OEM vs Aftermarket Batteries

[riceboy22]

Any strong opinions on OEM vs aftermarket batteries? I’d like to swap in a new battery before an upcoming road trip. OEM is only moderately more expensive, but it looks like several aftermarket batteries seem to have better specs. I was going to swing by the dealer parts center but am now considering just going to Interstate or Advance Auto. Am I overthinking this? My battery is closing in on 6 years old at this point.

[djn876]

I don't think it matters, it's not like Audi makes the battery. Pick up whichever one you want and throw it in. If you want to update the BEM code, there is plenty of info out there for non Audi batteries.

[iowaboostin]

I'm a big Interstate fan myself. Depending on where you live, just look for a high enough CCA rating with a nice warranty.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Audizine mobile app

[riceboy22]

Thanks guys. I figured I was overthinking it. I'll probably just pick up the Interstate since it's convenient to me. Their AGM has an 850 CCA compared to 420 CCA for the OEM as a bonus. I'm good to do the coding with my VCDS.

[iowaboostin]

I'm all for preventive maintenance and 6yrs on a battery is up there, curious what voltage you're seeing though.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Audizine mobile app

[riceboy22]

I'm all for preventive maintenance and 6yrs on a battery is up there, curious what voltage you're seeing though.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Audizine mobile app

I'll check with the VCDS later this week. My dash cam now turns off due to "low voltage" (below 12.2V I believe) within an hour or so after parking. The car has only 25k miles on it and has sat for months at a time, but most of my trips are at least 45+ min. FWIW I think the last time I checked it said around 47% for the battery aging.

[iowaboostin]

Yup, replace that b.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Audizine mobile app

[DUBDAWG]

Interstate is the brand I use on everything. I buy them right from their store here and have nothing but good luck. If there's ever a problem they always back up their shit up.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Audizine mobile app

[JsChiSurf]

Timely post. I've been researching batteries as well. It seems the OEM Varta(?) battery originally in my Q5 (2016) is not even available anymore. You guys have a particular Interstate battery you recommend (model #, etc)?

[DUBDAWG]

Find a interstate store near you. Call with your info but also take measurements of your battery because interstate always ask. Audi I guess runs like 6 different ones and they will help you out.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Audizine mobile app

[ILVTRANCE]

You just have to make sure you code your car so it knows it's a new battery.

[riceboy22]

Interstate has a lookup tool, but I also called and confirmed for 2015 SQ5 it is: MTX-94R H7.

For reference, the process to code the battery with VCDS is here: http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...ry_Replacement

[DiscoDan]

CCA is your friend here. Get at least the CCA of the OEM battery or more.

[seanf86]

Interstate has a lookup tool, but I also called and confirmed for 2015 SQ5 it is: MTX-94R H7.

For reference, the process to code the battery with VCDS is here: http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...ry_Replacement

It should be larger than an H7 battery no? My bro inlaws B8A4 has an H8 monster battery and I'm 99% sure mine has the H8. Double check by looking, lots of battery places will sell you an H7 in place of the larger one as most don't stock it or the H8 was optional so they tell you whatever the standard one lists. That happened on my B6 when I had to replace the battery I got sold the smaller one.

[Norskie]

Costco is a good source for not expensive AGM Interstate batteries.

[riceboy22]

Costco is a good source for not expensive AGM Interstate batteries.

I was going to see if I could get it from Costco, but the search on their website only returns what appears to be the non-AGM battery option from Interstate for the SQ5. I may try to call and see if they have other options.

It should be larger than an H7 battery no? My bro inlaws B8A4 has an H8 monster battery and I'm 99% sure mine has the H8. Double check by looking, lots of battery places will sell you an H7 in place of the larger one as most don't stock it or the H8 was optional so they tell you whatever the standard one lists. That happened on my B6 when I had to replace the battery I got sold the smaller one.

It looks like an H7 battery based on my google search, but I'll double check when I make my way over to the parking garage.

[peterjedi]

Hello rb22,

Have you replaced your battery? Did you get it from Costco? Also what battery model did you go with? Costco will be able to do the VCDS?

My car is 4 years old now. I have a 2016 Q5 3.0T. Just under 40k miles. I've never tested the battery, but thinking about changing it soon.

Thanks in Advance!

[riceboy22]

I did replace it and ended up going with an Interstate battery. Costco did not have an AGM battery that fit from my search. You could try calling them to confirm.

I used an H7 Interstate. I can’t speak to the long term yet but no issues getting it in and then just coded in a new serial number through VAGCOM.