Hi all,

Our XK8 is going into the workshop to change the dreaded tensioners and timing chain. At the same time we will give her a nice oil change, replace the aftermarket radio for an original with cd changer.

One thing I want to do at the same time is change the battery for a new one. The existing one seems fine, but I hear that the battery can be the cause of many problems.

Is there a particular brand/rating that you can recommend? I just want to put the best that I can to avoid any electrical gremlins related to voltage.

Thanks

 

Look for a AMG Battery.
Pay attention to the sales and right now WalMart has a Yellow top one for about $250. Interstate sales a great one, just catching it on sale is difficult.

 

Duplicate post

 

Is your battery breather system still in place.

Mine wasn't when I.brought it, a few I've seen have had it missing. I cannot help but think years to decade + of battery fumes in the boot contributes to electrical gremlins.

 

A reliable battery is a must, but, fortunately, our cars seem to be able to broadcast early signs of trouble. Typically, upon starting the car, an error message about TRAC/ABS that subsequently goes away is such a sign. Mine lasted MONTHS before actually failing outright. If you have no such messages, I'd say keep using the battery you have and already paid for, one way or the other.

If you have a conventional battery (sometimes misleadingly labeled "low-maintenance"), it normally requires once-in-a-while adjustment of the acid level by adding distilled water. These adjustments can add a fraction of a Volt to an aging battery and extend their life even further.

If you just want to change it, I'd say go with the better quality AGM type (labeled maintenance-free). Some of us have had great luck with Bosch. Pep Boys in the US periodically has pretty phenomenal coupons for these, FWIW.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

^^ What he said. I'm running a Pep Boys Bosch AGM battery installed in early July 2018)....

 

I replaced mine with a Varta battery and it's working really well plus it was dirt cheap. I paid under Ł100. This is their battery finder, just put in your plate number Car battery finder from VARTA® - Find the best and most reliable battery for your car (varta-automotive.com)

 

Thumbs up for a Pep Boys Bosch AGM battery; hard to beat the value and price, plus, they will install for free if you purchase online.

 

I put a NAPA branded AGM battery in my ‘02 XKR . Not too pricey and no complaints.

$204.99

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBP9...dInput=battery


whatever battery you’d choose, keep it on a battery tender whenever the car is not in use overnight or longer . That is key for keeping the electrical gremlins at bay in these cars. I use the Deltran Battery Tender plus, many in the forum use the CTEK brand. Either one will do the job.


Z

 

Thank you so much for the advice. I will plump for an AGM battery. Around 200 euros where I am, but for peace of mind I think it is worth it.

Can't wait to really do some proper driving in her.