15 replies to this topic

[Poppet2]

I need a new battery and was thinking of going either for the

Varta Silver 075 61AH 600 CCA 5 year guarrantee
or
Bosch S3 096 with 70AH 640 CCA 3 year guarantee

Will the AH make much difference as I only drive the car at weekends so difficult to start in Winter.
Should I trickle charge the battery during the week?

Any recommendations re. The above batteries?

[cal844]

096, will bail you out :)

[Dan]

I'm pretty sure Bosch and Varta are the same batteries with different badges. I recently had one of each here on the bench and externally at least they were identical. All the data was identical. I can't imagine they are different internally.

[Poppet2]

I'm pretty sure Bosch and Varta are the same batteries with different badges. I recently had one of each here on the bench and externally at least they were identical. All the data was identical. I can't imagine they are different internally.

It's odd that the Varta has less AHs & CCA, yet has a longer guarantee than the Bosch.

[HarrysMini]

I would go for the 096 every time. 

 

You may need to do minor modifications to the battery to make it fit in the box.

[Poppet2]

I would go for the 096 every time. 
 
You may need to do minor modifications to the battery to make it fit in the box.

You're joking!
Don't tell me I have to go slicing bits of the plastic casing up?

[HarrysMini]

 

I would go for the 096 every time. 
 
You may need to do minor modifications to the battery to make it fit in the box.

You're joking!
Don't tell me I have to go slicing bits of the plastic casing up?

 

If you do, you only need to file a little off the 'boot' at the base of the battery. It takes about 5 minutes.

[Dan]

It's odd that the Varta has less AHs & CCA, yet has a longer guarantee than the Bosch.

But you're comparing different battery types, if you compare the same model the stats will likely be the same.

[Carlos W]

There are loads of good trickle charge systems on the market which will help extend the life of whichever battery you choose! 

[Alex_B]

I was under the belief that an 075 was the largest possible in the battery box of a mini

[HarrysMini]

I was under the belief that an 075 was the largest possible in the battery box of a mini

It probably depends on the make, but we have Bosch 096s in our Minis.

[Poppet2]

I was under the belief that an 075 was the largest possible in the battery box of a mini

It probably depends on the make, but we have Bosch 096s in our Minis.

I'm surprised, I would have thought the mini battery box area was standard.
What year is your mini to fit a 096?
Is your Bosch battery the S3 096?

Edited by Poppet2, 13 April 2014 - 05:30 AM.

[HarrysMini]

I mean it probably depends on the make of battery. I think the battery box is the same amongst all years, so an 096 battery would fit in all of them.

 

If you search the forum for info on 096 batteries, you'll get lots more information.

[KernowCooper]

A 075 drops in nicely with a air gap and has lots of reserve power for a mini, some brands of 096 need the battery case trimming up to get then to drop in though, I never fit anything bigger than a 075 and I use a optimate charger during the winter/week to keep the battery 100%

[Jordie]

a 096 might go in depending on what "hold down" style it is. Some  batteries dont have the sticky out ridges at the bottom and some do. It all depends on what its supposed to be fitted too.

 

For example, my MG ZR used a small metal clamp which held the sticky out plastic parts of the battery casing.

My volvo, used a clamp across the top of the battery.

 

Jordie