Picked up my 03MCS from Roadshow in November 2002, and did not touch the battery (rarely ever opened the boot cover to look at it) until it finally died last month. Had never done anything to the battery, and it looked practically new when pulled, no corrosion or anything. Until it died, had worked like new the entire 9 years, always with enough power to start quickly on the first try.

Curious if ultra-long battery life is unusual in the early R53s? Nine years is about double the battery life based on experience with other cars. Think it would have lasted even longer but a few bouts of having to use it to jumpstart the dying battery in my better half's Subaru just was too much for it.

 

My '04 battery is still going strong, but I've got the local auto parts store on speed dial.

This is definitely longer than any other car I've owned. My old Miatas eat batteries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

9 years is great
I thought I was doing good with 8 years on my '04 battery.
However I just changed it out because I only drive it part time and the start-up was getting slower and slower. I chose to not wait for it to fail.
Autozone got me a great replacement for $120. Exact match with the vent that is perfect.

 

lasted 9 years too!

 

My 04 (oct. 03 build) still has the factory battery. I keep expecting to need to replace it, especially since I've drained it a few times by leaving one sides parking lights on for too many days at a time. But every time that happens I hook up a jump pack and she's good to go. Since MCS has always been a Northern New England car I can't believe it's still going.

I'd be happy to replace my battery, but I just can't justify it. I've never researched who the mfg is, but they did them right.

 

My 2005 MCS still has its original battery. It was bought new and lived its entire life in Calgary - never with a warmer or tender, as far as I know, and always cranking an ambient-temperature engine (i.e., no block heater at sometimes -40°C). If climate affects battery life, then this is definitely one high quality battery...

 

This is great news because I looked at the battery in my new R56 yesterday and couldn't see how you'd get it out without either dismantling the firewall or the dash. The door to the compartment is certainly not big enough to remove the battery through. I'm glad I don't have to worry about figuring it out any time soon (or probably ever!)

 

Good info. What brand/part number was it? As I said, I anticipate replacing in the not too distant future. TIA.

 

I will take a look when I get home, but it is the 8 year warranty with 3 year free replacement. The only difference I can see is the plastic case is black in place of the white OEM.
I think the MSRP on the battery was $135 but the AutoZone guys always work with me and give me some type of discount.

 

Our 2002 MSC is still on its original battery and going strong.....

 

My '03 S (delivered in October '02) still has it's original battery and seems to be doing fine. I know it will die at some inopportune time, but I guess I just want to see how long it lasts before it croaks!

 

got you guys beat. My 2002 MCS March build date has it's original battery

 

12/03 build date and still going strong.

 

Just received a 50 dollar coupon from my local Mini dealer, I'm going to swap mine out. '05, still cranking, but weak.
Crazy to hear about 9 year old batteries.

 

My 02 S, #504 is still on the original battery, March 02 build also.
I do keep a low amp maintainer on during the winter.
Mike

 

Replaced mine just after I got it - '05 R52 and I'm the second owner. I had a few two-try starts before I decided to just err on the side of caution and replace it. My local dealer is on the way to work for me, so I just bought mine from them - I also just didn't want to deal with the possible hassle of getting the wrong battery.

 

My R53 is a March 2003 build, original battery (knock on wood).

Maybe its a BMW thing, I had a 750 with an original battery that made it 8 years. Of coruse when it died I had to figure out where the hell the batter was in that thing.

I have seen 320s and 325s go 10+ years on their batteries.

 

December '01 built R50, original battery still going

 

We have a 2002 S. It was picked up in August 2002. The battery is still OK but I am getting a little concerned about the age. Is the Autozone battery still the best fit?

 

As mine is still going just fine after almost 11 years, as are many others, I would ask this...IF your OEM from BMW battery has give you 10 good years service, why would you go to Autozone? While one might be an anomaly, it sounds like they know what they are building.
Mike

 

Great question. I had checked the forum a few years ago about the battery as I had never had one to last this long. The recommendation back then I think was AUTOZONE. You have a great point and I just called the nearest MINI dealer to check their price but they had already left for the day. Left a message and if reasonable, I will buy from them.

 

10+ years original battery still going strong.
'02 Cooper S (production date August 2002).
64k miles.
This battery's age is equivalent to a 17 year-old dog, or a 120 year-old human being.
Now, having merely mentioned its good health, watch it go dead imminently.

 

Cowl trim above the battery compartment pops out easily. However, it seems that Gen 1 batteries have longer lives than Gen 2 (all that extra Gen 2 computer jizz wears them out, I guess).

 

My August 2002 MINI S battery just died today. Did not try to jump it. Just going to buy a new one. Longest I have ever had a battery last.

 

I so need to trademark and use "Computer Jizz"