Anyone ever try to fit a grp 95R battery into a w123? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 09-03-2012, 05:15 PM

Was looking at grp 49 batteries at advance auto today, and was disappointed by their old stock. Was checking out the variety of batteries on the rack, and saw that they have an H9/95R (grp 49 is also an H8). It appears to be a bit wider and higher than the H8. The AAP H9 batteries are JCI, every single filler cap is exposed, which I like, and it is Made in Germany.

Has anyone tried to fit a 95R in a w123? It's specs are a bit better than h8 batteries.

pawoSD · #2 09-03-2012, 09:59 PM

Any battery with the polarity terminals on the correct sides and that will fit without shorting on something will work.

JHZR2 · #3 09-03-2012, 10:41 PM

Well at least according to Interstate, the standard group 49 is:
14-3/8 x 6-7/8 x 7-1/5

While the H8 is:
13-15/16 x 6-7/8 x 7-1/5

And the H9 is:
15-9/16 x 6-15/16 x
7-1/2

So it is nearly an inch wider in H9 form than our familiar Group 49 batteries or their "equivalent" H8 battery type. My bigger concern is if the 1/16 or so difference in width or the whatever difference in height (never seen an inches measurement made in 1/5 increments) causes a problem. Perhaps not as much in terms of sitting there installed, but rather in fit for installation, which can be tough on a w123.

JHZR2 · #4 09-03-2012, 11:12 PM

Well I bought one. I found that AAP has two codes, good 9/3 only. You can stack A123 which is for $30 with "LABOR" which is good for 25% off. So I got the 95R battery, and will do a test fit later this week. Hope I can find a real fresh stock item at the AAP.

And if it doesnt fit, hopefully they return batteries!!!

zu! · #5 09-04-2012, 01:53 AM

I replaced my aging 93 with one from Interstate. It might seem to not fit at first; but once you know how it goes in, it fits perfectly.

JHZR2 · #6 09-04-2012, 07:56 AM

So 93 and 49 are interchangeable, and you went with a 95 in a w123? What was the trick you speak of?

zu! · #7 09-04-2012, 09:40 AM

Sorry, I just realized that your post was talking about a group 95! I was referring to Group 93. My post said that I replaced my group 93 (which was what it originally had) with another Group 93, but from Interstate.

I checked out this site for battery sizes. It appears your 95R is slightly larger than a 93, but only very slightly. My 93 is a tight fit going in, and the main trick is getting it in at the right angle. Width-wise is not the problem, but depth is, when going in at least. Once in, the tray has more than enough room to accommodate that slight increase in size.

The other thing is the "R" designation. I always thought that the "R" meant reverse terminal. So, does that mean the 95R has its terminals reversed and thus meaning you might have a tougher time getting the cables in the right position?

Zulfiqar · #8 09-04-2012, 01:07 PM

Any reason for using a grp 93 instead of the original H8? I beleive the H8 is about a good 10 lbs heavier.

JHZR2 · #9 09-04-2012, 04:53 PM

The 93 and 49/H8 from Advance are the same size, but the 93 is actually 850CCA and 150RC, while the H8 is 760CCD and 160RC. Generally I prefer lower CCA and higher RC for a more robust battery, though others feel otherwise.