Time for a new battery for my new (to me) 2006 super v8 (X350). The car has lots of electronics drawing power (rear video monitors, dvd player cdc, navigation, dtc.). What battery is recommended for this vehicle? It currently has a Jaguar branded battery.

Thanks for any and all help.

I replaced the battery in my 2006 XJR two years ago with a H8 AGM from Advance Auto Parts. Has worked fine so far.
The recommended battery is a calcium battery. Varta is OEM, hard to find in US. Exide makes calcium batteries and these are available here in the US.

Wow! Calcium battery? I didn't know about that. I replaced the battery in my 06 SV8 recently with an H8 AGM battery from Battery Outfitters. It was around $200. So far so good and it eliminated a bunch of weird things the car was doing when cranking on the old battery which tested OK for a normal car but not good enough to keep the Jag from losing it's mind.

Heard that "LiFePO4" batteries have higher CCA value and will last much more longer than conventional batteries, but are much more expensive. However, one can also go with conventional batteries but install some kind of solar charger/maintainer to keep the battery fully charged. To save initial cost and prolong the life a car battery, I would go for the latter option.

Wow! I had no idea there were so many new options (Lithium Ion, Calcium). I had been considering a Bosch, an Interstate or one from the dealer that is Jaguar branded.

Who knew it could be so complicated?

Do you think sticking with a convention (lead acid) battery is ok (Bosch or Interstata) or should I look at newer technologies?

Calcium batteries can take elevated charging voltages. Go to Home Depot and find an Exide Global Extreme L5/49x series. It's a calcium plate technology specifically suited for your XJ8. It's also only $119. 4 year free replacement and free jump, 9 year prorated. Interstate (owned by Johnson Controls) no longer has a calcium plates.

Amazing price. I see they also have an AGM battery at a cost of $245. Is it worth the extra money? I assume the AGM will last longer, but I can get two of the others for the same price. Any thoughts??

PepBoys has Bosch AGM for $165, coupon on the web site:
https://www.pepboys.com/product/deta...04.2L%2520DOHC

The issue with batteries is generally durability, your opportunity cost being the cost of rescue at home or from the street; but there is a very high premium for better and more durable batteries, and they will also die one day. I would go for an ordinary battery and save the extra money otherwise spent on a high-end battery for a battery tender (solar would be inexpensive, nice and easy) for daily maintenance, and an emergency battery booster (small ones like a smart phone that also works as a power bank).

Great! So, wadda ya think. Am I better off with the Exide calcium plate battery for $119 or the Bosch AGM for $165?

I know nothing about AGM, so don't know if it is a superior battery for the X350.

Based on Box's research I have installed Exide Global Extreme batteries in several Jaguars (X350, X308, X100, X300, XJ40), a MINI Cooper, and a BMW, and they are all going strong.

I believe one issue of concern with AGM batteries is that they are sensitive to overcharging and may be unhappy with the X350's higher charging voltages over the long term. Box can correct me if my memory is faulty. Heading for bed!

Cheers,

Don

Let's see ... lower price, better performance and compatibility. It sounds like the Exide is the way to go. Thanks for all this input. You guys are the best.

Bosch AGM from Pep Boys. You can get them on sale for about $199. 4 year free replacement....only way to go IMHO

The only issue you run into with AGM technologies, is that you really shouldn't float voltages over 14.4v. The primary reason for AGM failure is heat separation from over voltage of charging systems. Since the 2003 model year until the end of the run of X358, the charging systems were designed for Calcium based plates which is designed for the 14.6~14.8v float voltages.

Obviously it's your vehicle to do as you wish, but there is a reason for the recommendation.

Your information on float voltage is correct, except 14.6-14.8v is for AGM deep cycle batteries. AGM cranking batteries float at 13.6-13.8v. That is why battery charges have different settings for deep cycle and cranking batteries and for regular plate vs AGM. The Bosch is cranking AGM.

While I am not trying to be the Bosch AGM poster boy, getting a 4 year NOT prorated exchange with no questions asked is a great deal. I put 2 in a VW Touareg (the rear requiring deep cycle), and they both died due to an failed kessy electrical problem that I had before I installed them, and they were replaced with 2 new in less than 2 years. I got them on sale for $149 online with store pick-up.

I've got them in 3 cars and they are great. One is my Super V8. Alternator output is 13.7 at idle.

Exide is not affiliated with Johnson Controls and never have been, I'm sorry. Exide is one of only 3 or 4 major companies left in North America. Bosch is a Johnson Controls company, however they state the S5 still utilize a Calcium plate.

Have a Duracell battery in our 04 XJ & 08 XJ. Highest CCA I could find on the market to fit the Jag exactly like an OEM. Purchased at a battery store called Batteries Plus. Also purchased high-end boat batteries there over the years as well. Never any issues. Just provide the car and model; they will recommend what is most superior worthy of a Jag.

Bosch L5/49 series 850 CCA, 50 min reserve. Really, in Florida we don't buy batteries we rent them. We get 2 years out of a battery down here. I go for the CCA and warranty. I used to buy Delco Professionals with the 5 year free replacement. They stopped that and went to a 2 year with 1 free replacement. That's why Bosch is my choice for my fancy cars. We have a few cars.
I now buy Interstate Blems or refurbished for $40 for my less fancy cars. They last 2 years and work as well as a $129+fees battery with a poor warranty. In 2005, I spent $350 for two 65 series Deca's in my 7.3 Excursion. They lasted 20 months and it cost me $220 in pro-rated. That was the last time I did that nonsense. My last set was $82 and lasted 28 months. Then another $84...RENTING BATTERIES.

Batteries last 8 - 10 years for us in Houston. Sometimes I just change at 8 years to prevent issues.