Are all batteries created equal?

[5ickride]

I have the chance to buy a brand new Optima Red Top battery for $120 brand new. The guy bought it for his old school Vette but decided to sell the car before he used it.

Can I just buy this and put it in my E30 or do I need a specific battery?

Thanks

[MikeDE]

Get the right size(physical and AMP)/make battery for your E30. I had a NARVA in my last E30. It would sit for days, and at times weeks in the coldest winter i've ever been through, consistently negative Celsius temps. Started right up everytime.

[5ickride]

I did some research here on the boards but couldnt find actual model numbers on the Red Tops that people are using. I did find though that perhaps these arent as good an option as once thought. I'm now looking at Interstate (which is what i have in already).

Before shelling out the cash, I might bring it to Auto Zone, i think they charge batteries for free.

[MarshallM]

The red top in my e30 has worked out well for me for the past few years. I even leave my lights on alot. The one issus I see is BMW has reverse terminals than most cars. I had to special order my battery, if its not a 34R (R for reverse) then its probably not going to fit.

[5ickride]

Yea, that was the other thing that I noticed...i saw alot of feedback on the (-)cable not being long enough to reach the battery. I hope a good charge at Autozone will fix it and save me some waffleswaffleswaffles.


Mods: please close this thread if you wish as i have my answer.