Originally Posted by paulgraz

On the MC, it's a little more important to get the size correct...

Originally Posted by markjenn

I can also confirm that the Batteries Plus Rayovac battery (SLI47H5) is an no-mod, same as stock, bolt-in replacement for the OEM battery, at least on my 2004 MCS. Exact same height, same bottom lip to engage the stock hold down bracket, same pos/neg orientation, same vent hose location (they give you a plug for one side and an elbow for the other which is exactly like the stock battery). $90 where I live.

If you have a Batteries+ store near you this is a great solution.

BTW, I was replacing mine simply as a precaution based on calendar time (6.5 years) and on the off-chance my aging battery was the reason for some odd door lock problems I'm having (which the new battery didn't help). The original battery was working fine.

- Mark

Originally Posted by cristo

Actually, this thread is for replacement batteries for the MC, not the MCS.
Although the stock battery fits both, some aftermarkets fit one but not the other.

Originally Posted by joelimome

So I after reading all these post (and after buying and returning two batteries that did not fit my Cooper 2002) here are some thoughts:

Note: this applies to My Cooper 2002 and most likely not to a Cooper S, and possibly not to later Cooper models.
My Cooper 2002 was one of the very early models delivered in California... so you mileage may vary.

- most of the after market batteries sold by chain stores that are supposed to fit the Cooper DO NOT FIT.
- there are afew models that do, but they are quite hard to find, and often almost as pricey as the Mini/BMW branded battery.

The standard for the battery "type" is a 47, but this standard does not seem to be precise when it comes with to critical issues for a Cooper :
- the height of the battery
- the shape of the top casing moldings
- the location of the battery venting tubing

Height:
Most of the 47 batteries are too low, usually they come with a 7" height, when the correct height is more like 7.5" or 7 9/16 ".
So when shoping get a measuring tape. If the battery is not 7.5" forget about it. You could consider adding a shim under it, but this is cumbersome and may not solve the problem anyway because of the other issues usally found with batteries of the wrong height. Because of this height issue, you cannot connect the terminals properly without a shim.

Top casing modling shape:
Most of the 47 batteries in addition to being too short aalso have the wrong top casing shape. So even if they fit the battery case OK, and even if you add a shim under it to get the right height, you most likely will NOT be able to get the battery hold-down to fit. Usually this is because the attery top is too wide. The edge of the casing that is opposite to the terminals is usually flush, when it needs to be beveled.
This picture from a GOOD battery shows how there is a ridge/bevel on top; this ridge is where the matching ridge/bele in the hold-down fits.
Attachment 45031

This is another picture from my onw original battery, where I highlighted the ridge/bevel for illustration:
Attachment 45070


So now, a picture of one of these bad batteries:
Attachment 45030
On the "right" picture, top left corner, you can clearly see that there is no ridge/bevel : this means the hold-down will NOT fit.

Vent location:
Most of the 47 type batteries vent tube is in the middle of the battery, between the two terminals, when the original vent is on the side close to the +/positive terminal. Furthermore the vent tube is usually too big and even if bent will not fit the rubber modling correctly.

Theses three issues combined can be found on MOST of the 47 batteries out there.
I tried Costco, Kragen/Oreilly, Napa, Intersate, Delco. (I am in the San Francisco Bay area, California). I found one shop in Redwood City that had a good battery (Cerrones European) and knew it... it was only $10 less than the $210 to $240 than the local mini dealers are asking for the original one.
To Costco credit, they listed their 47 Super start battery for Cooper S and not for regular Cooper. I got too tempted by the $60 price tag, but had to return it.
The Kragen one was identical but in the 90$ range. Napa had two which also were identical and no good either and a bit more pricey. So was an interstate at a Firestone shop, and a few others at small shops I stopped by (the evaluation was quick with the measuring tape in hand).
Note that the Kragen battery was listed for the Cooper... but I knew immediately it was no good since it was identical to Costco's battery. In their system the clerck showed though that there was a note saying that the hold-down may not fit and this may require adjustments .....


So the next step for me is to try this one at http://www.batteriesplus.com/p-36494...-sli47-li.aspx which looks to have the right ridge/bevel from the look of the picture.

I'll report if this fits or not... and if not, out of despair I may take the plunge and shell out the $210 for the BMW one

Happy batery shopping!