MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: homesqueeze on April 20, 2012, 06:46:54 pm

Title: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: homesqueeze on April 20, 2012, 06:46:54 pm
Hi. Just wondered if anyone could recommend what is the best replacement battery for my 05 GTI. I think I would like to stick with a Varta because my current one has performed faultlessly for almost seven years now. I'm only thinking of changing because it must be getting towards the end of its life by now and im planning on driving round Europe soon and I would hate for it to die while i'm away! From looking it seems the silver dynamic is alright, but there are two different models. Does any know what might be good?
Also, if I fit the battery myself is there anything important I should know. Is it really as simple as taking of the connectors and then putting them back on. Will any of the cars systems suffer from losing power for a short time?
Please help! Thanks.
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: jameelno1 on April 20, 2012, 06:54:43 pm
I changed mine to a Bosch one you have about 15mins to change them over apparently but I took my time once you have changed over you will have a few light on your car just take it for a drive and they will disappear
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: bacillus on April 20, 2012, 07:11:14 pm
If you want the best battery with oem dimensions, go for this one. It easily exceeds the standard amperage and cold starting power of the oem battery.
http://www.tayna.co.uk/E44-Varta-Silver-Car-Battery-577400078-P7726.html
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: Diplomat on April 20, 2012, 10:16:28 pm
Quote from: jameelno1 on April 20, 2012, 06:54:43 pm
I changed mine to a Bosch one you have about 15mins to change them over apparently but I took my time once you have changed over you will have a few light on your car just take it for a drive and they will disappear

I've left my battery disconnected over night and no issues when reconnecting - like you say lights come on, but as soon as you move the car they turn off - what happens after 15 mins (the cd player is linked to the car so no need to input code)?
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: Phil Miller on April 20, 2012, 10:18:37 pm
bosch all day long mate
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: richtung on April 20, 2012, 10:26:02 pm
Quote from: Phil Miller on April 20, 2012, 10:18:37 pm
bosch all day long mate

Order one from Euro Car Parts and use voucher code ukmk425 for 25% off  :happy2:

I think its free delivery as well.

Rich
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: driver rider on April 21, 2012, 09:55:19 am
ill keep a note of that one!
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: jameelno1 on April 21, 2012, 11:13:54 am
Quote from: Diplomat on April 20, 2012, 10:16:28 pm
Quote from: jameelno1 on April 20, 2012, 06:54:43 pm
I changed mine to a Bosch one you have about 15mins to change them over apparently but I took my time once you have changed over you will have a few light on your car just take it for a drive and they will disappear

I've left my battery disconnected over night and no issues when reconnecting - like you say lights come on, but as soon as you move the car they turn off - what happens after 15 mins (the cd player is linked to the car so no need to input code)?

The 15mins thing apparently stop the reset of trip mileage I know mine reset to 0 everything else stays the same
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: homesqueeze on April 22, 2012, 10:23:33 am
Thanks guys, thats been a help. The 25% off at eurocarparts is too good to miss out on! They don't do Varta, but I think I'll go with a Bosch one. The S5 (444771008) seems like a good one for me.  I'll also have a go fitting it myself!  :happy2:
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: bacillus on April 22, 2012, 11:00:54 am
That bosch one seems to have identical specs to the varta one I linked above. I wonder if they come off the same production line...
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: gizmo68 on April 22, 2012, 11:39:04 am
Varta every day of the week for me.

However IMO you are mad changing a battery just because it is 7 years old!!

If there are no issues with the battery (get it checked out if you want, many places will do this FOC) a battery that has not been abused can easily go for over 10 years - 12 years is my personal best to date.
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: homesqueeze on April 22, 2012, 05:44:33 pm
Thats a fair point! I don't really want to change it if I don't have to. It's just been a little hesistant to start in cold weather and I was worried this might be a sign it's not got long left. It would just give me peace of mind that it's not going to die at the most inconvenient moment a thousand miles from home! I have a little while till my holiday so I'm just going to monitor the situation before I make my mind up for sure.
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: mrtrendvampire on April 22, 2012, 08:28:14 pm
which idiot said a varta batt is better then a oem one? ive had one in my dads range n my bike and both died with 8months
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: Eddie-NL on April 22, 2012, 08:30:18 pm
Quote from: mrtrendvampire on April 22, 2012, 08:28:14 pm
which idiot said a varta batt is better then a oem one? ive had one in my dads range n my bike and both died with 8months

The fact that Varta make the OEM version
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: sub39h on April 23, 2012, 09:41:49 am
in a related question - if one was to go for a lightweight battery for daily use, which would  be the best?
Title: Re: Whats the best battery to get for my GTI
Post by: DanGB on April 23, 2012, 10:56:55 am
My 6 year old Seat came with a VARTA battery, no issues!