VW Golf 5 (2003-2008) – batteries


The selection of the appropriate battery for the Volkswagen Golf 5 (2003-2008) primarily depends on the engine version, as different powertrains have varying energy requirements. It’s important to note that this Golf model did not feature the Start-Stop system, so standard lead-acid batteries will be suitable for all engine versions.

For petrol engines with capacities ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 liters, such as the 1.4 16V, 1.6 FSI, or 2.0 FSI, batteries with a capacity of 50 to 65 Ah and a starting current of 450 to 640 A are recommended. Example models that fit well include Bosch S40 02, Exide EA530, and Varta C30. For larger engines like the 2.0 FSI 4motion or 1.8 GTI, recommended batteries should have a capacity of 60-65 Ah. Models such as Bosch S50 05, Exide EA640, or Varta D15 are ideal choices.

In the case of diesel engines like the 1.9 TDI, 2.0 SDI, or 2.0 TDI, the batteries should have a larger capacity, ranging from 74 to 78 Ah, with a starting current of 680-780 A. Diesel engines have higher energy demands, especially during startup, so stronger batteries are necessary. Example models that fit include Bosch S50 08, Exide EA770, and Varta E11.

Interestingly, some versions of the Golf 5, such as models with 4motion drive, may require more powerful batteries to handle the additional load. For example, the 2.0 TDI 4motion version needs a battery with a capacity of 74-78 Ah to ensure stable performance under greater demands.

In summary, choosing a battery for the VW Golf 5 depends on the engine capacity and type. Key factors include battery capacity and starting current, and by selecting models from reputable manufacturers like Bosch, Exide, or Varta, you can ensure reliability and long battery life.

VW Golf in version 5 was produced in the years 2003 – 2008. Below we present the specifications of batteries suitable for specific engines.

Basic parameters of batteries suitable for VW Golf (2003-2008):

LayoutTerminal typesBase hold-down
0 – positive on the right side1B13

VW Golf 5 – petrol engines:
  • 1.4 16V
  • 1.4 FSI
  • 1.4 TSI
  • 1.6
  • 1.6 FSI

ModelCapacity and CCADimensions (LxWxH)Price
Bosch S4
S40 02
52 Ah
470 A
207x175x190 mmMore
Bosch S5
S50 02
54 Ah
530 A
207x175x190 mmMore
Exide Excell
EB500
50 Ah
450 A
207x175x190 mmMore
Exide Premium
EA530
53 Ah
540 A
207x175x190 mmMore
Halfords Standard
HCB 012
52 Ah
450 A
207x175x190 mmMore
Varta Blue Dynamic
C22
52 Ah
470 A
207x175x190 mmMore
Varta Silver Dynamic
C30
54 Ah
530 A
207x175x190 mmMore
For the 1.4 16V, 1.4 FSI, 1.4 TSI petrol engines and others from the above list, we select batteries measuring 207x175x190 mm with a capacity exceeding 47 Ah. The weakest of these is the battery Exide Excell EB500 which capacity is 50 Ah and Cold Cranking Amps is 450 A. The most powerful battery is Bosch S5 S50 02 of a capacity 54Ah and Cold Cranking Amps: 530 A. All of the above motors have a base hold-down B13.

VW Golf 5 – petrol engines:
  • 1.8 GTI
  • 2.0
  • 2.0 FSI
  • 2.0 FSI 4motion
  • 2.0 GTI

ModelCapacity and CCADimensions (LxWxH)Price
Bosch S4
S40 05
60 Ah
540 A
242x175x190 mmMore
Bosch S5
S50 05
63 Ah
610 A
242x175x190 mmMore
Exide Excell
EB620
62 Ah
540 A
242x175x190 mmMore
Exide Premium
EA640
64 Ah
640 A
242x175x190 mmMore
Halfords Standard
HCB 027
62 Ah
550 A
242x175x190 mmMore
Lucas Supreme
LS027
65 Ah
640 A
242x175x190 mmMore
Varta Blue Dynamic
D24
60 Ah
540 A
242x175x190 mmMore
Varta Silver Dynamic
D15
63 Ah
610 A
242x175x190 mmMore
For the 1.8 GTI, 2.0, 2.0 FSI petrol engines and others from the above list, we select batteries measuring 242x175x190 mm with a capacity exceeding 59 Ah. The weakest of these is the battery Varta Blue Dynamic D24 which capacity is 60 Ah and Cold Cranking Amps is 540 A. The most powerful battery is Lucas Supreme LS027 of a capacity 65Ah and Cold Cranking Amps: 640 A. All of the above motors have a base hold-down B13.

