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The Bosch S4 battery series is one of the most popular and widely respected product lines in the Bosch automotive battery range. Designed for a wide variety of vehicles, Bosch S4 batteries combine solid performance with reliable German engineering. These batteries are ideal for cars with standard electrical demands, offering long service life, dependable starting power, and consistent performance in both hot and cold climates. While not intended for vehicles with start-stop systems, the S4 series provides an excellent balance of cost and quality for traditional internal combustion vehicles. Bosch S4 batteries are also maintenance-free, featuring calcium-silver alloy technology to minimize self-discharge and improve corrosion resistance.

One of the key models in this series is the Bosch S40 08. It features a capacity of 74 Ah and a cold cranking current of 680 A, which is sufficient to deliver reliable starts even in challenging winter conditions. The battery’s dimensions — 278 mm in length, 175 mm in width, and 190 mm in height — place it squarely in the standard European L3 battery size category. This makes it compatible with a wide range of European vehicles, from compact family cars to mid-sized sedans and even some light commercial vehicles. The terminal layout is type 0 (positive terminal on the right), and it uses standard European post terminals (type 1), ensuring easy installation in most vehicles with B13 base plate mounting.

What makes the Bosch S40 08 stand out is its versatility and wide compatibility. It’s an excellent choice for drivers looking for a reliable, no-fuss lead-acid battery for cars without start-stop systems. It provides solid reserve capacity and good deep-cycle resistance, although it is not designed for frequent cycling like EFB or AGM batteries. As a traditional flooded battery, it offers good value for money and performs well under normal driving conditions.

When comparing the Bosch S40 08 with similar batteries in the same size and category, it holds its ground firmly. For example, the Bosch S30 08 offers 70 Ah and 640 A, making it slightly weaker in both capacity and starting power. On the other hand, the Bosch S50 08 provides a higher 77 Ah and 780 A, positioning it as a more premium option within Bosch’s own lineup. From Exide, competitors like the EB740 (74 Ah, 680 A) and EA770 (77 Ah, 760 A) offer very similar or slightly higher specifications. Likewise, Varta’s E11 (74 Ah, 680 A) matches the Bosch S40 08 almost identically in performance, while the E44 (77 Ah, 780 A) offers a slight upgrade.

Other notable competitors include the Lucas LP096 and Halfords HCB 096, which both feature 75–76 Ah capacity and starting currents of around 680 A — almost identical to the S40 08. This makes Bosch’s model a solid middle-of-the-road choice within this very competitive segment. It may not lead in peak performance, but it benefits from Bosch’s strong brand reputation, wide availability, and consistent quality assurance.

Overall, the Bosch S40 08 is an excellent standard lead-acid battery for drivers looking for dependable performance, particularly in vehicles without advanced energy demands. It’s a practical, proven choice that offers compatibility with many car brands, solid specs, and the confidence of a trusted name in automotive parts.

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