Does anyone use the optima battery in their car? I was going to replace my battery with one of those and was wondering if there is anything wrong with them or have any praises regarding them. Thanks
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get it. much better than bmw batteries. the optima gel batteries can prevent acid overflow, which is common on M coupes. they also weigh less and last longer. ask for the orangetop(p/n 8003-151)......but i would wait until your current one dies.
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Hey Roadrunner,
I had the misfortune of a dead battery yesterday on my '97 M3 coupe. Remembering your post, I got an Optima red-top. Got it home but there was no way it was going to fit... when I say that I mean that the stock hold down clamp could not be made to work on an Optima battery because there is no lip at the foot of the battery (on the short sides) for the clamp to be able to hold on to. The battery height was the same as BMW's battery but whereas the BMW posts are recessed into cutouts on the battery top the Optima's protrude above the top surface. I think I would have had height interference too.
I took the Optima back and would have gone ahead with a BMW battery from the dealer but since it was Sunday I got an Exide (mental block... I think it was an Exide) from Advance Auto. It was at least an inch and a half longer than the BMW battery but the clamp has three positions you can screw it into and I was able to make it work.
So, my questions is this: if anybody has an E36 coupe and been able to use an Optima battery -- how'd you do it? What hold down modifiactions did you make? Another thing: the part number in your post did not make sence to the Advance Auto guys.
I hope that my message does not convey criticism of you or your post.... I am just trying to get some clarification for others out there and for me before my next battery.
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