...and it got me thinking: Anyone else besides me still have their original battery installed?

My 2005 Cooper S has been through almost every Wisconsin Winter since it was built, (don't know if the previous owner had done the same) and survived through harsh cold starts at times. I imagine that because the battery's located inside the car, that has something do with it.

Hell, my 3rd Gen iPod from 2004 that I always have connected has been through the same abuse, and both the battery and HDD still work...most of the time.

I will be getting a new battery soon though. I'm already in the process of replacing bushings, oil, wheels and tires, and motor mounts, so why not add in a new battery to the mix?

 

I have an 08 Clubman with the original battery installed still. Original owner lived in the Pittsburgh area and I live in the Cleveland area.. No problems here at all and the temperature can go from -10 to the 90's here in a years time..

 

My 05 MCS (also in Madison, Wisconsin) is still going strong with its original battery. Never garaged either!

 

Someone on NAM recently asked about his 8-year-old battery. Several thought he was living on borrowed time. About 10 years ago I had a 7-year-old battery on a non-MINI that seemed to still be very strong; I replaced it before it started to go south.

Hot weather seems to shorten the lives of batteries more than cold weather, but you need extra cranking power in cold weather.