Best Car Batteries for the 159: Suggestions?

[Maltalfisti]

What car batteries do you folks run in your Alfa 159s?

Specifically the 2.2 JTS, if it makes any difference.

Is there a better quality out there, or are they much of a much-ness? I've never really thought much about it until now...

[bazzbazz]

I use Century or Yuasa.

[bonno]

Further to Bazz Bazz recommendations, the Exide Extreme  XDIN77HMF is also an option as it comes with 42 months warranty (refer to the following link in Melbourne)
https://thebatterybase.com.au/product-category/car-batteries/alfa-romeo-car-batteries/159-all-models/09-05-11-11/

[Domenic]

Fiamm battery from Italian Automotive Spares

[Colin Edwards]

+1 for Fiamm or Varta

[kaleuclint]

Varta F18 Silver.  800CCA.  Made in Germany.  Batteries may have a three year effective lifespan these days; mine is nine years old.  You might pay more for a Varta, but factor in the time and hassle of a roadside assistance callout.

There's space at the front of the battery bracket allowing you to fit a bigger version than standard.  Do your research and get the correct height too, or the hold-down strap will flop around.

EDIT:  Battery Base has the F19:
https://thebatterybase.com.au/categories/car-batteries/volkswagen-car-batteries/passat-2-0-bluetdi-diesel-fwd-sedan-wagon/01-09-11-10/varta-battery-f19-silver-dynamic-585-400-080//


Do yourself another favour and fit a Ctek connector (for charging the battery) whilst you are it.  Admittedly I have never needed to use this on a Varta, but it's there.  If you want to go nuts fit an Antigravity lead as well -- this enables you to start the car from the pocket-sized remote battery if needed.

[pasey25]

Varta F18 Silver.  800CCA.  Made in Germany.  Batteries may have a three year effective lifespan these days; mine is nine years old.  You might pay more for a Varta, but factor in the time and hassle of a roadside assistance callout.

Maybe I'm the exception to the rule but the varta F18 in my 159 failed within warranty and I had to have it replaced

[Italian Supermodel]

 Two years ago was recommended to research and invest in AGM deep cycle batteries (Fiamm to be specific,  but there's quite a few others).
Instantly transformed a 2 ltr turbo hatch from sluggish uptake to a growling tiger. The six year old battery had slowly been diminishing performance that I didn't pick up on.
Yes they weigh around 40% more,  cost 30-40% more but will last you more years,  performing at a higher level longer. I will not look at anything else.

[kaleuclint]

Maybe I'm the exception to the rule but the varta F18 in my 159 failed within warranty and I had to have it replaced

Made in Germany.  But American owned...   Usually good with warranty claims though.  How's the replacement holding up?

Is this the Fiamm??
https://hi-tecbatteries.com.au/product/hb12-tr740din77lh/
The dimensions seem right but shouldn't it be DIN96?

EDIT:  The Varta should actually be the F19.  Both this and the Fiamm are DIN77.  No idea why people on alfaowner refer to DIN96.

[kaleuclint]

This:
https://www.repco.com.au/en/globes-batteries-electrical/battery-accessories/battery-chargers/ctek-battery-charger-eye-terminals-56-329/p/A9337382
But they are made in three sizes (eye diameter) and Repco stocks two of those.  The one that comes standard with the 5.0 fits Varta.

[John Hanslow]

Hi there,

One important question here is what it is for! I know the topic is "Re: Best Car Batteries for the 159: Suggestions?" however we have to discuss the correct battery for its purpose.

So, I was told by an Alfa Romeo Selespeed specialist a decade ago most selespeed failures were due to cheap/incorrect/rundown battery.  With a deteriorating aged battery, less power is available to run the selespeed system causing premature actuator wear and ultimate failure occurring over time.  Now 147/156 selespeed cars are few on the road. Some 159 era cars were available with selespeed.

This is may be an expensive item to repair so a quality battery is required and it must be kept in good condition.  With TCT and stop start technology, AGM batteries are mandatory and would not run one without it.  I note that these were not factory issue.

I think if I owned a 147GTA selespeed or a 159 era car with selespeed, I would fit a AGM battery at the appropriate time.  If not selespeed or stop start, then an AGM battery is not essential.

Cheers

[GTV6SA]

I have used Optima batteries in my vehicles for years, cost about the similar to Century ones but some (red top)have lasted up to 10 years,currently using a yellow top ( deep cycle) one in my truck for over 5 years.I have found that if the vehicle is not used regularly to use a smart charger like Genius 1100 or 3500 which makes it last longer.I had a Century 4 yr. Warranty battery which cared it after just over 1 yr.   but was replaced under warranty.

[bazzbazz]

With TCT and stop start technology, AGM batteries are mandatory and would not run one without it.  I note that these were not factory issue.

All Alfas with "Stop/Start are factory fitted with AGM Batteries.

[kaleuclint]

And that's why Fiamm top end comes in two sub-levels: AGM and AFB; one for stop/start and one for cars that can idle. 

Apart from price there's another trade off to be made.  The AGM is nearly 2kg heavier.

Have to admit I do fit AGMs to my bikes (Deka, Odyssey), and obviously they are not stop/start.

I am very interested in the Fiamm VR800 as an alternative to my default purchase of Vartas.

[bazzbazz]

And that's why Fiamm top end comes in two sub-levels: AGM and AFB; one for stop/start and one for cars that can idle. 

Do I assume you mean EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery)?

For those who are curious as to the difference between the two -

https://batteryworld.varta-automotive.com/en-be/efb-or-agm-which-battery-do-i-need