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Thread: R36 - Time to look for a new battery

  1. #1
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    R36 - Time to look for a new battery

    Hi guys

    Original battery is giving in I believe, dropping under 12v and tripping the parking mode in my car after turning off the ignition. (Don't think this is normal - I'm no mechanic myself...)

    I also purchased a CTEK MXS 5.0 yesterday for ~$100 off eBay with the 15% eBay Plus discount for the sake of it as I'll be going on a family trip in 2 weeks, not sure if it'll help or not after a recondition.

    Just wanting to see what people are running in their R36 at the moment, and any recommendations of places I can purchase a new battery around Sydney?

    Thanks.

  2. #2
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    Going under 12v doesn't on it's own indicate a failing battery. Possibly just that it is being depleted.
    Go to your nearest Battery World and they will test it quickly.
    If you are going to replace it I would recommend an AGM like the factory one that you have as it will last unlike a cheap flooded lead acid which can die after a few years.
    2011 Skoda Octavia vRS TDI DSG wagon|Revo Stage 1|Race Blue|Leather|Dynamic Xenons w 6000K|9w7 BT|THA475 Amp+active sub|Whiteline ALK|RVC|
    2009 R36 wagon|Biscay Blue|RVC|Tailgate|ECU and DSG tune|LED DRL/Indicators|3D colour cluster|Quad LED tail rings|Climatronics upgrade|Dynaudio retrofit|B7 RLine Flat Steering Wheel|3AA CCM|TPMS Direct|B7 Adaptive Cruise with Front Assist|Discover Media retrofit|PLA 2.0|Lane Assist|BCM retrofit|High Beam Assist|DQ500

  3. #3
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    I replaced my original battery last year with a Varta AGM G14 battery from an Ebay reseller. Not cheap at $500, but I essentially wanted an OEM replacement so was prepared to pay the price.
    Biscay Blue MY10.5 Passat R36 Wagon
    Options: Sunroof, RNS510 Sat Nav, Dynaudio, Power Tailgate, ACC with Front Assist, RVC, BT 9w7, Factory Tint and Factory Towbar
    Night Blue MY15.5 Golf GTI Performance
    Options: Black Vienna Leather, DAP II, Panoramic Sunroof and Voice Control (every box ticked.)

  4. #4
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    Had NRMA drop by , and apparently the battery dropped to around 8volts when cranking. Not too sure if thats thorough enough?
    Option of $425 for their AGM, alternatively can look at purchasing a Varta G14 for a bit over $500.
    Thoughts?

  5. #5
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    Yep 8v is too low.
    $425 for an AGM is pretty good value.
    2011 Skoda Octavia vRS TDI DSG wagon|Revo Stage 1|Race Blue|Leather|Dynamic Xenons w 6000K|9w7 BT|THA475 Amp+active sub|Whiteline ALK|RVC|
    2009 R36 wagon|Biscay Blue|RVC|Tailgate|ECU and DSG tune|LED DRL/Indicators|3D colour cluster|Quad LED tail rings|Climatronics upgrade|Dynaudio retrofit|B7 RLine Flat Steering Wheel|3AA CCM|TPMS Direct|B7 Adaptive Cruise with Front Assist|Discover Media retrofit|PLA 2.0|Lane Assist|BCM retrofit|High Beam Assist|DQ500

  6. #6
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    Yeah seemed like a reasonable deal, just unsure about the quality of their batteries though. Slightly leaning towards a Varta.

  7. #7
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    Id say go Varta!
    2018 BMW 125i M Sport |AlpineWhite|719M JetBlack|BlackLeather |ComfortPackage|Sunroof|WirelessCharging
    2010 MY10 R36 Wagon | Biscay Blue | Power Tailgate | RNS510 | MDI | RVC | 51,000 km |Garage Open Button | Dead Pedal Mod | OE Fit DRL | VCDS | Sprint Booster | H&R Rear Sway Bar | Alcantara Steering Wheel | Dual Reverse Light | 19" Bentley Wheels (BBS Forged Split) | Michelin PS 4S
    2005 MY05 AH Astra HatchBlack | Facelifted SRi Looking | OpeliZed | Whiteline RSB | Eibach ProKit

  8. #8
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    I would say go with the Varta as the OEM one is, and mine is still going after 10 years.
    However I've now had 2 Varta flooded lead acid batteries both fail just outside of their 2 year warranty.
    So now I'm not so convinced that the retail Varta and German OEM Varta are comparable.
    If it's AGM from a known manufacturer I would say you'll be Ok.
    2011 Skoda Octavia vRS TDI DSG wagon|Revo Stage 1|Race Blue|Leather|Dynamic Xenons w 6000K|9w7 BT|THA475 Amp+active sub|Whiteline ALK|RVC|
    2009 R36 wagon|Biscay Blue|RVC|Tailgate|ECU and DSG tune|LED DRL/Indicators|3D colour cluster|Quad LED tail rings|Climatronics upgrade|Dynaudio retrofit|B7 RLine Flat Steering Wheel|3AA CCM|TPMS Direct|B7 Adaptive Cruise with Front Assist|Discover Media retrofit|PLA 2.0|Lane Assist|BCM retrofit|High Beam Assist|DQ500

  9. #9
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    Thanks guys ended up buying a Varta G14 last night on eBay - took advantage of the 10% discount + cash rewards so it ended up costing ~$90 more than NRMA.

    Delivery was made today (kudos to Trackwarrior for sorting it out so quickly). Also bought a CTEK MXS5.0, would it be recommended to run a charge on the new battery with it prior installation?

    Julian the battery is made in Germany, would this still be the "retail" Varta's you're referring to?

  10. #10
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    If it's AGM you'll be fine.
    The Vartas that I've had fail were flooded lead acid.
    I wouldn't recommend anything but AGM in anything other than a cheap runabout.
    2011 Skoda Octavia vRS TDI DSG wagon|Revo Stage 1|Race Blue|Leather|Dynamic Xenons w 6000K|9w7 BT|THA475 Amp+active sub|Whiteline ALK|RVC|
    2009 R36 wagon|Biscay Blue|RVC|Tailgate|ECU and DSG tune|LED DRL/Indicators|3D colour cluster|Quad LED tail rings|Climatronics upgrade|Dynaudio retrofit|B7 RLine Flat Steering Wheel|3AA CCM|TPMS Direct|B7 Adaptive Cruise with Front Assist|Discover Media retrofit|PLA 2.0|Lane Assist|BCM retrofit|High Beam Assist|DQ500

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