Volkswagen Transporter T4, manufactured between 1990 and 2003, is a versatile and reliable vehicle used for both private and commercial purposes. Choosing the right battery for this model depends on the engine type and vehicle specifications.
For petrol engines with capacities of 1.8 and 2.0, lead-acid batteries with capacities ranging from 55 to 65 Ah and a starting current of 460–640 A are required. Examples of suitable models include Bosch S30 05, Exide EB620, and Varta C14. These batteries provide sufficient power to meet the electrical needs of basic vehicle configurations.
Larger petrol engines, such as 2.5 and 2.8 VR6, require more efficient batteries with capacities of 70–78 Ah and a starting current of 640–780 A. Models like Bosch S50 08, Exide EA770, and Varta E11 are good options. The Syncro versions of these engines also use similar batteries.
For diesel engines, such as 1.9 D, 2.4 D, or 2.5 TDI, batteries with higher capacities are needed. For the 1.9 and 2.4 versions, batteries with capacities of 70–78 Ah (e.g., Lucas LS096 or Varta E13) are suitable. For the 2.5 TDI, batteries with capacities of 80–90 Ah and a starting current of 640–800 A, such as Bosch S40 11 or Varta F16, are recommended.
Fun fact: The VW Transporter T4, as the first front-wheel-drive model in the series, was a significant step forward compared to its predecessors. Thanks to its robust construction and technical simplicity, it earned a reputation as a reliable companion for long journeys and daily work. Choosing the right battery ensures not only smooth starting but also support for additional equipment such as parking heaters or lighting systems.
VW Transporter in version T4 was produced in the years 1990 – 2003. Below we present the specifications of batteries suitable for specific engines.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for VW Transporter (1990-2003):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
VW Transporter T4 – petrol engines:
- 1.8
- 2.0
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 05 | 56 Ah 480 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 05 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 05 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC550 | 55 Ah 460 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 Essentials HB 027 | 56 Ah 480 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 Black Dynamic C14 | 56 Ah 480 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 |
VW Transporter T4 – petrol engines:
- 2.5
- 2.5 Syncro
- 2.8 VR6
- 2.8 VR6 Syncro
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 08 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC700 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB740 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA770 | 77 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Essentials HB 096 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 096 | 76 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP096 | 75 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS096 | 78 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic E13 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E11 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E44 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
VW Transporter T4 – diesel engines:
- 1.9 D
- 1.9 TD
- 2.4 D
- 2.4 D Syncro
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 08 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC700 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB740 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA770 | 77 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Essentials HB 096 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 096 | 76 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP096 | 75 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS096 | 78 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic E13 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E11 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E44 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
VW Transporter T4 – diesel engines:
- 2.5 TDI
- 2.5 TDI Syncro
| 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 |
| 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 VW Transporter , 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!