Replacement battery for my D4

[BeeGee]

The battery on my D4 has been on the way out for a while now. The wife has been caught a few times and had to be jumped started. I've charged it on the CTEK a few times and its come up OK for a while but then died. ISO certainly isn't helping things at the moment. I'm going to change it out and be done with it. The current battery is an Exide CPLA10655CA 90Ah.

After reading through a number of historical threads a number of options have been put forward.
I've listed a number of them below with the exception of a Bosch option as I wasn't sure of the exact replacement model for Bosch.
The Super Start battery at $365 looks like a good option relative to the others.
What would you recommend?

1. Varta G14; 850CCA 95Ah,weight 26.4kg
$532
LONG SHELF LIFE SPILL & LEAK-PROOF START STOP AGM POWERSPORTS BATTERY VARTA G14 4016987144527 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LONG-SHELF-LIFE-SPILL-LEAK-PROOF-START-STOP-AGM-POWERSPORTS-BATTERY-VARTA-G14/233506827013?epid=15034149875&hash=item365e176b05:g:IFMAAOSwp0Beoww7)

2. Odyssey PC1350 AGM; 770CCA 95Ah, weight 30kg
$520
ODYSSEY BATTERY PC1350 DRY FIT AGM BATTERY BMW M3 M6 X5 X6 530 740 MERCEDES | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ODYSSEY-BATTERY-PC1350-DRY-FIT-AGM-BATTERY-BMW-M3-M6-X5-X6-530-740-MERCEDES/281201911644)

3. Odyssey PC1700 AGM; 875CCA 78Ah, 27.6kg
$530
ODYSSEY PC1700 AGM DRY FIT BATTERY BMW AUDI LANDROVER JEEP PC1700MJT DEEP CYCLE | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ODYSSEY-PC1700-AGM-DRY-FIT-BATTERY-BMW-AUDI-LANDROVER-JEEP-PC1700MJT-DEEP-CYCLE/321243731436)

4. Super Start SS88TI AGM; 1180CCA 92Ah, 26.5kg
$365
SSB STOP START AGM SS88TI LEAK PROOF BATTERY 12 VOLT EUROPEAN MERCEDES BMW AUDI | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SSB-STOP-START-AGM-SS88TI-LEAK-PROOF-BATTERY-12-VOLT-EUROPEAN-MERCEDES-BMW-AUDI/281441171563)

I also read about needing to reset the BMS with a diagnostic tool. I don't have a diag tool. Is this a necessary step?

Thanks in advance.
BeeGee

[BrianElloy]

Have you tried de-sulphating the battery first? Chances you’ll restore a lot of charging capacity.

Most quality battery charging units (eg CTEK, KickAss) have a reconditioning mode

Just a thought

[Tombie]

You could try Brian’s suggestion.

Failing that - #4
Definitely not 2 or 3.

And yes, BMS reset is required or it will think it still has a dud battery.

[kelvo]

My battery is also on its last legs. It hasn’t failed to start the engine, yet, but is slow to turn over and had about 5 errors logged the other day all related to low voltage.

I’m going to pop into Goodchilds sometime this week to get a price and availability on the SSB SS88Ti.

[kero]

The battery on my D4 has been on the way out for a while now. The wife has been caught a few times and had to be jumped started. I've charged it on the CTEK a few times and its come up OK for a while but then died. ISO certainly isn't helping things at the moment. I'm going to change it out and be done with it. The current battery is an Exide CPLA10655CA 90Ah.

After reading through a number of historical threads a number of options have been put forward.
I've listed a number of them below with the exception of a Bosch option as I wasn't sure of the exact replacement model for Bosch.
The Super Start battery at $365 looks like a good option relative to the others.
What would you recommend?

1. Varta G14; 850CCA 95Ah,weight 26.4kg
$532
LONG SHELF LIFE SPILL & LEAK-PROOF START STOP AGM POWERSPORTS BATTERY VARTA G14 4016987144527 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LONG-SHELF-LIFE-SPILL-LEAK-PROOF-START-STOP-AGM-POWERSPORTS-BATTERY-VARTA-G14/233506827013?epid=15034149875&hash=item365e176b05:g:IFMAAOSwp0Beoww7)

2. Odyssey PC1350 AGM; 770CCA 95Ah, weight 30kg
$520
ODYSSEY BATTERY PC1350 DRY FIT AGM BATTERY BMW M3 M6 X5 X6 530 740 MERCEDES | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ODYSSEY-BATTERY-PC1350-DRY-FIT-AGM-BATTERY-BMW-M3-M6-X5-X6-530-740-MERCEDES/281201911644)

