The panasonic battery is AGM and branded panasonic although it does have a Mazda part number. I should add that I bought a new one simply for peace of mind because the original was five years old, not because it was any trouble. I now have a spare in my garage which suits me! You mention occasional use, last winter my car was in the garage for five weeks, no problems with starting. I do use a Ctec charger every three months or so just to keep it in good condition.
Regards Geoff Peace.
Hi Geoff,
I called Perrys today, and they have the batterys in stock. I’ll be picking one up this week, in time to get me back on the road for a trip over to CBS at Nelson for an MOT and service. Thanks very much for putting me onto this.
I’m also going to source a Ctek charger, probably from ebay. Regards, Ray.
Hi, picked up a pansonic battery from Perrys this afternoon. Not going to be trying it on car until tomorrow. It’s a different shape and size from the battery that was on car. Does this look like the one? I seem to recall the other fitting the the battery tray properly. This is still smaller than a usual car battery, but looks longer and narrower than one that was fitted.
I’ll know for sure when i try it but wondered if you could tell from photo. If it’s not right it can go back in the morning. Thanks Ray
That is the one! Numbers on the top S46A24L[S]-MF
Regards Geoff Peace.
Hi Geoff,
Thanks for your help with this. All fitted and working now, just on look out for right size battery tray. There’s a couple on ebay I’m watching.
Also picked up a CTek charger, as I intend to look after it!
Regards, Ray.
The Westco is supposed to have slightly greater capacity in Ah and also higher CCA. I don’t think anyone’s had one for 15 years yet, but mine is still fine after 5. The car gets intermittent use, too, and often stands for a fortnight.
Just a couple of further additions. Started my MX5 today it has been standing for almost four weeks, started first time. Also put my Ctek charger on the spare battery which has not been charged for four months and is six years old, it took about five minuets to reach full charge. A very good endorsement for Panasonic I think!
Regards Geoff Peace.
I picked up a correctly sized tray and fixing kit for the Panasonic off ebay (which is where the old one will be going). Also got one of the battery status indicators with the Ctek charger to be able to easily keep an eye on things. I have high expectations of this battery / charger combination 
Think I’m going to take the plunge and buy a new battery. My present one which is now 8 years old seems to hold charge only for a couple of weeks without use. After 4 weeks of no use (now in Winter) the car won’t start, after 6 weeks no lights at all. I have in previous years charged it every 4 weeks or so with a CTEK but this year it seems it’s not enough, so I think it’s on it’s way out. Don’t want to risk a flat battery when I’m out and about in the summer.
I want a replacement Panasonic but it seems you can’t find it on the Internet anywhere and that only Mazda dealers have them.
Berkeley-Ray - If it’s not too much of a cheek what did you pay for this battery at the main dealers?
I don’t know why MX5 parts don’t source them, I know they source the Westco but I’d prefer OEM if they last 8+ years.
There are suppliers on the Internet in Germany that have them for 110 Euro but I think the postage would be prohibitive, but why not here?
Still on the question of battery charging is possible and/or safe to charge through the cigarette lighter? as I see Ctek offer an adapter as an extra.
I was thinking more of a maintainance charge. Than charging a flat. 
1999 Mk 2 Classic Red
I wouldn’t have thought it is a good idea to charge via the cigarette lighter as according to the wiring diagram you would have to have the Ignition Switch turned to the ACC position to make the connection to the Battery. This in turn connects the power bus to the radio etc. If the radio was switched on then who knows?
I charge using the bolt on link that comes with the CTEK straight on the Battery with it still connected to the car. I make sure everything is switched OFF first - including the boot light by clicking the catch back with a screwdriver. Not had a problem over the years doing that so far but I think I might need a new battery anyway (see above).
Hi,
no problem, it cost £118, which included VAT and less a 5% MX5OC discount.
Regards Ray.
OK, I finally bought a new Panasonic battery from the main dealers which happens to be Dagenham Motors who took over Docklands Mazda in Plaistow East London. I was a bit sceptical at first that Dagenham Motors who are primarily a Ford dealer would have this battery and even more sceptical that I would get a discount as mentioned in the club list for the old Dockland Mazda dealer.
Well I was pleasantly suprised. They got the battery within 3 hours and gave me a 15% discount on production of my membership card. RRP of £134 including 20% VAT came down to £114. This compares very well with the Westco from MX5 parts which with p&p comes to over £90 and having heard some say the Westco hasn’t lasted too long and my original lasted 8 years of probable misuse I’m quite pleased I opted for the original Panasonic together with no fitting or vent problems.
As a test I fully charged both the old and the new battery with my CTEK on the bench. At that point the old battery measured 12.6 volts and the new one measured 12.7 volts. After a week of standing idle the old battery measured 12.1 volts but the new battery still measured 12.7 volts. Fully justifies the £114 knowing the old battery was losing it’s charge. Mr Steptoe now has the old battery.
Just decided to get back to enjoying my '96 MX-5 again. Haven’t been paying it much attention over the last three years or so (don’t ask) and it’s ended up being used infrequently/not at all. Unsurprisingly, the 15 year old battery wasn’t happy with me - uncharged/unused/unloved for an embarrassingly long time and freezing in the garage. I’d have been unhappy too.
The MX-5 (1.8Si) jump-started first time - what a machine! and what a treat to drive. Decided to do the decent thing and buy a new battery. Read the forums and firstly bought a CTEK XS4300 (an excellent buy at £56 incl del’y) which confirmed my original battery was too far gone - no surprise there. Then looked at the Westco (£90 incl del’y) and another Panasonic and re-read the forums. No questioning the longevity of the Panasonic.
My local dealer, Shires Mazda, offered me the Panasonic at £114 incl MXOC discount. I decided that the Panasonic was the safe bet and worth the extra. Shires Mazda, unasked, knocked off a bit more on purchase to make it £107. Fitted it today, put away the jump leads for ever, (well, for 15 years) gave the car a good run and even stopped and started it without a second thought, gave the car a good and much-needed clean and it’s looking extremely pleased with itself (BRG is such a good colour). Well, from the front anyway.
If only I hadn’t raised and lowered the top in very cold weather. The manual tells you not to do it but I still did it - I can’t even remember why. It’s amazing how brittle a plastic rear window can get. So it’s back to the excellent forums to get that sorted.
Thanks to all you guys who contribute your knowledge on matters MX-5. Makes life easier for the rest of us. It’s much appreciated.
Guys I also own Ctek MXS5.0 charger. In which mode do you charge your Panasonic Batteries?
Is it car symbol or snowflake as both are meant for AGM batteires altough not of the same type and manufactureres?
Thanks,