What car batteries do you folks run in your Alfa 159s?
Specifically the 2.2 JTS, if it makes any difference.
Is there a better quality out there, or are they much of a much-ness? I've never really thought much about it until now...
I use Century or Yuasa.
Further to Bazz Bazz recommendations, the Exide Extreme XDIN77HMF is also an option as it comes with 42 months warranty (refer to the following link in Melbourne)
https://thebatterybase.com.au/product-category/car-batteries/alfa-romeo-car-batteries/159-all-models/09-05-11-11/
Fiamm battery from Italian Automotive Spares
+1 for Fiamm or Varta
Varta F18 Silver. 800CCA. Made in Germany. Batteries may have a three year effective lifespan these days; mine is nine years old. You might pay more for a Varta, but factor in the time and hassle of a roadside assistance callout.
There's space at the front of the battery bracket allowing you to fit a bigger version than standard. Do your research and get the correct height too, or the hold-down strap will flop around.
EDIT: Battery Base has the F19:
https://thebatterybase.com.au/categories/car-batteries/volkswagen-car-batteries/passat-2-0-bluetdi-diesel-fwd-sedan-wagon/01-09-11-10/varta-battery-f19-silver-dynamic-585-400-080// (https://thebatterybase.com.au/categories/car-batteries/volkswagen-car-batteries/passat-2-0-bluetdi-diesel-fwd-sedan-wagon/01-09-11-10/varta-battery-f19-silver-dynamic-585-400-080//)
Do yourself another favour and fit a Ctek connector (for charging the battery) whilst you are it. Admittedly I have never needed to use this on a Varta, but it's there. If you want to go nuts fit an Antigravity lead as well -- this enables you to start the car from the pocket-sized remote battery if needed.
Quote from: kaleuclint on April 11, 2020, 02:18:11 PM
Varta F18 Silver. 800CCA. Made in Germany. Batteries may have a three year effective lifespan these days; mine is nine years old. You might pay more for a Varta, but factor in the time and hassle of a roadside assistance callout.
Maybe I'm the exception to the rule but the varta F18 in my 159 failed within warranty and I had to have it replaced
Two years ago was recommended to research and invest in AGM deep cycle batteries (Fiamm to be specific, but there's quite a few others).
Instantly transformed a 2 ltr turbo hatch from sluggish uptake to a growling tiger. The six year old battery had slowly been diminishing performance that I didn't pick up on.
Yes they weigh around 40% more, cost 30-40% more but will last you more years, performing at a higher level longer. I will not look at anything else.
Quote from: pasey25 on April 27, 2020, 10:04:49 AM
Maybe I'm the exception to the rule but the varta F18 in my 159 failed within warranty and I had to have it replaced
Made in Germany. But American owned... :( Usually good with warranty claims though. How's the replacement holding up?
Is this the Fiamm??
https://hi-tecbatteries.com.au/product/hb12-tr740din77lh/ (https://hi-tecbatteries.com.au/product/hb12-tr740din77lh/)
The dimensions seem right but shouldn't it be DIN96?
EDIT: The Varta should actually be the F19. Both this and the Fiamm are DIN77. No idea why people on alfaowner refer to DIN96.
This:
https://www.repco.com.au/en/globes-batteries-electrical/battery-accessories/battery-chargers/ctek-battery-charger-eye-terminals-56-329/p/A9337382 (https://www.repco.com.au/en/globes-batteries-electrical/battery-accessories/battery-chargers/ctek-battery-charger-eye-terminals-56-329/p/A9337382)
But they are made in three sizes (eye diameter) and Repco stocks two of those. The one that comes standard with the 5.0 fits Varta.
Hi there,
One important question here is what it is for! I know the topic is "Re: Best Car Batteries for the 159: Suggestions?" however we have to discuss the correct battery for its purpose.
So, I was told by an Alfa Romeo Selespeed specialist a decade ago most selespeed failures were due to cheap/incorrect/rundown battery. With a deteriorating aged battery, less power is available to run the selespeed system causing premature actuator wear and ultimate failure occurring over time. Now 147/156 selespeed cars are few on the road. Some 159 era cars were available with selespeed.
This is may be an expensive item to repair so a quality battery is required and it must be kept in good condition. With TCT and stop start technology, AGM batteries are mandatory and would not run one without it. I note that these were not factory issue.
I think if I owned a 147GTA selespeed or a 159 era car with selespeed, I would fit a AGM battery at the appropriate time. If not selespeed or stop start, then an AGM battery is not essential.
Cheers
I have used Optima batteries in my vehicles for years, cost about the similar to Century ones but some (red top)have lasted up to 10 years,currently using a yellow top ( deep cycle) one in my truck for over 5 years.I have found that if the vehicle is not used regularly to use a smart charger like Genius 1100 or 3500 which makes it last longer.I had a Century 4 yr. Warranty battery which cared it after just over 1 yr. but was replaced under warranty.
