I have a W421 SE (480 CCA) 80Ah battery on the car in regular use, that is 4 years old. Getting ready for Longleat I did my routine tests and found the battery read 6.25Volts - shoud be circa 6.75 fully charged.

Useing the Hydrometer, I then found the 'condition' was about 50% (on the yellow) between the green sector and the red sector on the readings !!!!! Which basically means the battery is on the way out.

I have managed to charge up to 6.7 volts, but it looks like I will need a replacement, the local dealer has quoted me £60 + VAT for another W421 SE (Probably an Exide Classic Battery).

Is this what everyone else is paying (including delivery).

Sandy

PS - I am now away until Tuesday, so I cannot respond to any answers until then.

Hi Sandy,
Four years isn't very old for a battery! it should continue to give good service for at least six to eight years. I have just replaced the battery on my seven which was starting to get a bit "Tired" It was date stamped June 98. Beaware of Hydrometers, what you see isn't always what you get.I have one which has never read more than 50% and that is on a brand new fully charged battery!! Cost £42 inc. But I did have to collect.
Regards; John

Sandy,

I recently bought a battery from Lincon Batteries - http://www.linconbatteries.co.uk/home.html - Part number 421/13 70AHr, cost including delivery £60.89

Dave Griffith

421 Battery:

Still advertized on batterymegastore.com for £47 inc VAT
delivered!

John

Sandy,you can get one from the seven workshop this weekend at Longleat.about £48.00.Ian

Many thanks for the replies.

The circa £48 ones seem to be 50Amphr batteries, I was looking for the 80Amphour.

I saw Seven Workshops at Longleat, they are OK, but for me the 50Ahr is less than I was seeking. That's just me, probably never need that much reserve, but as the car is in use all year round, and the night driving in winter (even in Cornwall) can be extended, I feel like some safe reserve.

Will have to break into my piggy bank.

Longleat was very good, I thought, even allowing for the fact I won the Long Distance award (205 miles there, 205 back) - suspect either Dave Mann and/or the Scottish Club will do a 'raid' next year to retrive the trophy!!!!!

Sandy...........

Sandy, may I introduce you to BAT-AID.
These tablets are made by Granvile and are purchased from any good car accessory shop , They remove the sulphate deposits from the plates and will prolong the battery life.

I need a new battery for Austie
The web link for batterymegastore.com goes to a generic page ?
Is this still current is this still the best price ?
Jason

If you have an MG specialist anywhere nearby it might be worthwhile trying them - older MGB's used 2 x 6v batteries. I bought a 57AH battery from Brown & Gammons earlier this year and the price was about £36.

Thats perfect thanks I'll nip down to my local MG place and see...if I get a battery I might share its location on here !!!
Thanks Jason

Jason,

Try http://www.sussexclassiccar.co.uk/shop_factory_hazel/enter.html

£41.54 incl VAT

doesn't state capacity

Television news reported that the cost of lead has risen dramatically during the past year and this is having an effect on the price of batteries. Lead prices are expected to continue to rise too! Lincon batteries were featured in the report and I guess this was the main source of the news. So it seems if you think your battery is on the way out change it now or pay more later.