Battery

[Ben Swann]

No more SAMs batteries for me - they are crap.  I'm lucky to get 2 years out of one -
same experience with Champion and other makes they've sold, I think Die-Hard too. 

 I've been getting the Group 41 "Extra Power" from Battery Warehouse.  Runs about $85,
but has 5 year warrenty.  

The fellow at Battery Warehouse made the comment that SAMs does not handle the batteries
as well as they should - undercharged, on the "shelf" too long and poorly handled during
shipping.  I surmise they probably also negotiate price on the "reject" lots.

Anyway - you simply need a Group 41 size to fit most Audis More Cold Crank Amps is
generally better, but no need for massive overkill - I think 650 CCA (850 warm) is
adequate. 

I do remember one outstanding battery I had on a 4000 Quattro - AutoBahn I think or
whatever white cased OEM battery the dealer sold.  That battery was already in the car
when I bought it around 1992.  That battery continued to serve well until around 1999
when one sub-zero morn the car did not crank.  I was able to get it working again once
warmed up and charged, but replaced it shorlty later realizing it was around 10 years
old!

Maybe there is something special about the OEM batteries, but 5 year lifespan is about
what to expect, provided the battery is occasionally topped off with a trickle charger
if not a daily long distance commuter.

Ben

[Date: Wed, 6 Oct 2010 11:32:36 -0400
From: "kneale at knitknacks.com" <kneale at knitknacks.com>
Subject: RE: Battery
To: d_dibiase at yahoo.com,  quattro at audifans.com
Message-ID: <380-220101036153236801 at M2W111.mail2web.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

I've been buying big vented batteries for the Type 44 cars at Sam's Club. 
They seem to last about three years and then begin to underperform during
the winter.

The OEM Varta battery in our 2002 S8 has a 2001 date on it.  Makes me think
maybe the Varta is worth twice what the aftermarket stuff runs.

Original Message:
-----------------
From: Dan DiBiase d_dibiase at yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 6 Oct 2010 06:25:28 -0700 (PDT)
To: quattro at audifans.com
Subject: Battery

Anything magical about Audi's batteries? My is getting weak, and a new one from 
the dealer is $245. I can get one at Advance Auto Parts for $95 installed. Any reason I
should get the OEM battery??

 Dan D '04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6 Central NJ USA]