3. Odyssey PC1700 AGM; 875CCA 78Ah, 27.6kg
$530
ODYSSEY PC1700 AGM DRY FIT BATTERY BMW AUDI LANDROVER JEEP PC1700MJT DEEP CYCLE | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ODYSSEY-PC1700-AGM-DRY-FIT-BATTERY-BMW-AUDI-LANDROVER-JEEP-PC1700MJT-DEEP-CYCLE/321243731436)

4. Super Start SS88TI AGM; 1180CCA 92Ah, 26.5kg
$365
SSB STOP START AGM SS88TI LEAK PROOF BATTERY 12 VOLT EUROPEAN MERCEDES BMW AUDI | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SSB-STOP-START-AGM-SS88TI-LEAK-PROOF-BATTERY-12-VOLT-EUROPEAN-MERCEDES-BMW-AUDI/281441171563)

I also read about needing to reset the BMS with a diagnostic tool. I don't have a diag tool. Is this a necessary step?

Thanks in advance.
BeeGee
Have you looked into Delkor?

[BeeGee]

Have you tried de-sulphating the battery first? Chances you’ll restore a lot of charging capacity.

Most quality battery charging units (eg CTEK, KickAss) have a reconditioning mode

Just a thought

Thanks Brian. I've got a CTEK XS15000 that seems to have a reconditioning function so will give that a crack first.

If not, I'll probably get a quote from Goodchilds Batteries tomorrow and compare against Option #4 above.

[BeeGee]

Have you looked into Delkor?

No, but will give Challenge Batteries Osborne Park a call tomorrow to get their advice and see what they come up with as well vs Goodchilds. Challenge are usually big on Delkor.

[BrianElloy]

Thanks Brian. I've got a CTEK XS15000 that seems to have a reconditioning function so will give that a crack first.

If not, I'll probably get a quote from Goodchilds Batteries tomorrow and compare against Option #4 above.

It’ll take a couple of goes to completely de-sulphate

I routinely do both of mine monthly

[BeeGee]

It’ll take a couple of goes to completely de-sulphate

I routinely do both of mine monthly

Noted, thanks Brian.

I just jump started her and took her for a long drive first. And now she's on the CTEK in recond mode overnight. If all is well I will repeat the recondition in a couple of days. I did note that when I jump started the Disco the interior lights were on so that probably didn't help things, on top of the lack of driving over the past month in ISO.

[BeeGee]

Update.
Reconditioned the battery overnight on the CTEK. Showing 12.9V this morning, so will keep an eye on it for a few days and see how it goes.

However, as a backup plan I rang Goodchild Batteries this morning as well as Challenge Batteries.
Goodchilds recommend a Bosch LN5 AGM for $326. 95Ah 850CCA
Challenge recommend Delkor LN5 AGM for $400. 95Ah 900CCA
vs
From ebay. Super Start SS88TI AGM; $365. 92Ah 1180CCA

If I do need to replace, given the introduction of the Bosch and Delkor options into the mix which of the 3 options would you go for?
cheers

[kelvo]

Update.
Reconditioned the battery overnight on the CTEK. Showing 12.9V this morning, so will keep an eye on it for a few days and see how it goes.

However, as a backup plan I rang Goodchild Batteries this morning as well as Challenge Batteries.
Goodchilds recommend a Bosch LN5 AGM for $326. 95Ah 850CCA
Challenge recommend Delkor LN5 AGM for $400. 95Ah 900CCA
vs
From ebay. Super Start SS88TI AGM; $365. 92Ah 1180CCA

If I do need to replace, given the introduction of the Bosch and Delkor options into the mix which of the 3 options would you go for?
cheers

I’d still go for the SS88TI.

[kelvo]

Well I’ve put my money where my mouth is.

[Dagilmo]

Well I’ve put my money where my mouth is.

Goodchild? How much?

[kelvo]

Goodchild? How much?

Yes, and $356.40. So only 40 cents more than the eBay link.

[BeeGee]

Well I’ve put my money where my mouth is.

Thanks and good to know. Goodchilds is only 10min from me.
Will see how my reconditioned battery holds out and if not hit Goodchilds up for the same.
cheers

[jhsnow]

If you go to Goodchilds take a Seniors card for 10% off.
Goodchild Enterprises - 10% off battery products (https://seniorscard.wa.gov.au/discounts/discount-details/?id=63045cb7-8f34-e711-80ec-000d3ae07082)

[rapserv]

The battery on my D4 has been on the way out for a while now. The wife has been caught a few times and had to be jumped started. I've charged it on the CTEK a few times and its come up OK for a while but then died. ISO certainly isn't helping things at the moment. I'm going to change it out and be done with it. The current battery is an Exide CPLA10655CA 90Ah.

