the world is changing / lead acid batteries
    17 years
|
So many things discourage us from keeping things forever and doing what's financially the right move.
When my fluorescent bulb broke that goes over the sink, I actually didn't think I could get a replacement. Well, good ol' PA, one can. It's not banned here. Replaced it. Got a 4 pack on amazon. It dawned on me, I won't live long enough to use those 4 bulbs.
I went to get a battery for my 2007 car yesterday, it's humongous. Called a H8 or group 49. Website showed $125 (great price) lead acid, $175 AGM.
At the store, there were 17 AGMs on the shelf, and no lead acid. No space on the shelf where the lead acid H8's would be missing or sold out.
Asked the counter and person said lead acid always shorts out so we don't carry them anymore (omg did they train people to say that and why).
Called another store and they too no longer carry lead acid batteries.
I don't want AGM, it's not the $50. It's the fact that my car requires coding to use an AGM (they have a different charging profile, the IBS system is why the battery I have is 14 y.o., most online get 9-10, i.e. the correct charging extends the lives). It only needs programming to get a new lead acid. I can program with my laptop, I can't code. I don't have the software to do so. And my car is a pre 3/07 so all those tools online will not work, dealer level software is needed.
First world problem, but I don't feel like paying the dealer $600 to put in a new battery, I like $125 better.
My point is that more and more, we are taught to just pay. Don't question it. Don't wonder why one cannot pick up a H8 group 49 lead acid battery locally, when they are on websites.
Old man yelling at a cloud, me. lol
Do you have an OBDII scanner?
I seem to recall you have a BMW and perhaps that is the vehicle youu are discussing. If so you might find the content at https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1338302 worthwhile. The downside to the content is some of the links no longer work but alternatives can be sought out using Google.
John from PA
Interstate has a non-AGM
…in the size you mention. It probably has to be ordered but being non-AGM it would likely not require recoding of the charging system.
https://www.interstatebatteries.com/products/mtp-49/h8
John from PA
Home Depot
My local Home Depot has two H8 Group 49 lead acid batteries in stock.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Exide-SPRINTER-MAX-12-volts-Lead...
They can be ordered for next day delivery if necessary.
gentlemen
thanks for your tips. I'm referring to Costco, and was quite surprised to find no lead acid in one location. When I called another they said same, but could order it?
I do have the Rheingold software apparently it's the dealer software. I got it back in 2016 when I had to replace the ABS pump.
I found the cable and it has a switch on it that says before or after 3/07 (date of mfg). This is why a lot of features that smartphone apps can do, don't work on my car.
I am in fact convinced that there's no way the battery could have lasted 14 years if the car is not managing the charging, hence why people say it's important to register the new battery (tell the car it's new so it charges less aggressively). And it would seem that with most cars people can interchange AGM with no issues. Mine says that there is a different and a higher voltage profile for charging AGM, and changing the type, requires coding, not programming, which is another level beyond (similar to updating firmware). My software is not capable....
I'll have to see if Costco does in fact get the lead acid, or I have to look elsewhere, or go AGM, and pay an indie to code the new battery.....it couldn't be simple lol
(ps I remember I paid $280 for the first one at age 5, and even as late as 1 year ago there were online offers at dealers for $400). I was tempted as this would have included coding for AGM.....in such a case 14 years from now lol I could use my software to register another AGM