would agree with you, go for a decent brand and a decent CCA figure. The extra warranty is also nice bonus.

I still stand by my comment of getting a decent smart charger. Most battery damage is done by leaving a battery in a partially/discharged state. (Look up battery sulphation). A decent smart charger will charge it properly but then go into maintenance mode to ensure the battery is always fully charged without damaging it.

Edited by Orange-Phantom, 01 November 2012 - 09:19 PM.