The Optima didn't bolt into the MCS securely,
since the post on the Optima are further in from the edge, one of the cable connectors had to be bent, and
the posts on top stick up and aren't flush with the top of the battery.
So no, Optima battery doesn't fit in the MCS. And really I shouldn't have been surprised because (at least) at the time, Optima never said the battery fit in a MCS

 

Ok thanks!

Its funny that we started talking about this yesterday, I woke up this morning and my battery was dead as all hell Looks like I will be going to autozone to get a new battery after all lol

 

A 34R fits perfectly in the R53. And has worked wonderfully in Artoo. I wouldn't hesitate to get another one when the time comes.

///Rich

 

The Optima 34R fit in my R53 just fine with the stated slight mods.
Optima cannot recommend the 34R for the Mini Cooper S because there is no vent on the battery like there is on the OEM battery.

 

Cool, looks like it does "fit" thanks for the info. I ended up going with the Duralast Gold direct fit and it has the battery vent plug I wanted so I am happy. How much was the optima red top?

 

Just to clarify, I don't' consider that a good fit. The battery is not properly tied down. The top black vertical bar is supposed to touch the top of the battery as part of the hold down. The Optima is shorter so there is a space between that bar and the top of the battery. So the battery is only held at one point (at the bottom of the picture where the Philips head screw is.) The batter can pivot around that point and mine would even slide left to right.

As I menioned, the posts stick up. If you carry a lot of stuff in back, those posts may eventual poke through the board that makes the bottom of the boot. If they both poke through and you are carrying something conductive, you can short out the battery. I know that is a long shot, but I think it is worth mentioning.

Not as big a deal is the bending of the positive terminal as long as you don't break it as you bend it.

 

Is this the model

 

If you are asking me, yes, that is the model I had and all my comments are about that particular model.

 

Yea I agree I just went with a battery that actually fit but to each his own

 

I'd say we should agree to disagree. The Optima is held tight with the bottom clamp which is not unusual for the design of a hold down. Artoo, my 2003MCS has had an Optima for over 9 years now (on my second one) and it is rock solid and is absolutely reliable. I replaced the other after 6 years, just because I thought it was time.

And it needs no vent as it doesn't vent hydrogen like regular batteries. But when I installed it I taped the vent to the side of the battery box in case someone someday needs it.

The Optima specs are the best you can get. And, in my opinion, it fits fine. And above all requires no maintenance. Just install and forget. It's a bit expensive but with the discount coupons from Advance it's not outrageous.

My 2¢

///Rich

 

 

Yes.

///Rich