Alright, I read a few things about the brackets not fitting on some batteries, sometimes the tubes dont fit..etc..

what battery will work for my 05 mini s without breaking the bank(going to dealership)

thanks!!!!!

 

Go to any Autozone, Advance Auto, Pep Boys, etc and they can cross-reference the Mini Cooper battery with an aftermarket one... A range of prices based on the quality & warranty offered on the replacement battery... Price ranges should be between $60 - $125 depending on the battery... No need to go to the dealer...

 

Try this optima red-top r34. If you do a search you will find lots of info from forum members. Also I think Sears has a die-hard model that works really well.

 

nice! thanks man!
from the threads i have been reading, ive heard its a pita getting a battery to work with the tube and brackets..

 

Just finished posting this to another query but think you might also be interested, since we have similar autos. Quoted below.

"I have a 2004 MC S that had it's original battery installed until June of 2010. Never had any problem with it but figured I was pushing my luck to not replace it since it has been giving service about 6 years.

After much internet research I decided on AutoZone's H5-DLG, it's size, terminal placement, vent capability was considered to be identical to the original battery. It was a breeze to install, no shims, no modification to battery clamp down bracket, pull the plug sealing the battery vent hole and push in the Mini's vent tube.

Specs for this battery exceed the original. 520 Cold Cranking Amps vs. 480 CCA.

Don't have the weight for the original battery but the replacement battery weighs in at 36.4 lbs..

Not cheap, right at $135.00 plus what ever taxes apply. Manufactured by Johnson Controls, hopefully they aren't made in Mexico like Interstate and Optima."

 

The direct replacement for OEM is a group 47 battery. Sams Club even carries them. Get one that has more CCA than the original and you will be fine. It will have the vent tube placement on it and save the plastic cover from the terminal to put on replacement ground terminal.

 

there's nothing magic about a MINI battery, especially for a GEN1 S, getting it to fit is really not a problem if you go to any decent auto-parts or battery outlet.

Since the battery IS in the pass' compartment, hooking up the vent line is important

or

go for the OPTIMA who's advantage is the fact it is a sealed battery (you could mount it upside down with no ill effect) so no vent line to worry about.

I use one in the 79 cuz battery leaks into the battery box on a classic are a problem area.....but only for that leak reason.

 

I love the Optima we put in our '04. Had to rig up a slight "lip" extension down at the base where the bracket clamps down, but not a big deal at all and no tubes to hook up, all sealed.