488 Battery - What brand?

[R11ysf]

So my car wouldn't start yesterday, RAC Ferrari assist came out and told me battery was 9.6v and had a dead cell. New battery was fitted by official Ferrari dealer 15 months ago so called to ask about a replacement. I was told Ferrari batteries only have a 12 month warranty AND only if the car has covered a minimum of 9,000km!! I've done 4,500 miles in the last year and I'd think I'm in the top 10% of owners!!

So I will not be buying a Ferrari branded battery again, does anyone have any suggestions for a good battery? Preferably with a 3-5 year warranty? Bosch, Banner?

What are you guys using?

[F355GTS]

I'e always fitted Bosch or Varta, it'll be an AGM I believe and if same as the 458 then it's this one

S5 A08 Bosch AGM Car Battery 12V 70Ah Type 096 S5A08

buy from Tayna.co.uk, no affiliation just great service and very competitive prices

[Metric Max]

Another heads up for Tayna. Excellent and quick service

[R11ysf]

F355GTS said:

I'e always fitted Bosch or Varta, it'll be an AGM I believe and if same as the 458 then it's this one

S5 A08 Bosch AGM Car Battery 12V 70Ah Type 096 S5A08

buy from Tayna.co.uk, no affiliation just great service and very competitive prices

Done and ordered through Tanya.

Thank you.

[rdbrooksie]

When I bought my 488 last year, June, they installed a new battery. Few days ago all manner of warning lights etc came upon the dash when starting. Phoned Ferrari who said sounds like the battery had gone. I drive the car regularly, 2 to 3 times a week and always put on a trickle charge. The battery lasted literally just over the 12 months period, and likewise to OP I have done around 4500 miles with it. Seems very poor quality/performance. I am now looking for a replacement and Antigravity battery seems to be one to consider, albeit it’s quite a price. That said, the 488 is under Ferrari warranty and I wonder if there will be an issue if I don’t install an original battery? (Bearing in mind I was told I had to use Vodafone tracker as to change it to a better provider would void my warranty, and hardwiring in my dashcam would likewise void it). I’ll check with Ferrari on Monday, but if anyone has had any experience switching batteries whilst under warranty did Ferrari say anything? Thanks.

[M138]

rdbrooksie said:

When I bought my 488 last year, June, they installed a new battery. Few days ago all manner of warning lights etc came upon the dash when starting. Phoned Ferrari who said sounds like the battery had gone. I drive the car regularly, 2 to 3 times a week and always put on a trickle charge. The battery lasted literally just over the 12 months period, and likewise to OP I have done around 4500 miles with it. Seems very poor quality/performance. I am now looking for a replacement and Antigravity battery seems to be one to consider, albeit it s quite a price. That said, the 488 is under Ferrari warranty and I wonder if there will be an issue if I don t install an original battery? (Bearing in mind I was told I had to use Vodafone tracker as to change it to a better provider would void my warranty, and hardwiring in my dashcam would likewise void it). I ll check with Ferrari on Monday, but if anyone has had any experience switching batteries whilst under warranty did Ferrari say anything? Thanks.

Are they still using Fiamm batteries in new Ferraris?
Not sure about having to use an original battery to keep up the warranty.
I’ve had my 2003 Maserati since 2018 and it came with a Technopart Premium Plus battery and it’s still on there working fine. I keep it on a C-Tek and the car doesn’t get used from October to March.

[garystoybox]

rdbrooksie said:

When I bought my 488 last year, June, they installed a new battery. Few days ago all manner of warning lights etc came upon the dash when starting. Phoned Ferrari who said sounds like the battery had gone. I drive the car regularly, 2 to 3 times a week and always put on a trickle charge. The battery lasted literally just over the 12 months period, and likewise to OP I have done around 4500 miles with it. Seems very poor quality/performance. I am now looking for a replacement and Antigravity battery seems to be one to consider, albeit it s quite a price. That said, the 488 is under Ferrari warranty and I wonder if there will be an issue if I don t install an original battery? (Bearing in mind I was told I had to use Vodafone tracker as to change it to a better provider would void my warranty, and hardwiring in my dashcam would likewise void it). I ll check with Ferrari on Monday, but if anyone has had any experience switching batteries whilst under warranty did Ferrari say anything? Thanks.

