Bongo Fury

Decided to replace my main starter battery before it let me down at an inconvenient time or place. After overnight charging it had struggled to keep its charge. It would just about start the engine but seemed embarrassed to be asked! I searched the forum for information or recommendation on starter batteries but all I could really find was lots on leisure batteries and how to fit.

So I decided I'd have to start from scratch. I knew it was a fairly large sized battery and with a rating of at least 95Ah.

The existing battery was a Panasonic SR95D31L and looked as if it was the original as fitted by the manufacturer. I measured this battery and looked around the internet for a suitable replacement. It seemed to me that this power of battery in the case size required was not readily available. Halfords had nothing like it - either the size was too big or the power too small. It didn't help that a Bongo was not on their lists of vehicles.

To cut a long story short I eventually found a Bosch battery on ebay which seemed to fit the bill. (hawk-asg (9880) power seller, feedback 99.7 positive) The specification was as follows:

249/335 BOSCH SILVER S4028, CAR BATTERY 95ah, COLD CRANKING AMPS 830 SAE.
DIMENSIONS 306 L x 173 W x 225 H, (Total height to top of terminals). Also the positioning of the + and - terminals was perfect.

Delivery was next day if you ordered before noon. So very pleased and have now fitted it. Photos below:

Battery tray before fitting


Position of terminals


Battery model etc.


I'm posting this in case others have found a problem sourcing a main battery!

no not at all, if you had clicked on the compatible parts database thread (a sticky at the top of the techie section) you would have found the info you required.....

Battery (105ah) Motaquip VBZ44 Land Rover Discovery

95ah is the minimun required to start the bongo, but most of us go for the 105ah as to help that bit extra in the cold winter months at starting.



A bit late to tell you know but, hey you live and learn matey , yes i know if you post and ask something, alot of people say do a search loads of info ect, but if your in doubt just ask, most people will either tell you or post a link of the thread which will help.

Cheers Wayne

Thanks. Yes a bit late now but, hey, had a good time finding it!

The battery i got a couple of months ago was for a Land Rover Discovery...
I ordered it from my local Bathwick & thought the price was fair... the terminals were the wrong way round! The next day they got me another one (terminals the right way) but i did have to fashion an addition to the battery clamp due to a recess on the top of the battery in order for the clamp to sit tight & hold it in place...

Most of the cars & vans i've owned had the clamp on a lip at the bottom of the battery, this is the first one i've seen in my experience that goes over the top!

I'm not recomending this but but some numpty flatened the battery........
I had a 65ah spare so I fitted it. Ran all winter with it without a problem. Only fitted it origionally until big one was charged, but as it worked left it on as a test. Replaced it last week to use it as my leasure battery to make shure my aux charging system was working.

jaylee wrote:Most of the cars & vans i've owned had the clamp on a lip at the bottom of the battery, this is the first one i've seen in my experience that goes over the top!

Must be a japanese thing my, daughter's old Vitara had an OTT clamp as well (even though it was made in Spain).