The Bosch S4 battery series is known for its balance between performance, durability, and affordability, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of vehicles. These batteries are designed using proven lead-acid technology and are engineered to provide consistent starting power even in adverse weather conditions. Bosch S4 batteries are maintenance-free, offer high safety standards, and comply with OE specifications. Although they are not intended for use with modern start-stop systems—which require AGM or EFB batteries—they perform excellently in traditional combustion engine vehicles that demand stable energy supply and cold cranking capabilities.
The Bosch S40 22 is a 12V lead-acid car battery with a capacity of 45 Ah and a maximum cold cranking amperage of 330 A. It is built with Japanese design standards in mind, which is evident from several characteristics. Its dimensions are 238 mm in length, 129 mm in width, and 227 mm in height, which closely match the B24 size commonly used in Japanese and other Asian vehicles. Unlike typical European batteries, which tend to be wider and lower, the Bosch S40 22 is taller and narrower, confirming its fit for compact vehicles designed for Asian markets.
One notable feature of this battery is its terminal configuration. It uses terminal type 3, which consists of thinner, Japanese-style battery posts. This design is not compatible with standard European terminal clamps, so it’s essential to ensure compatibility before installation. Additionally, the battery follows a terminal layout code 1, meaning the positive terminal is located on the left when the terminals are closest to the user. This configuration is not typical in many European vehicles, where the positive terminal is usually on the right, and should be verified to prevent reverse polarity during installation.
The Bosch S40 22 also features a less common B0 mounting base, which means it does not have any base hold-down ledge. In comparison, more common mounting types such as B13 have ledges around the entire base, and B1 includes ledges on the longer sides of the battery. The absence of a hold-down ledge (B0) can limit compatibility with vehicles that require secure fastening via the battery base. Users should ensure the battery tray or bracket in their vehicle supports top- or side-clamping methods if choosing this battery.
When compared to similar models like the Exide EB457 or the Varta B33, the Bosch S40 22 shares nearly identical physical dimensions and specifications—such as 45 Ah capacity, 330 A starting power, and the same Japanese terminal type and B0 mounting configuration. The Halfords HCB 057 is slightly different, offering a higher starting power of 400 A with the same overall size and layout. All these alternatives are based on the same form factor (B24) and are typically intended for similar vehicle types—mainly compact Japanese or Korean cars.
In conclusion, the Bosch S40 22 is a compact, high-quality battery tailored to vehicles with Japanese design standards. Its slim build, thin terminals, and left-side positive layout make it an ideal choice for older or imported vehicles from Asian markets. However, due to its unique features—particularly the B0 mounting and terminal type—it is critical to verify compatibility with the vehicle’s physical and electrical layout before purchase. For those seeking a reliable and maintenance-free solution with proven Bosch engineering, the S40 22 is a dependable option.
