Choosing the right battery for the VW Transporter T5 (2003–2015) depends on several factors, including the engine variant, the presence or absence of a Start-Stop system, and whether the vehicle uses petrol or diesel. This model offers a wide range of engines, from the 1.9 TDI up to the more powerful 3.2 V6 or 2.0 BiTDI, and each requires a battery that can support its specific electrical and starting demands. Understanding these requirements is essential for ensuring long-term reliability, especially in a vehicle that’s often used for both commercial and family purposes.
For petrol engines like the 2.0 and 2.0 TSI variants without Start-Stop systems, standard lead-acid batteries with a capacity of around 60–65 Ah and a cold cranking amperage (CCA) of 540–640 A are typically sufficient. These engines are less demanding electrically compared to their diesel counterparts, and they don’t require the higher performance of AGM batteries. Examples of compatible batteries include Bosch S40 05, Exide EA640, Varta D15, or Lucas LS027. These models offer a good balance of performance and value, ideal for daily urban or highway driving.
If you have a 3.2 V6 engine, especially with the 4motion drivetrain, the power needs increase significantly. In such cases, a stronger battery is required, typically with a capacity ranging from 74 to 78 Ah and a CCA between 680 and 780 A. This ensures reliable starts even in cold weather and under load. Some suitable examples are the Bosch S50 08, Exide EA770, or Varta E44. This type of battery can handle the higher power draw associated with a larger displacement engine and more complex electronic systems.
Diesel engines are known for their higher compression ratios, which means they generally require more powerful batteries than petrol engines. For the 1.9 TDI and the range of 2.0 and 2.5 TDI engines, including BiTDI and 4motion versions, lead-acid batteries with capacities between 80 and 90 Ah and CCA values from 640 to 800 A are recommended. These specifications ensure the battery can handle the demands of glow plugs and extended cranking times typical of diesel engines. Examples of matching battery models include Bosch S50 11, Exide EA900, Varta F16, and Lucas LP115.
For diesel or petrol variants equipped with Start-Stop systems, such as the 2.0 TSI (110 kW) or the 2.0 TDI (84 kW), AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries are essential. These batteries are designed to handle frequent engine starts, regenerative braking systems, and more complex onboard electronics. A battery in this category should offer around 70 to 96 Ah and a CCA rating of up to 850 A. Examples of fitting AGM batteries include Bosch S5A 13, Exide EK950, Varta G14, or Halfords AGM 019. Although AGM batteries are more expensive, their durability and performance make them a worthwhile investment for vehicles with advanced electrical systems.
It’s important to remember that battery capacity and performance aren’t the only factors. Proper dimensions, terminal layout, and hold-down types must match the vehicle’s battery tray and connections. For the T5, most batteries fall into standard B13 or similar mounting types, which are common in European vehicles. It’s also worth checking the alternator output, especially if upgrading to a higher-capacity battery, to ensure charging compatibility.
A fun fact about the VW Transporter T5 is its popularity among camper van enthusiasts. Many T5s are converted into campers, meaning they may have auxiliary batteries installed. In such cases, choosing a dual-purpose battery or ensuring a separate deep-cycle battery is used for habitation circuits is crucial for avoiding deep discharges of the starter battery.
In conclusion, when selecting a battery for the VW Transporter T5, consider the engine type, Start-Stop system, and whether you need a standard lead-acid or AGM model. Always verify physical compatibility, and when in doubt, consult the vehicle manual or a professional. Choosing the right battery not only ensures reliable starts but also helps protect sensitive electronics in modern vehicles.
VW Transporter in version T5 was produced in the years 2003 – 2015. The following table presents information about batteries that match each of the engines available on the market.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for VW Transporter (2003-2015):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
VW Transporter T5 – petrol engines:
- 2.0
- 2.0 TSI (150 kW)
- 2.0 TSI 4motion (150 kW)
| 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 Premium LP027 | 60 Ah 540 A | 243x175x190 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 |
VW Transporter T5 – petrol engines:
- 3.2 V6
- 3.2 V6 4motion
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 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 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 Blue Dynamic E11 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E44 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
VW Transporter T5 – petrol engines:
- 2.0 TSI (110 kW)
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 13 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 13 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB950 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA1000 | 100 Ah 900 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 019 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP019 | 95 Ah 800 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS019 | 100 Ah 850 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic G3 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic H3 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
VW Transporter T5 – petrol engines:
- 2.0 TSI (110 kW) – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S5 AGM S5A 13 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK950 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide AGM EK960 | 96 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced AGM 019 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion AGM LF017 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic AGM G14 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
VW Transporter T5 – diesel engines:
- 2.0 TDI (84 kW) – 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 |
VW Transporter T5 – diesel engines:
- 1.9 TDI
- 2.0 BiTDI
- 2.0 BiTDI 4motion
- 2.0 TDI
- 2.0 TDI 4motion
- 2.5 TDI
- 2.5 TDI 4motion
| 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 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!
3 responses to “VW Transporter T5 (2003-2015) – batteries”
Hi- looking for a replacement for this battery- thanks
Hello, this is a standard battery 574 402 075 with dimensions of 278 mm (length), 175 mm (width), 175 mm (height). An example of a replacement with the same parameters is the Varta E38 (https://whatbattery.co.uk/varta-e38-varta-silver-dynamic-batteries/). Another possible replacement is the Bosch S5007 (https://whatbattery.co.uk/bosch-s50-07-bosch-s5-batteries/). Best regards.
Looking for replacement fore this, got a T5 diesel caravalle 2.0 tdi that has start – stop . Stupid question but I assume this is a start-stop type battery?