Discussion
The battery on our MX5 has always seemed a bit crap, and yesterday it failed to start the car, so it looks like I needa new one.
I understand there are different sizes of battery, and ours is a small battery in the boot/rear wing. Where can you get these from, and are there any options for fitting a bigger capacity battery.
On other cars I've always gone for the bigger capacity bosch batteries.
This car is my wifes and during the winter it only gets used once a week or so, so we need a decent battery.
I understand there are different sizes of battery, and ours is a small battery in the boot/rear wing. Where can you get these from, and are there any options for fitting a bigger capacity battery.
On other cars I've always gone for the bigger capacity bosch batteries.
This car is my wifes and during the winter it only gets used once a week or so, so we need a decent battery.
Jobbo said:
While a spillage from a non-gel type battery is a possibility, it's happened in neither of my MX5s which both came with non-standard batteries. So if you're willing to take a theoretical risk, this battery is £45 delivered and fits exactly: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190641643155
Will that fit in the wing below the carpet? The Westco battery size is much shorter. Edited by 98elise on Sunday 28th October 18:13
As winter is coming I bit the bullet, and paid for a wesco one from a specialist supplier, and it lasted 4 days 
I fitted it and it started the car fine. We didn't need to use the car for about 4 days, and when we did it was totally dead. Not even the lights would work.
The terminals were tight, so I put a meter across the battery, and its reading less than 2v !!!!!! I e-mailed the supplier for advice, and so far nothing. Today I stuck a set of jump leads on it and tried to charge it from our car. But it doesnt want to take a charge.
The blub that comes with the battery said it was fully charged, and can't be charged with a normal charger so at the moment we're stuck (I good rid of the old battery )
I'll be ringing the supplier monday, but I really don't want another westco in there. I need reliability as the car is only used a couple of times per week at best.
Every other battery thats been suggested seems to be way too tall. Are you definately fitting them to cars with had the small battery? A taller battery would be sticking up above the floor of the boot. Its also very tight on length and width.
I fitted it and it started the car fine. We didn't need to use the car for about 4 days, and when we did it was totally dead. Not even the lights would work.
The terminals were tight, so I put a meter across the battery, and its reading less than 2v !!!!!! I e-mailed the supplier for advice, and so far nothing. Today I stuck a set of jump leads on it and tried to charge it from our car. But it doesnt want to take a charge.
The blub that comes with the battery said it was fully charged, and can't be charged with a normal charger so at the moment we're stuck (I good rid of the old battery
)I'll be ringing the supplier monday, but I really don't want another westco in there. I need reliability as the car is only used a couple of times per week at best.
Every other battery thats been suggested seems to be way too tall. Are you definately fitting them to cars with had the small battery? A taller battery would be sticking up above the floor of the boot. Its also very tight on length and width.
Edited by 98elise on Sunday 9th December 13:50
HereBeMonsters said:
Seriously. The proper Mazda one from a Mazda dealer. It's a Panasonic I think. It's pricey, but I'd like my car to start when I want it to.
Its expensive and not a great spec. I want something decent as the car doesn't get used enough in the winter. For my other cars I always buy heavy duty Bosch batteries, with 5 year warranties. I fitted a big bosche to my mothers car as it stands for 2-3 weeks at a time, and its not let her down yet.I wanted something similar for the MX5.
MX-5 Lazza said:
Have you checked your car out for a power drain? It's more likely that it's a car problem than a duff battery.
It worked fine on the old battery with little use. It went 2 weeks while we were on holiday with no problems. A drain seems unlikely.The only reason I changed it is that it always sounded sluggish when starting the car, even after a long run. Its original on a 54 plate car, so due for replacement and its my wifes car so I wanted a decent battery for the winter.
MX-5 Lazza said:
My last 2 Westco batteries died after just a couple of years so I've gone off them. I replaced mine a few weeks ago with one of these Bosch batteries.
I've got a spare 63 bosch in my shed, for my elise. I'll see if I can get it to fit 
Just thought I'd give an update.
The supplier has said I need to return the battery to them, and they will attempt to charge it. Reading the negative feedback on their own site about the battery, it seems to be a common problem. The battery discharges in days, but the supplier will just recharge.
With that in mind I've now bought an optimate to re-charge it, but it needs to charge for a number of days. I'm going to monitor the battery off the car, as someone else posted negative feedback that it was under 12v after a few days sat on a bench, let alone on a car.
Before it goes back on the car I'm going the measure the cars resitive load, and once in place I'll measure the current draw. If they both look ok then I'll leave it in place. If it discharges again then I'll return it as not fit for purpose.
The old battery was much better than this! I'd have been better off buying an optimate instead of a new battery.
The supplier has said I need to return the battery to them, and they will attempt to charge it. Reading the negative feedback on their own site about the battery, it seems to be a common problem. The battery discharges in days, but the supplier will just recharge.
With that in mind I've now bought an optimate to re-charge it, but it needs to charge for a number of days. I'm going to monitor the battery off the car, as someone else posted negative feedback that it was under 12v after a few days sat on a bench, let alone on a car.
Before it goes back on the car I'm going the measure the cars resitive load, and once in place I'll measure the current draw. If they both look ok then I'll leave it in place. If it discharges again then I'll return it as not fit for purpose.
The old battery was much better than this! I'd have been better off buying an optimate instead of a new battery.
oldbanger said:
I have just bought a Mk1 Eunos. I knew the battery was going to need to be done soon as it's stood for more than a year. Unfortunately the first time I go to drive it, after it's back from the MOT and all legal, and it's flat. Nada, nothing.
The current battery is a Bosch. It isn't fixed in properly so whatever I do, I think I also need to get a new clamp.
Is it worth going for another Bosch? The WestCo doesn't sound particular impressive and the Panasonic is a lot more expensive.
I plan on using it for commuting, if possible, so it will be run at least a couple of times a week.
If you can get a Bosch then do so. Westco's are very expensive and not very good. Only get a Westco if you have the small battery and have no choice.The current battery is a Bosch. It isn't fixed in properly so whatever I do, I think I also need to get a new clamp.
Is it worth going for another Bosch? The WestCo doesn't sound particular impressive and the Panasonic is a lot more expensive.
I plan on using it for commuting, if possible, so it will be run at least a couple of times a week.
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