After reading through a number of historical threads a number of options have been put forward.
I've listed a number of them below with the exception of a Bosch option as I wasn't sure of the exact replacement model for Bosch.
The Super Start battery at $365 looks like a good option relative to the others.
What would you recommend?

1. Varta G14; 850CCA 95Ah,weight 26.4kg
$532
LONG SHELF LIFE SPILL & LEAK-PROOF START STOP AGM POWERSPORTS BATTERY VARTA G14 4016987144527 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LONG-SHELF-LIFE-SPILL-LEAK-PROOF-START-STOP-AGM-POWERSPORTS-BATTERY-VARTA-G14/233506827013?epid=15034149875&hash=item365e176b05:g:IFMAAOSwp0Beoww7)

2. Odyssey PC1350 AGM; 770CCA 95Ah, weight 30kg
$520
ODYSSEY BATTERY PC1350 DRY FIT AGM BATTERY BMW M3 M6 X5 X6 530 740 MERCEDES | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ODYSSEY-BATTERY-PC1350-DRY-FIT-AGM-BATTERY-BMW-M3-M6-X5-X6-530-740-MERCEDES/281201911644)

3. Odyssey PC1700 AGM; 875CCA 78Ah, 27.6kg
$530
ODYSSEY PC1700 AGM DRY FIT BATTERY BMW AUDI LANDROVER JEEP PC1700MJT DEEP CYCLE | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ODYSSEY-PC1700-AGM-DRY-FIT-BATTERY-BMW-AUDI-LANDROVER-JEEP-PC1700MJT-DEEP-CYCLE/321243731436)

4. Super Start SS88TI AGM; 1180CCA 92Ah, 26.5kg
$365
SSB STOP START AGM SS88TI LEAK PROOF BATTERY 12 VOLT EUROPEAN MERCEDES BMW AUDI | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SSB-STOP-START-AGM-SS88TI-LEAK-PROOF-BATTERY-12-VOLT-EUROPEAN-MERCEDES-BMW-AUDI/281441171563)

I also read about needing to reset the BMS with a diagnostic tool. I don't have a diag tool. Is this a necessary step?

Thanks in advance.
BeeGee

Just FYI I've heard many times that an AGM battery should NOT be installed within the engine bay.
Manufacturers say that an AGM should not be in a position where the core can exceed 49C.
Just a thought.

[Tombie]

Just FYI I've heard many times that an AGM battery should NOT be installed within the engine bay.
Manufacturers say that an AGM should not be in a position where the core can exceed 49C.
Just a thought.

Warranty Guide (https://superstart.com.au/warranty-guide)

Fully covered for under bonnet use.

The original issue with early batteries was case material not shedding heat effectively.
Now, many manufacturers fit AGM underbonnet standard (and of course others rear mount which helps heat but can introduce voltage drop issues).

[DieselLSE]

Just FYI I've heard many times that an AGM battery should NOT be installed within the engine bay.
Manufacturers say that an AGM should not be in a position where the core can exceed 49C.
Just a thought.
Perhaps, but Landrover specified and installed AGM batteries in D4 vehicles as follows:
VIN range from BA596277 to DA652955 2.7 and 3.0 litre diesel: AGM 80Ah, 700A
VIN range DA652956 onward 3.0L diesel: AGM 90Ah, 850A
The factory fitted primary and secondary batteries were housed in plastic containers.
My second battery (AGM) is wrapped in a protective blanket.
Anyone replacing a D4 battery should absolutely specify AGM.

[rapserv]

Perhaps, but Landrover specified and installed AGM batteries in D4 vehicles as follows:
VIN range from BA596277 to DA652955 2.7 and 3.0 litre diesel: AGM 80Ah, 700A
VIN range DA652956 onward 3.0L diesel: AGM 90Ah, 850A
The factory fitted primary and secondary batteries were housed in plastic containers.
My second battery (AGM) is wrapped in a protective blanket.
Anyone replacing a D4 battery should absolutely specify AGM.

Interesting
I stand corrected!! :-)

[BeeGee]

Well I’ve put my money where my mouth is.

Just to close out the loop on this one. I did the same and purchased and fitted the Super Start SS88TI battery from Goodchilds. It has fixed all of the start issues that I was having so all good now.

However, I don't have a diagnostic tool and didn't have it reset. I've noticed no issues since fitting the battery with no reset. Am I missing something here? What was the reset supposed to do.

