Car Battery

[Victor_PR]

I was having alternator problems not too long ago so I went to a local AC Delco shop to have the system checked. They said the alternator was going south and that the battery wasn't the right one for the car. The guy was telling me that the battery they sell for my car was a large one that covers the entire battery tray. (Price tag is $160 up!).
Anyway, I replaced the alternator but I wanted to know what is a good battery replacement? What specs should I consider when buying a new battery? What do you guys have?
My car: 1990 325i automatic. Pretty stock as to electrical equipment features (in other words, no sound system power amps, nor HIDs, etc.).
TIA

[TurboJake]

Optima Red top.

You live in a warm environment, so you won't have to worry about the larger batteries (such as the stock one) with the CCA to back up cold weather starting.

Even so, I live where it can get quite cold, and my optima has never failed me. It's been in 3 cars over its life, getting on 6 years now.

Optima, all the way. But if you can't afford it. You really don't need to go with a big battery. Whatever you buy, make sure it doesn't have both side post and top post. They fail far more commonly than batteries with just one.

[dnguyen1963]

This battery works well too.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Duralast-Gold-Battery/1989-BMW-325IC/_/N-jax4pZ8gcxb?itemIdentifier=95829_402951_0_

[decay]

westco miata battery. covers less than half the tray (though that's a strange way to tell if it's "the right one" to me).

call me crazy, but i'd wait to see if your existing battery holds charge from the new alt before dropping any more money...

[10Toes]

I have the Autozone 48DL, it does not take up the whole tray and has been fine for 4 years.

[MR 325]

Yup, group 48 battery is fine!

[Victor_PR]

This battery works well too.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...5829_402951_0_

Interesting, when I enter my car's specs, it returns with a "Does Not Fit your vehicle".

[Victor_PR]

westco miata battery. covers less than half the tray (though that's a strange way to tell if it's "the right one" to me).

call me crazy, but i'd wait to see if your existing battery holds charge from the new alt before dropping any more money...

You're right on; that's what I plan to do. Nevertheless, I think it's decease is getting closer everyday because I get the Alt lights display in the morning when I start her up and once I press the gas they turn off and don't light up til the next day.