Quote from: John Hanslow on May 02, 2020, 08:28:21 AM
With TCT and stop start technology, AGM batteries are mandatory and would not run one without it. I note that these were not factory issue.
All Alfas with "Stop/Start are factory fitted with AGM Batteries.
And that's why Fiamm top end comes in two sub-levels: AGM and AFB; one for stop/start and one for cars that can idle.
Apart from price there's another trade off to be made. The AGM is nearly 2kg heavier.
Have to admit I do fit AGMs to my bikes (Deka, Odyssey), and obviously they are not stop/start.
I am very interested in the Fiamm VR800 as an alternative to my default purchase of Vartas.
Quote from: kaleuclint on May 02, 2020, 01:13:22 PM
And that's why Fiamm top end comes in two sub-levels: AGM and AFB; one for stop/start and one for cars that can idle.
Do I assume you mean EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery)?
For those who are curious as to the difference between the two -
https://batteryworld.varta-automotive.com/en-be/efb-or-agm-which-battery-do-i-need (https://batteryworld.varta-automotive.com/en-be/efb-or-agm-which-battery-do-i-need)
In that case Bazz, every two and four wheeled vehicle I have is fitted with AGM (just did not know that...). The 159 can be fitted with either. Be interested in the price comparison between the Varta F19 ($355 at Battery Base) and the Fiamm VR800.
Fiamm does have Titanium (flooded) range up to 950CCA as well but doesn't seem to have one 315mm length and 190mm high for the 159. Confusing.
Northstar 840CCA
not cheap but worth it for my application.
Thanks folks! Interesting, I never thought of the stop-start situation. Good point!
Turns out my battery just needed a couple of good highway runs, but I'll sure take note of your suggestions when I next go shopping for one. Most informative!
Quote from: kaleuclint on April 11, 2020, 02:18:11 PM
Varta F18 Silver. 800CCA. Made in Germany. Batteries may have a three year effective lifespan these days; mine is nine years old. You might pay more for a Varta, but factor in the time and hassle of a roadside assistance callout.
There's space at the front of the battery bracket allowing you to fit a bigger version than standard. Do your research and get the correct height too, or the hold-down strap will flop around.
EDIT: Battery Base has the F19:
https://thebatterybase.com.au/categories/car-batteries/volkswagen-car-batteries/passat-2-0-bluetdi-diesel-fwd-sedan-wagon/01-09-11-10/varta-battery-f19-silver-dynamic-585-400-080// (https://thebatterybase.com.au/categories/car-batteries/volkswagen-car-batteries/passat-2-0-bluetdi-diesel-fwd-sedan-wagon/01-09-11-10/varta-battery-f19-silver-dynamic-585-400-080//)
Do yourself another favour and fit a Ctek connector (for charging the battery) whilst you are it. Admittedly I have never needed to use this on a Varta, but it's there. If you want to go nuts fit an Antigravity lead as well -- this enables you to start the car from the pocket-sized remote battery if needed.
Interesting that the F18 and F19 are the same price, yet the F19 has slightly more grunt. The extra height of the F19 is not an issue too.
Looking at replacing my F18. After 4 years it now shows only a 44% good rating on my battery scan tool which is the replace zone. Even though it says this, it has plenty of grunt to start the engine. But me thinks I will suffer a cold start issue soon.
That's disappointing! My Mercedes has a nine year old Varta too -- AGM, and it seems fine (in for service today; maybe I'll learn otherwise).
Definitely considering Fiamm for the Alfa. Should probably look at Century too.
Well went to Everyready Heidelberg from where I had bought the Varta. They cleaned the points and tested it and said it is still okay and I should get at least a couple of more years from it. So the $80 battery tester was being conservative. They said keep it on the charger continually as I dont drive the car much too.
So while they could have sold me a battery, they did the right thing by me. recommended
Quote from: Australia on June 23, 2020, 01:36:50 PM
Well went to Everyready Heidelberg from where I had bought the Varta. They cleaned the points and tested it and said it is still okay and I should get at least a couple of more years from it. So the $80 battery tester was being conservative. They said keep it on the charger continually as I dont drive the car much too.
So while they could have sold me a battery, they did the right thing by me. recommended
same place I got my varta (and its warranty replacement) good lads.
Per my previous post, the technicians at ProStar advise my Mercedes' Varta AGM is functioning at 44%. Not unexpected some nine years since it was fitted. Suspect I'll get the same again from Battery Base to replace it.
Also up for a stretched cam chain replacement at $3500. Makes a 159 cam belt job seem cheap!
Quote from: kaleuclint on June 27, 2020, 10:58:26 PM
Per my previous post, the technicians at ProStar advise my Mercedes' Varta AGM is functioning at 44%. Not unexpected some nine years since it was fitted. Suspect I'll get the same again from Battery Base to replace it.
Also up for a stretched cam chain replacement at $3500. Makes a 159 cam belt job seem cheap!
Ouch!!!!!!
At least that's all inclusive, though engine mounts will need replacing too.
I though it was $3500 just for the kit initially.