[Tombie]

Just to close out the loop on this one. I did the same and purchased and fitted the Super Start SS88TI battery from Goodchilds. It has fixed all of the start issues that I was having so all good now.

However, I don't have a diagnostic tool and didn't have it reset. I've noticed no issues since fitting the battery with no reset. Am I missing something here? What was the reset supposed to do.

Tells the BMS you have a new full capacity battery.

Otherwise the BMS has adapted to a worn out unit and will charge accordingly - less charge = wear out new unit quicker.

[josh.huber]

Or in the case of mine, boost charge the hell out of it and as tombie said, wear it out quickly

[Dagilmo]

Tells the BMS you have a new full capacity battery.

Otherwise the BMS has adapted to a worn out unit and will charge accordingly - less charge = wear out new unit quicker.

Can a gap tool not unlocked for the VIN (ie, mine) do the reset for someone else's car?

[Tombie]

Can a gap tool not unlocked for the VIN (ie, mine) do the reset for someone else's car?

I’ll have to check which part of the feature list it resides in.

[ATH]

I was going to post this in the "What happened to your D4" thread but I see it's gone off and is now about the usual suspects doing naughty things to peoples cars etc. so thought I'd post here as it's about batteries.
I had a new battery fitted by the stealer under warranty 14 months and 26K ago. But now I'm getting the same warnings as I did with the original battery. "Low battery start engine" and when waiting for the Cook to stop wasting our fast dwindling funds, "Battery low, system will shut down in 3 minutes" or something similar.
But yesterday I did what I do every 2 or 3 weeks and put the C-Tek charger on and gave it a few hours until the lights showed it was full and resting/floating. It took just a few minutes for the lights to go from the first light to the nearly charged state when first connected.
What is happening I ask? Any advices will be appreciated.
AlanH.

[DieselLSE]

I was going to post this in the "What happened to your D4" thread but I see it's gone off and is now about the usual suspects doing naughty things to peoples cars etc. so thought I'd post here as it's about batteries.
I had a new battery fitted by the stealer under warranty 14 months and 26K ago. But now I'm getting the same warnings as I did with the original battery. "Low battery start engine" and when waiting for the Cook to stop wasting our fast dwindling funds, "Battery low, system will shut down in 3 minutes" or something similar.
But yesterday I did what I do every 2 or 3 weeks and put the C-Tek charger on and gave it a few hours until the lights showed it was full and resting/floating. It took just a few minutes for the lights to go from the first light to the nearly charged state when first connected.
What is happening I ask? Any advices will be appreciated.
AlanH.
Was the BMS reset when the new battery was fitted? I would assume so as it was done by the dealer. I would also assume they fitted an OEM spec AGM battery. If a lower spec battery was fitted (say, 700CCA instead of 900 or so) and/or the BMS was not reset then that would explain the problem.
The D4 doesn't really like short urban trips. It much prefers nice long warm-the-engine-up-and-charge-the battery-properly trips.
I recommend disabling the follow me home headlight setting, not using the auto headlight feature (is it that hard to turn on the lights when its dark?) and switching off the auto interior lights setting.

[ATH]

I assume the BMS was reset as it's been a year since it was fitted with no probs. up until now. I'll check the battery capacity as I wouldn't put it past them to install a cheaper part....
I never use the headlight trickery settings. Totally stupid and a waste of power. But then as a Luddite I think lots of todays "innovations" on cars are a waste of time like that damn EPB and no dip stick. :(
Thanks for the advices though.
AlanH.

[ATH]

I put the C-Tek on the battery again and a couple of hours later it reached the float stage. Before I did that I checked the voltage in both batteries: Main 12.57 (850 ah) and Aux 12.84 which seems a bit low.
After it was fully charged I removed the earth lead and let it rest for about an hour then reconnected. Started great but then always has and the only change seemed to be date which had gone back a few years.
Maybe a trip to the stealers if the message comes up again.
AlanH.

[DiscoMick]

I'm not a D4 owner, but those voltages before you charged seem pretty normal to me.

[Tombie]

For an urban triangle type use that voltage is pretty normal.

[Odysseyman]

I put the C-Tek on the battery again and a couple of hours later it reached the float stage. Before I did that I checked the voltage in both batteries: Main 12.57 (850 ah) and Aux 12.84 which seems a bit low.
After it was fully charged I removed the earth lead and let it rest for about an hour then reconnected. Started great but then always has and the only change seemed to be date which had gone back a few years.
Maybe a trip to the stealers if the message comes up again.
AlanH.

