Selecting the right battery for your Volvo V50 (2004-2012) is crucial, as it affects both the performance and reliability of your vehicle. Given the variety of engine types and power configurations, understanding the specifics can help ensure smooth and trouble-free operation.
For petrol engines such as the 1.6 and 1.8 litre variants without Start-Stop technology, the recommended battery type is a conventional lead-acid battery. The capacity needed ranges from 60 to 65 Ah with cold cranking amperage (CCA) values between 540 and 640 A. Examples of suitable battery models include Bosch S40 05, Bosch S50 05, Exide EA640, Exide EB620, Halfords HCB 027, Lucas LS027, Varta D15, and Varta D24. These models are well-suited to support daily driving demands and ensure reliable starting in varying weather conditions.
For larger petrol engines including the 2.0, 2.4, 2.4 AWD, T5, and T5 AWD, the battery requirements differ slightly. They require batteries with capacities between 71 and 74 Ah, accompanied by cold cranking amperages from 670 to 750 A. Again, standard lead-acid technology is appropriate here. Notable compatible battery models include Bosch S40 07, Bosch S50 07, Exide EA722, Exide EB712, Lucas LP100, Lucas LS100, Varta E38, and Varta E43. It’s particularly important to pay attention to battery height for these engines, ensuring the selection of a battery with a reduced height of 175 mm. This careful selection prevents fitment issues and secures the battery properly within the vehicle’s designated compartment.
Diesel engines in the Volvo V50 exhibit more diversity in their requirements, depending significantly on whether the vehicle is equipped with Start-Stop technology. For the 1.6 D and 1.6 D2 variants featuring Start-Stop, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries are necessary, due to their enhanced cycling capabilities and higher resistance to discharge cycles. Recommended battery specifications include a capacity between 70 and 72 Ah and CCA ranging from 720 to 760 A. Some example AGM battery models that are compatible include Bosch S5A 08, Exide EK700, Exide EK720, Halfords AGM 096, Lucas LF096, and Varta E39. AGM technology batteries are specifically designed to withstand the demands of frequent start-stop cycles, making them ideal for vehicles equipped with Start-Stop technology.
For diesel engines without Start-Stop—including the 1.6 D, 1.6 D2, 2.0 D, 2.4 D5, 2.4 Tdi, D3, and D4 variants—a conventional lead-acid battery is sufficient, with higher capacity and CCA values necessary. These diesel engines typically demand a battery with a capacity ranging from 80 to 90 Ah and a CCA of between 640 and 800 A to accommodate their greater starting power requirements. Suitable example battery models include Bosch S40 11, Bosch S50 11, Exide EA900, Exide EB800, Lucas LP115, Varta F16, and Varta F19. These batteries ensure strong performance even in colder climates, making sure your diesel Volvo V50 starts reliably under varying conditions.
It’s intriguing to note that modern car batteries typically have a service life ranging from 3 to 5 years, depending on usage, climate, and maintenance. Regular inspection and timely replacement of your Volvo V50’s battery significantly reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns, particularly during winter months when battery performance tends to decline.
Finally, always verify the dimensions, terminal layout, and securing mechanism of the chosen battery against the vehicle’s original specifications. Selecting a correctly sized battery ensures optimal fitting, proper connection, and safety during driving. Making the correct choice will maintain vehicle reliability, performance, and convenience in your day-to-day journeys, maximizing the lifespan of both your battery and your beloved Volvo V50.
Volvo V50 was produced in the years 2004 – 2012. The following table presents information about batteries that match each of the engines available on the market.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Volvo V50 (2004-2012):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Volvo V50 – petrol engines:
- 1.6
- 1.8
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 05 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 05 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB620 | 62 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA640 | 64 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 027 | 62 Ah 550 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS027 | 65 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D24 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D15 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
Volvo V50 – petrol engines:
- 2.0
- 2.4
- 2.4 AWD
- T5
- T5 AWD
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 07 | 72 Ah 680 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 07 | 74 Ah 750 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB712 | 71 Ah 670 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA722 | 72 Ah 720 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP100 | 72 Ah 680 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS100 | 74 Ah 750 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E43 | 72 Ah 680 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E38 | 74 Ah 750 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
Volvo V50 – diesel engines:
- 1.6 D – with Start-Stop
- 1.6 D2 – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 08 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK700 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK720 | 72 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard AGM 096 | 70 Ah 720 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 096 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF096 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM E39 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
Volvo V50 – diesel engines:
- 1.6 D
- 1.6 D2
- 2.0 D
- 2.4 D5
- 2.4 Tdi
- D3
- D4
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 11 | 80 Ah 740 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 11 | 85 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB800 | 80 Ah 640 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA900 | 90 Ah 720 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP115 | 80 Ah 670 A | 317x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic F16 | 80 Ah 740 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic F19 | 85 Ah 800 A | 315x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Volvo V50 , 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!
3 responses to “Volvo V50 (2004-2012) – batteries”
Hi, I have a V50 e-drive 59 plate diesel – stop/start, and wondered what battery you would recommend for replacement as my current is completely drained.
Hi, you should choose 1 of the batteries: Bosch AGM S5A08, Exide AGM EK700, Varta AGM E39. They all have similar parameters and will last about the same time.
One must remember that some Volvo V50 models have 2 batteries. A primary and a secondary. In my case, there’s a secondary AGM battery with a capacity of 8Ah and a model number of 31296300. I have a 2008 Volvo V50 with a 2.4L diesel engine.