Forgot to add that if you are dead set on an Optima battery and wanna get one for less cash, call up Optima and they can give you a location near you that sells cosmetic blemish batteries. There is one locally that sells brand new batteries with a small cosmetic defect for $80.

 

Thanks again to Rich for the link. Went on vacation, wife drove the car home. 11 days later, dead as a doornail. No $25 rebate, but Streetside had it for a significant discount vs all others. Until it arrives guess I'm driving the '92 Miata...
Can't complain after 8 years, but it sucks to come home and not be able to use the power folding mirrors, much less starting it up and driving it!

 

Just to restate since the thread title is off....

 

Ignorance. The 'base' MINI is a delightful car, and makes a better daily-driver than the S and JCW (IMHO). I have an S with the 17s, and I love it, but the "Justa" loaner I've had all week (with an AUTOMATIC... the horror!) is fitted out very nicely, and reminds me of my old BMW 1602. It's a really nice car, and is making me think about the upcoming MINI Clubvan positively.

 

FYI capt bj and all others. Optima batteries are NOT gel betteries.
Optima produces deep-cycle AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries. AGM batteries are maintenance-free and self-contained. In other words, the owner does not have to keep checking water levels. There are three types of Optima batteries: red top, blue top and yellow top.

 

To Rich and anyone else who has installed one - Just got my Optima red top today, and the batter itself is quite a bit short. When using the red 'cap' on the bottom, it gets to the right height, but the clip that holds it to the bottom gets in the way of the loooong hold down so it won't screw in. I suppose I could just shave off that clip, but want to make sure I'm not doing something wrong if others had it fit without a problem.

FWIW, the stock battery is 35lbs, the Optima just over 40lbs.

 

Bump - Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

 

I never used the red "cap" on the bottom because that would make the terminals stick up too high.

Even with a "low" installation, I don't like putting things in back on top of the battery because so much weight is on top of the post and not spread out evenly across the top of the battery as happens with the stock battery.

I put some hard rubber between the top of the battery and the hold down clamp to help hold the battery in. That doesn't help my concern about weight on the terminals, but it does give it a bit more support to hold it in.

If and when I need to replace the battery, I will get one with the stock configuration (flat on top with the terminals flush to the top.)

 

I've used a couple of lengths of weatherstripping foam as a "shim" -- two layers to create a snug fit between the top of the battery and the clamp. No worries about weight.

 

For me it fit perfectly with the bottom hold down. Here’s the picture.



Does yours look like this?

Rich

 

The top looks like that (thanks for the pic), but apparently they're making them shorter now. They also have adapters included for group 35 batteries.
Pics in my gallery show it next to the OEM, and with the 'cap' that doubles as a base extender. Looks like shaving off the tab is the solution. Not like I'm going to be taking it out regularly, but I prefer direct fit items that fit.

 

Streetsideauto.com has the 34r for $121.99 shipped!! I just ordered one for my "S"

 

I would be surprised if it were shorter. I will try to measure mine later. But if I remember correctly it is the bottom hold down that secures mine. The top bar doesn't touch it at all.

What is the height of your battery without the bottom adapter which I am sure I did not use.

Rich

 

Optima 34R measures 6 3/4" tall. OEM is ~ 7 1/2".
Guess I didn't notice the gap in your picture, but given that the carry strap is below the hold down, the gap must be there. I felt nervous with the gap, but it's good to hear it still holds firm. Guess I'll trim off that tab and see if I can get 'er in snug. Thanks for the input Rich!

 

Rich, did you have to bend up the explosive charge tab/wire? Mine is at a ~90 degree angle and interfering with the fit. I've bent it some but fear snapping it off if I bend too much.

 

I've had two of them in there and I don't remember bending anything. It just fit.

///Rich

 

Well, finally got it to fit. Had to bend the explosive tab wire almost flat, and ended up shimming the top with a piece of wood as the bottom didn't hold the battery firmly, and the the plastic top/base didn't allow the hold down to fit at all, even with the tabs trimmed. A bit more work than I was expecting, but hopefully this one will last the ~9 years that the OEM did. Thanks for all the input!

 

I wonder if the bottom clamp was changed. When my current Optima bites the dust I intend to replace it with another and hopefully it will sit just where this one does.

I would have never installed mine with wood under the clamp. I really do wonder what has changed. Perhaps we'll meet up sometime although as much as I love Santa Cruz, I doubt Artoo will be with me.

Say Hi to the Dipper for me.

Rich

 

Where did you order your battery from? Also any pics of the set up now?

 

Rich, be sure to PM/email me if you're in the area - happy to give a personal tour!

DVS, got mine from Streetside as well. Will take a pic in the AM. In my config, I had to bend the explosive charge tab to ~level (originally was bent down, and prevented the positive terminal from fitting down fully), and add a ~7/8" shim under the OEM holddown.

Another option would be to notch out the cap/base plastic to accept the OEM holddown tabs. I may end up doing that if I get ****.

 

Id advise from doing that, imho.

I too had to bend the explosive cable to get it to work. Perhaps this cable is specific to the convertibles.

You might just get a battery cut off switch and mount that in between the battery and cable (and leave it "on")

 

Why is that? The 'cap/base' is just a big piece of plastic that clips on to the battery. I didn't suggest modifying the battery case itself.

 

I know this is an old post but I am looking for a battery for my 2006 r53..does everyone agree the optima is the way to go still??

 

When my Optima died I replaced it with a Sear DieHard. The Sears bat. fits fine. Unlike the Optima, the Diehard is properly secured in place and it is flat on top so I don't have to worry about the battery punching through the flooring.

I would go for just about any battery as long as it is made to fit properly in the MINI.

 

Cool thanks for the advice. So you're saying the optima doesn't fit properly in the r53 then!?