R36 - Time to look for a new battery

[pandas]

Hi guys

Original battery is giving in I believe, dropping under 12v and tripping the parking mode in my car after turning off the ignition. (Don't think this is normal - I'm no mechanic myself...)

I also purchased a CTEK MXS 5.0 yesterday for ~$100 off eBay with the 15% eBay Plus discount for the sake of it as I'll be going on a family trip in 2 weeks, not sure if it'll help or not after a recondition.

Just wanting to see what people are running in their R36 at the moment, and any recommendations of places I can purchase a new battery around Sydney?

Thanks.

[kamold]

Going under 12v doesn't on it's own indicate a failing battery. Possibly just that it is being depleted.
Go to your nearest Battery World and they will test it quickly.
If you are going to replace it I would recommend an AGM like the factory one that you have as it will last unlike a cheap flooded lead acid which can die after a few years.

[prn31]

I replaced my original battery last year with a Varta AGM G14 battery from an Ebay reseller. Not cheap at $500, but I essentially wanted an OEM replacement so was prepared to pay the price.

[pandas]

Had NRMA drop by , and apparently the battery dropped to around 8volts when cranking. Not too sure if thats thorough enough?
Option of $425 for their AGM, alternatively can look at purchasing a Varta G14 for a bit over $500.
Thoughts?

[kamold]

Yep 8v is too low.
$425 for an AGM is pretty good value.

[pandas]

Yeah seemed like a reasonable deal, just unsure about the quality of their batteries though. Slightly leaning towards a Varta.

[Passat R36]

Id say go Varta!

[kamold]

I would say go with the Varta as the OEM one is, and mine is still going after 10 years.
However I've now had 2 Varta flooded lead acid batteries both fail just outside of their 2 year warranty.
So now I'm not so convinced that the retail Varta and German OEM Varta are comparable.
If it's AGM from a known manufacturer I would say you'll be Ok.

[pandas]

Thanks guys ended up buying a Varta G14 last night on eBay - took advantage of the 10% discount + cash rewards so it ended up costing ~$90 more than NRMA.

Delivery was made today (kudos to Trackwarrior for sorting it out so quickly). Also bought a CTEK MXS5.0, would it be recommended to run a charge on the new battery with it prior installation?

Julian the battery is made in Germany, would this still be the "retail" Varta's you're referring to?

[kamold]

If it's AGM you'll be fine.
The Vartas that I've had fail were flooded lead acid.
I wouldn't recommend anything but AGM in anything other than a cheap runabout.