Hi everyone,

I need your help on deciding which battery to get for my 03 MCS (113Kmiles). I was told that my original OEM battery is on its way to battery heaven

From reading around the web, Optima Red Top 34R seems to be the top choice. It seems to be little pricey (around $150), but I may just go with it assuming that I could find it locally.

Another model that was mentioned was Duralast Gold H5-DLG (around $140).

I also saw posts in few places that mentioned "you can get a cheaper replacement (around $60-70) for a 47 battery and their specifications are even better than OEM". What are the specific models of "47 replacements?". This seems to be one of them as far as I can tell (it says "group# 47): BOSCH . This is another one that was mentioned, but AutoZone page lists it as "does not fit your vehicle. 47-DL.

I'd appreciate if you could share which battery you purchased and whether it was a perfect match (e.g., bolts, vent, etc) or required any mods to fit and the price point.

Thanks!

 

I bought the Red Optima and it was not what I would call a perfect fit. It's taller and the hold downs do not align well requiring some extra padding added.

When this one dies, I am going back to OEM. Thinking back it lasted some 7 yrs of NE weather and cold starts w/o any issues so what more can one ask for.

Most importantly whatever you decide, since the battery is "inside the cabin" for the R53 it has to be a non venting battery like the Optima, or one with the venting port to attach the OEM vent down tube to.

 

This is a copy of a posting I made to the local (Kansas City) MINI club concerning replacement of battery for 04 MCS ---

"I ended up at Standard Battery, a KC company with a location in Omaha, which advertised carrying Optimas. They, too, had no 34Rs, but when I mentioned that I was replacing a 47 in a MINI the guy said he had those by the dozen. I ended up spending 65 bux on an exact replacement for the stock battery, except with 750 CCR instead of 550. It had the vent hole in the proper place and dropped into the battery compartment with no retrofitting necessary. Oh... it also had the holes properly spaced for the old battery's positive terminal protector to fit, and it featured a handy-dandy retractable handle which the old battery didn't have."

Just look for a group #47 and you will be fine ---

 

Do a little searching here on NAM - I think I recall a thread about this exact topic last year with lots of good recommendations. The OEM battery died on my '04 MCS about a year ago, and I got a new Duralast from Autozone that fit perfectly and is still doing well in the car today. It may have had the vent in a different location, but the tube still fit. I didn't go for their top battery - maybe the middle of the road one, I think.

 

Could you share the brand name of the battery you purchased. I'm looking at purchasing an aftermarket replacement. Thanks.

 

Thanks for the replies so far... I did search, but wasn't able to find a particular thread; will search again with different combination of keywords.

Yes, a brand name and model would be really helpful.

Thanks again!

 

I got mine from interstate battery. The european arm of the company makes the oem battery. They have a replacement for $75? which is exact dimensions,etc. Does not have the cool oem battrey indicator window. Have had for 3 yrs works like charm

 

I have an Optima and was said above, the fit isn't that good. I also had to bend part of my positive terminal connector to get it to fit. I also want to fit a cover over the positive terminal since there is none now. On top of all that, the battery is heavier than the stock one. All in all I wouldn't recommend the Optima for a MINI. Mine is a 2006 MCS.

 

I am not sure what problem the others have had with the Optima 34r but it fit perfectly, absolutely perfectly with no modification at all. The Optima technology is superior to wet lead/acid cells and the 34r has a higher capacity and more cranking power than the OEM or direct OEM replacement.

Around here Autozone keeps them in stock. For me and my 2003 MCS Artoo, it's a perfect match.

Rich

 

Thanks Rich,

I'll probably pick one up. A friend of mine has a hotrod shop and he uses these all the time on his cars. Since I'll be keeping my R53 as long as it lasts, I might as well get an Optima :D

 

I went with the the Duralast Gold H5-DLG ($135 out the door). Installation took 5 minutes and everything matched perfectly.

No more rattling temp and fuel gauges at the startup