I have the original battery in my 2002 MCS with 23,000 miles and was wondering if I should just replace it before the cold weather hits. I have only had the car for about two months and so far their haven't been any signs of the battery failing.

Just rather be safe then sorry even though the car is kept in a heated garage. Anyone else still have their original battery on their 2002?

 

It could last years yet. Why not keep it until it fails? If you're really expecting that to happen soon, carry jumper cables if it gives you confidence.

 

just keep it i had my orginal battery on my 2002 mini til it failed at 35k miles

 

2003 MCS. Sept 2002 build date. 94K miles. Original battery.

Scott
90SM

 

My '02's battery died earlier this year. Replaced it with an Optima.

I do live in Florida so heat takes a toll even with the battery in the boot.

 

When a battery of ours starts to get a little low, I put it on a trickle charger/conditioner I bought a year ago. The thing is awesome! After a leaving on the charger off and on for a period of a couple of months (while we're still using the car....just trickle when the car sits for more than a day). Here's a link to the unit we bought:
http://www.vdcelectronics.com/batteryminder_12117.htm

 

Mine is a Sept 02 build (03 model year) 123,000+ miles, still original battery.

Nik

 

2003 MC, September 2002 build, Dec 2002 delivered, 44K miles, battery died today.

Retroom

 

Keep in mind if your battery does fail on your 2002 MCS you will have to go in through the back seat to get to it. 02’s did not come with the latch cord to release the boot from under the rear seat and if you have a loss of power there is no way to open the boot from outside.

 

My alternator died at 10k MA said Tech recharged battery

 

What a timely subject for me - my car is a sept 2002 build as well - and I'm starting to have battery issues when I don't drive the car every single day.

I'm thinking of going with Optima too - but which one? Red top???

 

I got rid of mine with an Interstate Battery that had a five year life and my tow truck guy recommended it. Peace.

 

I also tried to find an Interstate battery but my local shop didn't have a vent tube adapter (or know of one) for BMW's. Remember, MCS's need vent tubes attached since the battery is inside the car. I ended up with an Optima group 35 red top from Sears. Since they are sealed, there's no need for a vent tube.

 

Interstate battery has no vent!

 

The battery on my 1/03 Cooper died last December and was replaced by the dealer for free.

 

..at 4 years old and almost 90K miles, I'm quite certain the dealer will NOT be replacing mine for free - and the price dealers charge for a battery is too high - so I'm heading to Sears tomorrow morning for a Optima! Thanks!

 

NAPA is the best source for battery. It fits like oem at a normal cost. I always replace batteries before they need it. Why do I want to be stranded when I don't have to? The cost of the battery is less than a tow and way less than the cost of the hassle.

 

Hey guys!,

Mini of Mtn. View replaced my battery today under warranty, my warranty ends on 12/21/2006. I have 44K miles. I was all set to replace my battery through AAA battery service, but they don't carry a MINI battery, I lucked out.

Happy motoring....


retroom

 

The warranty on your car has lapsed. Don't bother to ask.

 

I'm a big believer in Interstate - nothing but good luck in MANY previous cars!

 

My MC is getting a bit harder to start and she's got 52k miles with the original battery so I'm thinking it's time for a new one.

 

jeffc

My 02 MCS battery died last December at around 45k miles. It was replaced under warranty. The service manager showed me the thick vinyl cover on top of the battery. If you carefully peel it off, it exposes the fill caps. All my cells were low. His opinion is, the battery will last about one year longer if you top up the cells when low. Keep in mind, this will void your warranty, if you still have one. That being said, when my battery died, it gave NO notice of any kind. It performed perfectly right up until it failed. If I were you, I'd replace it. Just one man's opinion.

Good luck
Minzila

 

That was my point...

All: The Optima battery being talked about is a different design than any of these other car batteries from Napa, Interstate, etc. It's complete sealed - regular car batteries are not - just try tipping it over, and you'll see what I mean when the acid leaks out...

Kapps - how did you determine group 35 as the size? Trial and error? I was a little worried that neither Optima nor Sears' websites lists a battery for our car - or is that just a CYA?

 

Thanks for all the feedback.

 

Here's what I'm gonna replace mine with when the time comes up: