can you skimp on the BIG X300 battery.?
#1
can you skimp on the BIG X300 battery.?
The first time I popped my boot-trunk and saw the battery I couldn't believe how bloody big it was - it looked like it would crank a Shermann tank.
My 4 litre Falcon makes do with one half the size and cranks over fine.
I was lucky that my car had a new (generic) battery shortly before I took over, but the previous owner said the genuine correct battery is about NZD$800, compared to $180 for my Ford or Subaru..
I don't skimp on the right parts (a genuine Jag thermostat just cost me $130 last week, and $1000 for genuine heater/engine hoses), but I wondered if we could get away with a 'standard' battery..
My 4 litre Falcon makes do with one half the size and cranks over fine.
I was lucky that my car had a new (generic) battery shortly before I took over, but the previous owner said the genuine correct battery is about NZD$800, compared to $180 for my Ford or Subaru..
I don't skimp on the right parts (a genuine Jag thermostat just cost me $130 last week, and $1000 for genuine heater/engine hoses), but I wondered if we could get away with a 'standard' battery..
#2
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#6
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Where physical size of a battery overlaps with "electrical" size might make a good discussion.
Cold cranking amps and reserve capacity are the two common measurements of "electrical" size. Seems to me that you can get the same electrical specifications in a wide variety of physical sizes....which makes one wonder why (in this example) Jaguar would choose to "go big" when they could've just as easily "gone small".
So, presumably there's some sort of advantage to a larger physical size. Size, number, and spacing of the plates, perhaps? Something along those lines?
Some sort of durability/construction considerations?
I dunno.
Cheers
DD
Cold cranking amps and reserve capacity are the two common measurements of "electrical" size. Seems to me that you can get the same electrical specifications in a wide variety of physical sizes....which makes one wonder why (in this example) Jaguar would choose to "go big" when they could've just as easily "gone small".
So, presumably there's some sort of advantage to a larger physical size. Size, number, and spacing of the plates, perhaps? Something along those lines?
Some sort of durability/construction considerations?
I dunno.
Cheers
DD
#7
CCA when related to reserve capacity tells a story.
A battery can have great CCA, less reserve and paper thin plates.
One easy example is to compare a Group 49 against a Group 94. Exact same dimensions and often quoted as interchangable. Then check the electrical specs and weight. Heavy is always better for the same size battery ... more lead.
@AL NZ
Whatever you decide to do, remember that the battery must have remote venting capabilities.
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#11
The question was ..... can you skimp on the BIG X300 battery.?
The answer is ..... Of course you can. You can stick a couple of AA batteries in there if you like. The difference is, if you want your car to start when the lights, wipers etc have been on for a few hours while driving home and you park up to get yourself a cup of coffee, you are more likely to get her started again if you are using the correct spec battery.
Think of it this way. If the car fails to start, how much is a hotel room + garage + a tow home? If it all costs more than the extra cost of a proper battery - just once - then it was worth it.
The answer is ..... Of course you can. You can stick a couple of AA batteries in there if you like. The difference is, if you want your car to start when the lights, wipers etc have been on for a few hours while driving home and you park up to get yourself a cup of coffee, you are more likely to get her started again if you are using the correct spec battery.
Think of it this way. If the car fails to start, how much is a hotel room + garage + a tow home? If it all costs more than the extra cost of a proper battery - just once - then it was worth it.
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JimC64 (04-21-2014)
#13
I totally agree with Stevie on this one. I have 45 Ah tiny battery in my wife's Honda CR-V and I've always had problems with it. I replaced it twice Already in past 5 years. Therefore i bought 120 Ah huge battery for the BMW 325 i owned 7 years ago and i know the guy who owes it now - he has the SAME battery.
#14
I couldn't agree with Stevie more. I didn't skimp, I paid the 140$ something and got the right size. its not only about the power either, the battery being placed in the trunk actually spreads the wait and increases the vehicles ability to hug those curves. Granted the increase in handling is slight, but its still there!
#15
Like the others have said I wouldn't try to get by with less when it comes to the battery. I've read much on this forum where the battery's capacity is key to energizing the many components in the X300, and Jags in general.
I bought an Interstate MTP-93 last summer and have had no battery related problems. It costs around $150.
I bought an Interstate MTP-93 last summer and have had no battery related problems. It costs around $150.
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#17
Should I try to pierce the plastic and attach a hose? This probably sounds super ignorant, but I've never replaced a battery - my car still has the one it came with, with the original hose in place.
#18
Some battery's are sealed type and don't need a vent some do
The reason I wouldn't skimp on the battery size in the XJ is its in the boot long way from the starter motor if the battery does not have a enough cranking amps it will struggle but if the battery is even further away its only going to get harder
I have a brand new 1500 cca odyssey battery sitting in the cupboard bought if for my Capri project 4 months ago but we are now going to put the battery in the boot so the big odyssey battery wont fit have to buy a reduction drive starter as well
If it had recessed terminals I would put it in my XJR
The reason I wouldn't skimp on the battery size in the XJ is its in the boot long way from the starter motor if the battery does not have a enough cranking amps it will struggle but if the battery is even further away its only going to get harder
I have a brand new 1500 cca odyssey battery sitting in the cupboard bought if for my Capri project 4 months ago but we are now going to put the battery in the boot so the big odyssey battery wont fit have to buy a reduction drive starter as well
If it had recessed terminals I would put it in my XJR
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So OP, did you buy one yet? I'm trying to decide myself.
I think NZD$800 is excessive. My X300 has a 'big' battery - Century DIN85ZLMF. It's $350 from supercheap auto:
Century Car Battery - DIN85ZLMF - Supercheap Auto New Zealand
That's still a bit more than I'd like to pay right now.
My dad's X300 has a much smaller battery. It's a Hella Endurant DIN63, even though their site recommends the DIN85 for the Jags: http://www.hellaendurant.co.nz/appli...product/151654
The previous owner skimped on their battery, and Dad just replaced it with the same spec. I wonder if they hadn't skimped, maybe dad wouldn't have had to replace it? Just speculation, as I have no idea how old the old battery was or if it was 'abused'. The replacement DIN63 has been fine for over two years...
I notice that the X300's have mounts for three sizes of battery, not only the huge ones.
I think NZD$800 is excessive. My X300 has a 'big' battery - Century DIN85ZLMF. It's $350 from supercheap auto:
Century Car Battery - DIN85ZLMF - Supercheap Auto New Zealand
That's still a bit more than I'd like to pay right now.
My dad's X300 has a much smaller battery. It's a Hella Endurant DIN63, even though their site recommends the DIN85 for the Jags: http://www.hellaendurant.co.nz/appli...product/151654
The previous owner skimped on their battery, and Dad just replaced it with the same spec. I wonder if they hadn't skimped, maybe dad wouldn't have had to replace it? Just speculation, as I have no idea how old the old battery was or if it was 'abused'. The replacement DIN63 has been fine for over two years...
I notice that the X300's have mounts for three sizes of battery, not only the huge ones.
Last edited by Oubadah; 07-27-2013 at 12:31 AM.