I’ve had various Ferrari where the main dealer has binned the official battery and fitted the Varta. You’ll have zero warranty issues as long as correct spec.

[rdbrooksie]

Have had an update from Ferrari. They said they put on a Odessey long life battery (only 12 months ago) and can only recommend putting another back on. They said that non original sometimes plays up the start/stop function which mine has apparently…,never noticed that function…

Has anyone installed an antigravity battery on their 488 and can share their experience?

No comment from them yet whether it would affect the power warranty.

[oharedm]

I have researched this in the past when I had my 488. You can find the non-Ferrari-branded Odyssey version if you shop around. It is the voltage drop on cold cranking that really upsets the cars. A good AGM is also OK but they don't seem to last long, on cars that are not used frequently. The lithium is a good option but the prices in the UK are high and you need a new charger so I felt it could not be justified.

[ChrisW.]

Very interesting ... but your price for the lithium battery charger seems a little out ... £126.95 ?? (unless yours includes the battery !)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134945554468?_skw=Ctek+...

Of course McLaren have used lithium batteries on both my previous two cars ... etc.

Edited by ChrisW. on Monday 7th July 21:36

[rdbrooksie]

oharedm said:

I have researched this in the past when I had my 488. You can find the non-Ferrari-branded Odyssey version if you shop around. It is the voltage drop on cold cranking that really upsets the cars. A good AGM is also OK but they don't seem to last long, on cars that are not used frequently. The lithium is a good option but the prices in the UK are high and you need a new charger so I felt it could not be justified.

Thank you for this, very interesting. I am going to the dealer tomorrow and will chat with them and update the forum tomorrow when back home.

[rdbrooksie]

Excellent care at Dick Lovett. The battery had been failing with a state of health of 51% and 545a rated. So they put in a new one. Also checked the trickle charger which they said was fine. Let’s hope this battery lasts more than the last one.
DL really do have the customer care down to a fine art. Warm welcome and coffee, Michael the salesman I bought from came for a chat as did Mathew Beard their top man. Offered lunch too while waiting. Plus going to Goodwood FOS / Casa Ferrari again this year. Cant wait. Yeah battery sucks but everything else is top notch.

[Trev450]

Yes Dick Lovett do appear to have their customer care program in order. Even just dropping in for a nose around and you are offered coffee, etc.

[mako111]

oharedm said:

I have researched this in the past when I had my 488. You can find the non-Ferrari-branded Odyssey version if you shop around. It is the voltage drop on cold cranking that really upsets the cars. A good AGM is also OK but they don't seem to last long, on cars that are not used frequently. The lithium is a good option but the prices in the UK are high and you need a new charger so I felt it could not be justified.

I installed an Anti-Gravity AG-H6-40 (40Ah) in my 458 and whilst it is not a cheap upgrade (~£1k) it does provide the following benefits;

- 13kg weight saving (what would this cost in carbon options from the factory?)
- Emergency start feature - very handy if you forgot or are unable to leave the car on trickle charge (I've used this and it works as advertised).
- Much stronger cranking of the engine than the LA battery it replaced

https://www.antigravitybatteries-uk.co.uk/automoti...

[blueSL]

Dick Lovett are saying my 4 year old F8 battery is failing, they obviously have a tester which comes up with a CCA figure and a percentage which seems to bear no relation to either the measured CCA or the battery spec. (46%, 518A CCA, 760A spec)

The car exits warranty next week, so I’m not inclined to pay for a new OEM battery and will likely just fit a Varta AGM which I have good experience of in other cars.

[oharedm]

It is not a bad DIY job. The Oddessy would also be a good option but Varta AGM are good or Bosch S4. Remember to drop the windows before disconnecting the battery. Then do a re-learn.