Light weight batteries
02-09-2009, 02:18 PM
#21
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Originally Posted by NobleForums' post='788844' date='Feb 9 2009, 03:12 PM
The issue with the specs is no one keeps to a "standard" to measure down to, that's why each is rated differently. That's also why the Amp Hours read so differently from company to company. Some rate down to 10.02v, some to 11v, some to 10.5v, etc.
If you go with the ETX30L (plus SAE posts, of course), you'll be as good as if you bought that Braille 21lb battery. You can buy me a beer with your leftover cash.
Remember though, these batteries are different from the stock battery. The reserve capacity is lower than the OE battery. The charging characteristics are different. Their deep cycle characteristics are different.
I have not used any of these on the M5, only on other vehicles. Because I have not used the battery in question on this specific application, I don't know how well it will work with the kind of certainty I like when recommending a product. All I can say is, the ETX30L + posts is a good, money saving alternative to paying for the Braille, since they work the same.
If you go with the ETX30L (plus SAE posts, of course), you'll be as good as if you bought that Braille 21lb battery. You can buy me a beer with your leftover cash.
Remember though, these batteries are different from the stock battery. The reserve capacity is lower than the OE battery. The charging characteristics are different. Their deep cycle characteristics are different.
I have not used any of these on the M5, only on other vehicles. Because I have not used the battery in question on this specific application, I don't know how well it will work with the kind of certainty I like when recommending a product. All I can say is, the ETX30L + posts is a good, money saving alternative to paying for the Braille, since they work the same.
I know you put that caveat out there but your feedback combined with Tony at Voltphreaks, who commented that the Braille 21lb is very similar to their VPH900 battery (the one he recommended for the E60 M5), as well as other E39 M5 owners who have used the smaller Braille 15lb and 17lb batteries and have had no problems, I think I'm good to go with the ETX30L.
Are you going to MFest? If so, beers would be on me.
02-10-2009, 06:34 AM
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Originally Posted by EuroCarFan' post='788850' date='Feb 9 2009, 06:18 PM
I think I'm good to go with the ETX30L.
I live in the upper midwest and store the vehicle over winter (driven every few weeks) and keep it attached to a Battery Tender (through the rear fenderwell) so startup hasn't been an issue. I haven't had any problems with it and look forward to the possibility of dropping another 17# with the ETX. BTW, the Odyssey cost over $200.
02-10-2009, 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by EuroCarFan' post='788910' date='Feb 9 2009, 04:26 PM
Just noticed that Tempest is located only a few miles from my house so I just emailed them for some info.
Should I just try one of these?
02-10-2009, 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by EuroCarFan' post='789891' date='Feb 10 2009, 05:09 PM
Well I called Tempest and the gentleman I spoke to on the phone basically said I can't use the BAB30-12 for my car. He said this after I told him that based on realoem.com, my stock battery is 850A. Actually, there are several batteries listed on realoem.com ranging from 640A to 850A. He said the BAB30-12 is a motorcycle battery and shouldn't be used in my car.
Should I just try one of these?
Should I just try one of these?
The ETX30L (and all lightweight batteries about this size) are motorcycle/ATV batteries too.
02-10-2009, 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by NobleForums' post='789897' date='Feb 10 2009, 05:15 PM
The ETX30L (and all lightweight batteries about this size) are motorcycle/ATV batteries too.
I'll take the plunge.
02-12-2009, 04:27 AM
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Originally Posted by EuroCarFan' post='789946' date='Feb 11 2009, 10:10 AM
Yeah I told him I knew that but that I know guys who have used these batteries in their car but he still said not to use it.
I'll take the plunge.
I'll take the plunge.
02-12-2009, 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by EuroCarFan' post='791172' date='Feb 12 2009, 06:27 AM
Just orderd the Deka ETX30L from that eBay link Gabe provided. Will let you guys know how things go once I have it installed.
Good luck on the install.