I think my battery done for. What should I replace it with?

[Delmarco]

or what is a good brand Battery for a bmw E36?
I'm going to the local Sears here for a $12 diagnosis and I think I may have to get Diehard... used: cause that brand is discounted by like 50% if the diagnosis tells me I need a new battery...
help... used:

[e36surge]

It would depend on a few things. Do you have a sound system that draws a lot? Are your winters really really cold like up here? I have the BMW battery and some of my e36 friends up here have Yellow Top batteries but they have big systems and stuff. I had a Die Hard on my 318 and the guy who bought it is still using it... about four years old now and never a problem. They have the extended warranty but you have to send in the card. After one year they depreciate the thing though... at least that's the process here in Montreal.

[Hamfisted]

Sears has always spec'd high standards for their DieHard line. I use DieHards in three of my cars and never had any surprise problems and usually get the advertised life out of the battery. They are also one of the few that actually build them to the Euro spec required of the BMWs and other Euro imports. With the recessed terminals and such. If it has a vent make sure you attach a clear vent tube to the vent and route it down and out of the wheel-well through the hole down there. You don't want battery gases venting and hanging around in the trunk to rot things.





Mike

[chemguy]

I bought a sealed Optima from Costco with the red top. It performed like a champ through a very cold winter, so I'm pleased with it, though I don't have an aftermarket stereo or anything that draws higher than normal current.

[someguy]

Well I personally would go with the Optima....nice battery...and according to you location, 46.65n 73.95w, that means your north of Montreal<-----is it a good guess. anywho I bet it's cold up there, real cold.

[DesmoBob]

optima here

[BImmerN2B]

If you want to go with the best then go with the Optima Yellow top (Deep Cycle). The red top will be fine and probably outlast your car. options options

[Cruzin 323is]

its a tough decision... i know.. if u got 150 bucks.. then go with the optima... IMO!

[pcy]

Delmarco,

Why pay for diagnosis [of a battery] ?
Our local auto parts stores (Pep Boys, AutoZone) test batteries for FREE
even if we don't buy the battery from them.
In essence, they will test the battery voltage before the load test; put a huge load on it for a short time, then test the voltage again. They will even give you a printout of the report.

Also, if needed, they will test the current being put our (with an ammeter) as well, while the car is running.

If you already knew all of the above, *ignore this message* :-)

[wcre34]

i drain my old battery due to voltage regulator fault.. so i had to buy a new bosch for european car.. $150aud.. so freaking expensive never thougth battery are that costly