Chimaera 4.5 1998 battery advice

[M4RTIN J]

My Chimaera has been garaged for some time at the inlaws while a new home and garage has been built. Despite being on a battery conditioner the battery has had it. Not even my Ctek will bring it back.

I've briefly spoken to Jason at Str8six and confirm I should be looking at a 072 unit. I know I need to confirm dimensions and terminal layout before ordering. However, can anyone recommend a good place to buy? There are a couple of Varta E12 options (70Ah 680CCA) on eBay for £62.75 which look like they'd do the job assuming the dimensions and terminal configuration match.

Because of the weight and hazardous nature of batteries I'm always a little reticent ordering online. (Difficult to return if not correct etc) However, these prices are significantly cheaper than I've been quoted locally.

Any thoughts?

[phazed]

Go to Halfords, by one of their five year guarantee batteries for about £85-£90.

If it goes wrong, take it back.

Life really can be that easy .

[PhilH42]

If it fits in the box you should be ok, as long as its not too low for connection..072 should be fine and I like Varta. I've fitted batteries to mine with terminals both ways...i.e spinning the battery with terminals to the front or rear of the footwell to suit cabling and although it can be a bit trickier at the back its doable.

I also quite like to fit the negative terminal with the quick disconnect wheel as its a bugger to get to sometimes when working on the car.

[skiver.]

phazed said:

Go to Halfords, by one of their five year guarantee batteries for about £85-£90.

If it goes wrong, take it back.

Life really can be that easy .

^^^^
I've had my Halfords HB010 since Nov '07 and it will need replacing this year, so a good battery which will fit the box.

[ianwayne]

Type 069 is almost the same, (+ve on the left front) and only 5mm less in height. I recently fitted a type 072 to mine but an even larger one would have fitted in the box.

[phazed]

I think mine was an 072.

[sparkythecat]

£66 from Eurocarparts with 3 year guarantee.
Maybe cheaper if you find a discount code

[M4RTIN J]

Thanks to everyone for sharing their advice. I ended up getting a 069 battery from Euro Car Parts (the one their configurater recommended for my car) with a mid-month discount code for just over £60!!

Been down to Kent where the Chimaera has been residing for the last few years due to lack of capacity at home. Got the MOT done by Hill Top Garage in Sutton Valence who also helped me fit the battery. Much easier with a car lift to get to the 13mm bolts underneath. Great advice on the forum regarding drawing around the battery box etc. Just need to work out how the ECU and relays fit back in properly (anyone with any pictures appreciated😄).