VW Golf 5 – petrol engines:
  • 3.2
  • 3.2 R32 4motion

ModelCapacity and CCADimensions (LxWxH)Price
Bosch S4
S40 08
74 Ah
680 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Bosch S5
S50 08
77 Ah
780 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Exide Excell
EB740
74 Ah
680 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Exide Premium
EA770
77 Ah
760 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Halfords Standard
HCB 096
76 Ah
680 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Lucas Premium
LP096
75 Ah
680 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Lucas Supreme
LS096
78 Ah
780 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Varta Blue Dynamic
E11
74 Ah
680 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Varta Silver Dynamic
E44
77 Ah
780 A
278x175x190 mmMore
For VW Golf 5 with 3.2 or 3.2 R32 4motion petrol engines, we use batteries measuring 276x175x190 mm or 278x175x190 mm and with a capacity exceeding 71 Ah (ampere-hours). The weakest of these is the battery Varta Blue Dynamic E11 which capacity is 74 Ah and Cold Cranking Amps is 680 A. The most powerful battery is Lucas Supreme LS096 of a capacity 78Ah and Cold Cranking Amps: 780 A. All of the above motors have a base hold-down B13.

VW Golf 5 – petrol engines:
  • 3.2 R32 4motion

ModelCapacity and CCADimensions (LxWxH)Price
Bosch S5
S50 11
85 Ah
800 A
315x175x190 mmMore
Exide Excell
EB800
80 Ah
640 A
315x175x190 mmMore
Exide Premium
EA900
90 Ah
720 A
315x175x190 mmMore
Varta Blue Dynamic
F16
80 Ah
740 A
315x175x190 mmMore
Varta Silver Dynamic
F19
85 Ah
800 A
315x175x190 mmMore
For the VW Golf 5 with a 3.2 R32 4motion gasoline engine, we choose batteries with dimensions of 315x175x190 mm, whose capacity exceeds 77 Ah. The weakest of these is the battery Exide Excell EB800 which capacity is 80 Ah and Cold Cranking Amps is 640 A. The most powerful battery is Exide Premium EA900 of a capacity 90Ah and Cold Cranking Amps: 720 A. All batteries compatible with the 3.2 R32 4motion engine have a B13 mount.

VW Golf 5 – diesel engines:
  • 1.9 TDI
  • 1.9 TDI 4motion
  • 2.0 SDI
  • 2.0 TDI
  • 2.0 TDI 16V
  • 2.0 TDI 16V 4motion
  • 2.0 TDI 4motion

ModelCapacity and CCADimensions (LxWxH)Price
Bosch S4
S40 08
74 Ah
680 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Bosch S5
S50 08
77 Ah
780 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Exide Excell
EB740
74 Ah
680 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Exide Premium
EA770
77 Ah
760 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Halfords Standard
HCB 096
76 Ah
680 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Lucas Premium
LP096
75 Ah
680 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Lucas Supreme
LS096
78 Ah
780 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Varta Blue Dynamic
E11
74 Ah
680 A
278x175x190 mmMore
Varta Silver Dynamic
E44
77 Ah
780 A
278x175x190 mmMore
The VW Golf 5 with diesel engines 1.9 TDI, 1.9 TDI 4motion, 2.0 SDI, and the others mentioned above, should be equipped with a battery sized 276x175x190 mm or 278x175x190 mm, with a minimum capacity of 71 Ah. The most basic battery of this set is Varta Blue Dynamic E11 of a capacity 74Ah and 680A Cold Cranking Amps, the battery with the biggest capacity is Lucas Supreme LS096 of a capacity 78 Ah, having 780A Cold Cranking Amps. All of the above motors have a base hold-down B13.
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your VW Golf , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!

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