New Battery Needed

A couple of times over the last month the power has seemed a little weak when starting and I've meant to get it checked it out. However before I had a chance it failed to start at all last week. Fortunately a good samaritan helped out and conveniently my local OPC was just around the corner. They checked the battery and the verdict is that it's only holding 11% of any charge. If I hadn't been in such a rush I'd have probably let them go ahead and replace the battery there and then at the cost of £240 The car has been starting fine since but it's only be a matter of time before it lets me down again. So I'm on the lookout for a replacement. My car has an OPC warranty which is due for renewal in a few weeks time. So I'd prefer to replace with an Porsche approved battery if possible. Can anyone recommend a supplier? Thanks

Shirley you'll have to get a list of Porsche approved batteries first? :?:

Well I had hoped someone might help on that front too. I've seen someone mention in another forum about picking up a Porsche Battery for £140 but neglected to mention from where. Does that sound reasonable given a Bosch battery from Halfords would be £110 fitted?

or get the same spec Bosch Silver Battery at a third of the cost and then peel off the battery sticker off the current overpriced OPC (same spec) battery and apply to new more reasonable priced battery warranty maintained, which is what I following a recommendation from an OPC spanner... battery charge had gone and so called warranty was useless, whiy waster another £250 when the same Bosch product was available for £175 less !

Thanks Paul. My current battery us a MOLL Kamina 580 42 (996.611.080.20) 80Ah model, badged Porsche but no sticker, this is printed directly on the top of the battery. I've done a bit of searching and Halfords offer a Bosch Silver 77Ah (HSB096) for £125 exclusive of fitting. One of the 911 online stores has an 80Ah Bosch Silver for £99.50 so I imagine with a bit of hunting around I can probably find one for a little less. As my car will probably be going in for its 111 point check soon, I don't suppose there's anywhere I can buy a Porsche battery sticker

Sounds like an excellent idea. I'm adding it to my list. I'm currently on a non approved battery and hope Porsche are reading the forums on Batteries so they realise just how much business they are loosing. Not that I would ever want to call them greedy. Chipfork, Stick an itelligent charger on it from CTEK or equivelent. You may just squeeze some life out of it yet. As for the 11%, I'm always sceptical where money is concerned.

Unless you need an "official" battery for warranty etc, don't bother with a Mol (the Porsche brand). Very expensive and not really very good. Plus only 2 years guarantee. Get a Varta (it is a rebadged Bosch, but cheaper) 315*175*175 mm 85 Ah and 800 CCA FIVE year warrany Varta Silver 585 200 080 (short code F18) = Bosch Silver 0092 S5 010 (short code S5 010) Go to somewhere like ManBat = approx £80 http://www.manbat.co.uk/

The battery hasn't let me down since but I expect it'll only be a matter of time and no doubt it'll be in the worst possible place too. Someone mentioned the CTEK intelligent chargers, the XS3600 was suggested, is that a worthwhile piece of kit?

Yes. Porsche will charge you £90ish quid for a "Charge-o-mat" - which is an XS3600 rebadged. Buy online or eBay from about £45.

Is anyone actually aware of a warranty claim being turned down by having a non OPC battery fitted? Sounds like complete pish to me given that if it is the right Ah rating etc and EU type approved it shouldn't matter. Porsche battery will be a well known make but rebadged for a nice price

Could you not just keep the old Porsche/Mol dead battery for the time when the RMS gives out? Just swap it over before Porsche Assist arrive with the low-loader.

" When the RMS gives out" I'm hoping my recon engine from Porsche will be RMS and IMS problem proof :roll: That has been suggested but not sure I fancy lugging the old MOLL battery around with me.

Which OPC is quoting you £250? Is that fitted? I've just bought mine from OPC Cambs for £158 inc VAT. I did get a 10% discount... For the sake of £30 I'd keep it Original..

That's fully fitted and includes diagnosis on the old battery, I have seen some other posts where people have been quoted a similar amount from other OPCs. What I tend to find is that OPCs are able to offer a discount but only after you've said you'll look for some other quotes first. The Bosch/Varta battery will be the way ahead, looking at around £80 which is still good saving and will be better spec'd and have a longer warranty. As my battery is behaving at the moment I'm investing in a CTEK XS3600, £40 all-in. Thanks to everyone for advice and guidance, much appreciated.

It might also be worth noting that the parts guy said that for the 2 year warranty to be vaild, you have to show you have, or would have averaged over 6000 miles in those two year!!! I know the Bosch or Varta is a better battery... i'm about to get an OPC warranty, so need to keep things OEM... Given the choice It'll be the Bosch. double the CCA for half the price...