the world is changing / lead acid batteries

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.

…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

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.

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

I'm at time stamp 4.3y on the oem battery in the stinger. It's an H7 (the 3.3 6 cyl takes an H8). Why does a 2.5L engine need such a massive battery. It's that idle start stop crap which I dont use. I expect this battery to last a few more years. After all, it's a small 4 banger getting started. The old accord (9th gen) with a 2.5L engine used a 4xxCCA group 51R battery (tiny little thing).

Not sure I will use costco when the time comes due to their prorated warranty only. Walmart still has full replacement for x amount of time.

Tale of abuse. There was one guy on a forum who said he got 5 batteries in 12 years, for one price. He considered Costco batteries the FCP Euro of auto parts, free lifetime replacement for one initial price. When I told him that's not how it's supposed to work, he literally said, "I don't make the rules. My store gives me a replacement whenever I ask."

Costco never load tested "defective" batteries, just replaced them when members said they needed a new one. The only thing is the warranty was for 4 years then 3, from the point of purchase. many stores misinterpreted that and just handed out new batteries based on 3 or 4 years from the sticker on the battery. Reveals human nature. Why I don't think it's a problem elsewhere? 1. Auto parts store verify the defect by load testing 2. Costco members are generally shrewd and some even say entitled lol

Thing is, I've never had a Costco battery fail, that's why I'm willing to do pro rata only. I'll never need the warranty.

Also as I continue to travel the web, Auto Zone does have a lead acid H8, for $100 more than Costco. lol in stock.

Well, if push comes to shove, I'll pay an indie to code an AGM, and get it from Costco....waiting on the $124.99 lead acid "order"

If you are talking the standard 40-watt tubes, I've been extremely happy replacing mine with LED compatible replacements. The ones I bought swing both ways-you can just plug them in the old sockets, or you can improve your experience by disconnecting the old ballast and running it on a direct connection.

I opted for direct connection, and enjoy lower power consumption, better light color, longer bulb life, and never again listening to the hum of the ballast.

That was about ten years ago--no regrets.

explain what an "indie" is please.

I believe the reference is to "Independent mechanic!"

I bought is called a GX23 and it is about 7" long, and consumes 13 watts. It's a little unit mounted over our sink, and has been there since I moved in 2002. This is the 3rd time replacing it.

Seems there is a LED replacement, but expensive, $11.48:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Feit-Electric-13-Watt-Equivalent...

Consumes 7 watts, but, I'm afraid of flicker and I think $11.48 is too much. At Costco, all my LED bulbs have been like a pack for $3, I'd have to look but maybe 6 in a pack. It's been years so maybe the utility co. no longer subsidizes them at Costco. I got chandelier bulbs for under $3, pack of 6. That is a huge energy savings, yes.

I'm ok using 13w instead of 7w, % wise huge difference, dollar wise not.

LED is great. It's opened up the world to styling on automotive lighting. My wife's new vehicle greets the driver by lighting up, they call it animation. But, they are absolutely terrible and blinding for headlamps. That's a poor choice there. HID Xenon was the best. Should not be blinding other drivers, but that's the USA, not Europe.

p.s. yes we also replaced the garage and attic lights with LEDs, those overhead ones are heavy!! LED is light. Nice and bright too.

A few years ago you could buy subsidized LED bulbs for $ 0.50. I took advantage of that and replaced ALL bulbs to LED in my house and bought extra spares for future needs. That even included dimmable bulbs !

Where I work and shop.

I'm a bit afraid to check to see if the battery was ever ordered. As I get older, I don't like to be in situations that disappoint.

Plan B would be to simply buy the AGM, and to pay someone to code it, an independent garage.

As we know in life, what is important at some slice of time, becomes not so much as other things arise. My wife had to fly out of the country suddenly, and I find myself to be a single dad temporarily. I think I did this one time before. Son is 11. First problem that happened, lost a band to his braces. Must check with ortho now, this is reality.

That was a really fine price.

I have a handful of neglected incandescents still in sockets but seldom used. The ones I can think of right now are spotlights mounted in outdoor sockets over my south patio. I hardly ever turn them on, and the ladder work to get to them seems more trouble than it is worth.