Winter is here.
I'm still running a conventional (Duralast Die Hard) 650cc flooded battery wich is barely 2wo years old. After overnight temps drop down past 30°, I'll notice that via my voltage gauge, that the battery charge is down to 10.5 -11.25 before cold morning starts. Alternator is good =14.2. Starter seems good (cranks a bit slower cold). Seems to me the battery is degrading and time for a new one (soon).
Upon pricing a new battery, I'm beginning to see/find AGMs pricing are almost comparable to a new conventional flooded battery - approx = $250 -$300.
For those who have an AGM battery - can you share some insite? How long have you had yours and have you had any decreased voltage during cold winter temps?
thanks.

 

I put an AGM in my R50 maybe… four years ago? It’s been huddled in a garage on a battery tender for the last six months or so though, so I don’t have any data on voltage in cold temps this year though. Otherwise, it’s been fine.

Also, $250 to $300?! I don’t know what size the R53 takes, but the H5 the R50 uses is $130 at Costco for a normal battery and $180 for the AGM, so if you know someone with a membership…

 

Not in the Mini, but I have had an Optima AGM in the Yukon since 2005? I get about 7 years. 2 Optima Red tops in 15 years. I put an Interstate AGM into my 2001 330ci convertible in Dec 2023 - no issues. Mini now lives in SoCal. Battery is an Interstate regular flooded battery. I am ok with AGM.

the 330Ci battery and other recent batteries came from Costco - $169 I think. This replaced a dead Die Hard that only went 11 months

 

I run an interstate Premium H5 AGM, purchased 4 yrs., 3 months ago from a local parts house for $235. It has always been great, and I have never had an issue with it here in southern New England even though my car sits for periods of time. I still have the previous AGM battery it replaced, “just in case”. Two weeks ago, the backup/old AGM battery was down to 11.6V after having been on a shelf in my basement, not charged for over a year. I picked that one up (used) back in 2017 after getting stranded by a flooded battery. I put that old AGM on the charger and it sits now at 12.6V.

Your voltage sounds low.

Nearest Costco to me (up in metro Boston) stocks Interstate H5 AGM for $180+ core, while their Interstate H5 flooded is $130+ core. (Edit, I see that was already pointed out, above.) Sounds like a deal to me. I am guessing the Costco batteries are of equal quality to premium line, but don’t know. And you can have the AGM batteries shipped.

 

The prices for batteries I've seen around here at brick and mortar autoparts stores are outrageous. Im not a Costco member nor am I a big Walmart shopper but Walmart may be my best bet locally. While Wally world may not show a large selection for H5 AGMs and brands - their prices seem inline with the prices stated above $130 - $189 +/-.
I think I paid $225 @ Advance auto for my flooded 650cc two years ago (?) -
I have no intention of paying that kind of money again for a flooded - If AGMs would be far superior in the long run.
Thanks!

 

Well good news - I see Wally world has got an H6 760cc AGM (Ever Start) on the shelf for $189 /4yr warranty.
H5 650cc in AGM are N/A
I don't know much about the brand (Ever Start) but Ive heard Walmart is pretty good with "no questions asked" returns. (I guess there is an advantage when dealing with lazy people afterall).

 

Battery bought, replaced and installed.
AGM H6 760cc w/4yr warranty.
Wally World - $203.41 w/core.
What a difference. Starter spins faster = Mini fires right up after 1 crank.
Overnight temps expected to drop down to 20° w/chance of ×%!# snow .
New battery - so yet to see if any drop in voltage overnight.

 

i'm late to the party, but +1 for AGM batteries in general

 

Hoping my recent AGM Ever Start out lasts any of the former conventional batteries I've had.
I would imagine many would be deterred by the size and weight I've chosen for my Mini - but geez, 2wo (flooded) batteries in 4 years?!!
I can live with an added pound or 2wo as opposed to the headache and rolling the dice/$$ on what we're once reputable brands.

 

Have an AGM for 2 yrs in my outdoor beater R53. Works fine, sits for a couple of weeks , fires right up
Believe its a type 47 from Wieze