Ahhhhh ..... you are one of those people that changes the light bulb before it burns out. The good thing is, you won't be left in the dark!

Seriously. Listen carefully when when you first turn the ignition switch to the on position but before engaging the starter. If you hear a muffled buzzing noize from somewhere in the dash, it is an indicator that your battery is on it's last legs. That's what happened with my '02 MC ..... twice.

 

Soooooo ...... leave your boot lid flap at home just in case you need to get to the battery via the back seat.

 

I was thinking about one of these:

 

Before replacing your battery did you get any indication?
My "battery" light came on today so I'm assuming that it's my alternator but ... I have an '02 with 128,000 miles on the original battery.

Could it just be the battery? Easy fix to pick one up.
Anyone replace their alternator (in case I have to go that route)?
How difficult is it?

T

 

You could get a battery tester and use it once a month. That might help.

 

The battery light indicates charging system, not the battery itself.

the alternator replacement isnt fun, but its doable.

anything thats starts with the phrase "loosen modular front end" in the Bently manual, you know its probably not going to be fun.

 

oops...posted twice.

 

My battery died at 18K but the dealer replaced it under warranty. I was told by the SA that it is a very common problem on the MCS's.

 

im think about installing a volts meter. hmm

 

I went down to AutoZone and picked up an Optima - threw it in the car - so far no lights - we'll see tomorrow on the way to work, up in the back roads.

T

 

No problems on the way to work - 2-lane highway, freeway, backroads and in-town.
Until I pulled into my parking stall - RED Battery light came on! Damn!
I guess I'll have to replace my alternator after all.

T

 

What's the part number of the optima?

Tx.....Les

 

Same question Kapps....what's the part number?

Tx....Les

 

Classic MINI of Mentor OEM - $96.50 plus tax, you install, they dispose of old.

Interstate MT-47 - NAPA-$86.00 plus tax, you install, they dispose of old.
Local Shop-$99.95 plus tax, you install, you dispose of old.
Local Shop-$84.95 plus tax, you install, you dispose of old.

Costco #12850 Group 47 - $55.00 plus tax, you install, you dispose of old.

Sears Diehard 47 Group - $115.99, you install, you dispose of old.

AutoZone Optima - no definitive info.

Most places would charge about $15.00 to install but that also included proper disposal of old battery. Except for NAPA and the dealer, they dispose of the old one even if you install it yourself.

I'd like to get more info on the Optima folks have installed. If you've got an Optima installed could you share your part number info and cost (maybe)?

The OEM has a vent tube. Do the Optimas and Interstates have the vent tube as well?

Thanks...Les

 

I picked up the Optima Red Top - 75 / 35 from Auto Zone (they disposed of the old).
Took about 2-minutes to drop it into the car.
Optima is sealed so it doesn't need to be vented.

T

 

I've taken so many old batteries to my local Interstate dealer, and he always accepts them at no disposal fee. He's going to make money off of them, why should he charge you?
Call them and ask before you pay someone for disposal or perhaps throw it in your local trash bin.

 

I actually wrote to Optima's customer service - they apologized for not having their battery selector up to date. They said the correct Optima for the 02-06 MINI Cooper S is their redtop 35

I'll be picking one up today...

As for indications, mine was obvious - if I don't drive the car every day, it wont start. 15-20 min on the battery charger would be my workaround.

My car has almost 90K miles and is over 4 years old. These days, it's rare to see any battery last more than 4 years... Especially one from the factory...

 

I thought that it was a reverse terminal 35R. Let us know how yours fits.

Rich

 

Let me know how you like and maybe I will pickup one.

 

FWIW I have a April 02 build with 75k and the original battery. No signs of any problem yet. I am of the mind set to keep the battery until there is some indication that its time has come.

 

Went to Pep Boys on Wednesday and picked up the Optima redtop 75/35. $149. They didn't have the 35 or the 35R. Wasn't a perfect fit, but it's in there and clamped down securely. The terminals are a little closer to the front of the car than before - but there's enough flex in the cables that it was no problem.

BTW, my original MINI battery was showing black in the little indicator window, which means it wasn't fully charged. I'm taking that as a sign that the battery wasn't holding a full charge - but if it turns out that was just a warning sign of the alternator dying, I'll let you know.

The MINI battery was rated at 480 CCA, the Optima is over 700. Given that it can get fairly cold here in the winter, I think that's a plus...

 

'02 / 35k miles with original battery.
Have Mini Voltmeter and original battery still looks good.
Will put a trickle charger on for the winter because car is not driven much in the winter.

 

$149 for a battery? What does a OEM go for?

 

factory battery sure is heavy

 

Go to a MINI dealer and you'll probably pay more than that. And you wont get a 7-yr warranty.

The Optima is not a regular battery - it's a much different type of battery technology...

If you just want a regular battery, hit a warehouse club like Sams or BJs and you can probably get a cheap battery for under $50

Another alternative is the lightweight racing batteries. I saw one at helix13.com that's smaller and lighter than stock...