What batteries do you guys recommend?

[camnipotent]

I need to replace my battery because my car isn't starting like it should. I left the lights on and killed it, and every jump start is wearing it down. What type of battery do you guys recommend for a 1998 323is? I called my dealer and they want $203.50 for the thing, installed. Not going to happen. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your time.

[thekid]

Go to autozone. They have decent batteries, I think mine cost $30-$40 after the core exchange. I changed it almost 2 years ago and the battery is still good.

If you know some one that carries interstate and has the correct type/model for your car then I would go with them if you are worried about getting a great battery.

[4evrwyntr]

Be glad it isn't a 7-series: the electronics get REAL touchy. I've heard some horror stories about not getting an OEM replacement for your battery, but as it's an e36, it shouldn't be too bad a problem. I second the trip to autozone. Can't think of a name off-hand though...

[drz]

Interstate are great batteries. Don't bother getting OEM.

Autozone+=1

[Hamfisted]

I got the Bosch International (48?) at PepBoys a few months ago for about $89. I think they're actually made by Johnson but I'm not positive. It works very well anyway. Make sure you get the correct series that will match your retainer in the trunk. I think its the 48 series but double check. Also use the corrosion guard rings under the terminals and run the vent tube out the bottom of the wheelwell through the hole that's already there, especially if you have electronics in the trunk, you don't want battery fumes on them. Good luck.














Mike

[Cruzin 323is]

well obviously, your not going to go to the dealer for a simple battery... i personally love my red-top optima... but i also have a upgraded stereo, and a tv.. i paid 150 for mine.. which is a little exspensive, but well worth it..

[Furious]

Originally Posted by drz

Interstate are great batteries. Don't bother getting OEM.

Autozone+=1

i agree with everytihng said in this thread so far, i however use interstate myself. but am looking to get a optima redtop or yellow top soon

[BImmerN2B]

Listen to Cruzin, the Yellow Optima is great for added electronics and the such. and the Red top is for your normal OEM radio and electonics without major upgrades. Both if properly treated will outlast your car.

even at the cost of the red $99 and Yellow $150, you will not be let down.

[tomctx]

[QUOTE=camnipotent]I need to replace my battery because my car isn't starting like it should. I left the lights on and killed it, and every jump start is wearing it down. What type of battery do you guys recommend for a 1998 323is? I called my dealer and they want $203.50 for the thing, installed. Not going to happen. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your time.[/QUOTE

Is there an O'reilly autoparts near you? I bought a battery from them that fit my car, with vent and all. About $70.00. It was a little shorter, but my car had two locations for the hold-down. It worked well in the second one. I believe it had a 72 month warranty.

[green325is]

My BMW dealer told me they sell the OEM battery but "it's junk." They also sold the Interstate MTP-91. I got one for like $70. Fits properly and has the vent port as well. I wanted an Optima battery but wasn't sure if it would fit perfectly or not.

[chico_kj_23]

Originally Posted by Cruzin 323is

well obviously, your not going to go to the dealer for a simple battery... i personally love my red-top optima... but i also have a upgraded stereo, and a tv.. i paid 150 for mine.. which is a little exspensive, but well worth it..

+1...optima rules!!!

[BImmerN2B]

+2 Optima Rules and it fit right in my Ghetto 318i

[jllphan]

Yup. I have an optima as well. Funny thing is, a while back my battery died, and I had an optima that I pulled out of my last car sittin in the garage.of course it was dead (it had been sitting there for over a year....charged it up, and it's worked fine ever since. That was a year ago. They kick butt...well worth the money.

[///M Power]

+Optima aswell


How about those lightweight batteries? They dotn go for that much and save a pretty decent amount of weight.

[speedcrazy1532]

Did you guys ever hear of odessy batteries, thier supposably really light and put out more cold crank amps then other batteries?