12.5 v is 90% charged. 12.7 is fully charged.
I believe that if you leave the charger on for too long the cranking battery voltage will eventually exceed that of the auxiliary battery and then the system will start to suck power out of the cranking battery to charge the auxiliary. Sorry, my knowledge is very general but I now disconnect my charger as soon as the cranking battery shows fully charged. So it seems what you are doing is correct. I’d be going back to where you bought it and having it checked out.

David

[ATH]

It seems that disconnecting the earth etc. have had the desired effect and the warning has now gone. I shall monitor it closely. :)
Thanks for answers all.
AlanH.

[l00kin4]

Reviving this thread. I'm up for a new battery. Tried to revive it with my Ctek charger but no joy. Not dead yet but getting sluggish. Won't charge above ~12.2v

I've eliminated Odyssey from the options based on bad feedback on here.

Slightly worried about the reliability of the SSB based on a few warranty replacements mentioned on here too

So, here's my list. Varta seem to have a good rep but pretty expensive

1. Varta G14; 850CCA 95Ah,weight 26.4kg
$570
Varta G14 AGM Car Battery for Stop Start - G14 ISS iStop battery BMW, Audi, Merc 4016987144527 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/174403018619?epid=15034149875&hash=item289b3adf7b:g:Z4IAAOSwMFVfP0IN&frcectupt=true)

2. Bosch LN5 850CCA 92Ah 22kg
$435
Bosch ST Hightec AGM - LN5 Battery (Local Pickup) | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/393418637105?hash=item5b9993ff31:g:VDMAAOSwUiRgYqX M&frcectupt=true)

3. Super Start SS88TI AGM; 1180CCA 92Ah, 26.5kg
$375
SSB STOP START AGM SS88TI LEAK PROOF BATTERY 12 VOLT EUROPEAN MERCEDES BMW AUDI | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SSB-STOP-START-AGM-SS88TI-LEAK-PROOF-BATTERY-12-VOLT-EUROPEAN-MERCEDES-BMW-AUDI/281441171563)

4. Century DIN85LH 850CCA 92Ah 26kg
$419
CENTURY DIN85LH AGM ISS ACTIVE STOP START BATTERY 36 MONTHS NATIONWIDE WARRANTY | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/184855597810?epid=24039723802&hash=item2b0a4092f2:g:WigAAOSwTrxfh7Au&frcectupt=true)

5. Delkor LN5 900CCA 95Ah ?kg
$445
DELKOR AGM LN5 / SSAGM88EU / MF88HSS START STOP BATTERY | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/224413606612?hash=item344017e2d4:g:uyQAAOSw0ENga6W u)


Thoughts from the brains trust please

Thanks,
David

[veebs]

I've been very happy with the SSB - has outlasted the Varta :)

[l00kin4]

I've been very happy with the SSB - has outlasted the Varta :)

Thanks veebs, how long have you had the SSB ?

[veebs]

Couple years - and in fairness the Varta likely had a fault, however never seemed to have the same punch the SSB has to this day.

Also have the SSB aux battery with traxide, likely helping things. Previously this was a yellow top

[Discodicky]

Have you priced a YUASA? Their batteries in my m/bikes and ATV's have lasted many years. I intend most likely putting one in the D4 very soon.

[l00kin4]

Have you priced a YUASA? Their batteries in my m/bikes and ATV's have lasted many years. I intend most likely putting one in the D4 very soon.

Yuasa 850CCA 92Ah 26.3kg
$599
DIN85LH MF AGM ISS Yuasa Battery (https://www.batteryworld.com.au/DIN85LH-MF-AGM-ISS-Yuasa-Battery)

[Tombie]

Have you priced a YUASA? Their batteries in my m/bikes and ATV's have lasted many years. I intend most likely putting one in the D4 very soon.

Very different beasts.

Almost no parasitic draw and very little electronics in bike and ATV

On the later electronic vehicles - big CCA and big RC along with quick charge take up are the important part.

[Discodicky]

Very different beasts.

Almost no parasitic draw and very little electronics in bike and ATV

On the later electronic vehicles - big CCA and big RC along with quick charge take up are the important part.

Yes I see your point, but I was mainly commenting the fact that their quality and longevity appears to be very high and therefore wondering if its worth giving one a try in the Disco.
None of my m/cycling and ATV mates, nor I have ever had a dud, or one which didn't meet our expectations of life.
Some of the other makes which people comment don't seem to be available in Tas, or at least I can't seem to find a seller.
Think I may try a YUASA.

[Tombie]

If this is their option I wouldn’t be touching it.

Low CCA, Low RC
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210717/388a254629466116633183501875cc4c.jpg

[l00kin4]

I went for the SSB SS88ti, fitted yesterday. We'll see how it goes.