Series 2 350i replacement battery

[jamo]

Went to start car today after couple of weeks of inactivity (car that is!) to be greeted with the sound of silence - not even a solenoid click! Put meter across battery and it's showing just over two volts so think it safe to assume battery has expired. My question is what battery do you guys use? I'm sure that the original has been replaced with something smaller during the car's life - it's a type HB065 rated at 495 amps cold cranking for 30 secs. It's quite small at 240mm long, 175mm wide and 180mm deep - has anybody managed to fit a larger battery in their car? Saw another thread on here where a higher rated (but smaller in size) battery was fitted but I think a larger battery would fit. Any useful tips?

[cuneus]

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=57546

[jamo]

That's the thread I'd seen! But I'm still convinced that a larger battery would fit - if you check the dimensions the suggested battery is even smaller than the one I currently have. Also looking at pics of a 350i for sale on e-bay recently and engine bay pics definitely showed a larger battery.

[cuneus]

Just been to look at mine it's a GSF (made in Germany) 270 mm long (with another 40mm spare)

[jmorgan]

I would recomend a Bosche silver range. A recent problem of non starting and it went on for ages before dying.

2-3 weeks standing with an immobiliser and it starts.

Off the label on mine
Bosche Silver
60AH
600A (en)
560 077 060

9.5"*7"*7.25" last one is height

www.boschautoparts.co.uk/pcBatt2.asp?c=2&d=1

[mark387mw]

I managed to squeeze a large battery in as per the recommended TVR battery type for the 350i. I remember it cost under £40. Ill check out what type etc and post back tomorrow.

Mark

[mark387mw]

mark387mw said:

I managed to squeeze a large battery in as per the recommended TVR battery type for the 350i. I remember it cost under £40. Ill check out what type etc and post back tomorrow. Mark

The battery I bought fit easily in my 1985 car.
Its a Motaquip VBZ7, type 089, CCA 570amps.
It cost less than £40 and I've had no problems since fitting.

Mark

[jamo]

Thanks for the replies. Armed with those figures I went to the local motor factors who came up trumps! For info, type on label says MD8/096L and it is rated at 700CCA and 74AH. Apparantly it's standard fitment on a diesel Cavalier. Fits snugly in the battery compartment on the wedge and all for £36. Guess I'd better go and 'try it out' now - think a 50 mile trip should do!