# Varta C11 · Car battery 12V 53Ah 500A

![Varta C11 · Car battery 12V 53Ah 500A](https://bateriasonline.es/1265-home_default/varta-c11.jpg)

> Varta C11 (ETN 553401050): 53 Ah car battery, 500 A (EN), 242×175×175 mm, positive terminal on the right, LB2 case. Equivalent to Exide EC542.

**Category:** [Car batteries](https://bateriasonline.es/en/car-batteries) → [Varta](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-batteries)

- **Canonical URL**: https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-c11
- **Language**: en
- **Brand**: Varta
- **Reference**: BOL-VARTA-C11
- **EAN**: 4016987143612
- **MPN**: C11
- **Price**: 82,63 € (VAT incl., Spain)
- **Last updated**: 2026-11-06

## Technical specifications

| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Varta |
| Range | VARTA BLACK dynamic |
| Application | Cars |
| Technology | Lead-acid |
| Voltage | 12 V |
| Capacity | 53 Ah |
| Cold cranking amps (EN) | 500 A |
| Length | 242 mm |
| Width | 175 mm |
| Height | 175 mm |
| Weight | 13.27 kg |
| Polarity | Positive terminal on the right |
| Case size | LB2 (242 × 175 × 175 mm) |
| ETN code | 553401050 |

## Quick description

The Varta C11 (ETN 553 401 050, also written C 11 or 553401050) is a car battery with 12 V, 53 Ah and 500 A cold cranking current, case size LB2 (242 × 175 × 175 mm), with the positive terminal on the right.

## Description

## Where the Varta C11 fits

The Varta C11 is a starter battery for cars without Start-Stop: it delivers the current the starter motor needs and then powers lights, control units and audio with the engine off. The C11 covers the daily routine of a car without automatic engine stop: cold starts, short trips and loads with the ignition off.
At 53 Ah it covers petrol compacts and small diesels, the best-selling format in Europe. The C11 belongs to the Varta VARTA BLACK dynamic range. [The full range of Varta batteries](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-batteries)

## Varta C11 codes and part numbers

The C11 is listed under these codes on labels, in garages and in catalogues:

| Commercial reference | C11 (C 11) |
|---|---|
| ETN code | 553401050 (also 553 401 050) |
| EAN | 4016987143612 |
| Case size (EN) | LB2 |
| Case size according to Varta | T5/LNB2 |
| UK code | 065 |
| Base hold-down | B13 |
| Also known as | Varta C 11 · Varta 553401050 · Varta 553 401 050 · LNB2 |
| Not to be confused with | Varta E11 (74 Ah, 680 A), Varta C14 (56 Ah, 480 A), Varta C15 (56 Ah, 480 A, positive terminal on the left) |

## Varta C11 vs D59, C14 and D21: which one to choose?

How the C11 compares with Varta batteries of similar size and capacity:

| Model | Capacity | Cold cranking (EN) | Dimensions (mm) | Positive | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varta C11 (this one) | 53 Ah | 500 A | 242 × 175 × 175 | right | 13.27 kg |
| Varta D59 | 60 Ah | 540 A | 242 × 175 × 175 | right | 13.45 kg |
| Varta C14 | 56 Ah | 480 A | 242 × 175 × 190 | right | 13.56 kg |
| Varta D21 | 61 Ah | 600 A | 242 × 175 × 175 | right | 13.85 kg |

- Varta D59: 7 Ah more, 40 A more cranking power, the same LB2 case.
- Varta C14: 3 Ah more, 20 A less cranking power, a different height (190 mm instead of 175 mm, L2). It only fits if there is room for 190 mm of height.
- Varta D21: 8 Ah more, 100 A more cranking power, the same LB2 case.

## Equivalents and alternatives to the Varta C11

Same dimensions and polarity as the C11, with similar capacity and cranking power; as a conventional battery, the C11 can also be replaced by an EFB or AGM of the same size if you want more cycles.

| Model | Technology | Capacity | Cold cranking (EN) | Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kronobat SD-53.0 | Lead-acid | 53 Ah | 500 A | 242 × 175 × 175 |
| Exide EC542 | Lead-acid | 54 Ah | 500 A | 242 × 175 × 175 |
| Tudor TC542 | Lead-acid | 54 Ah | 500 A | 242 × 175 × 175 |
| Fulmen FC542 | Lead-acid | 54 Ah | 500 A | 242 × 175 × 175 |
| Deta DC542 | Lead-acid | 54 Ah | 500 A | 242 × 175 × 175 |
| Odyssey ODP-AGM96R | TPPL | 52 Ah | 600 A | 241 × 175 × 173 |

## Inside the C11: lead-acid technology

The C11 is a conventional lead-acid battery, with plates immersed in liquid electrolyte. Avoid leaving them discharged, as they sulphate, and charge them with a charger that cuts off or switches to maintenance when finished.

## Before ordering the C11, check this

- If your car has Start-Stop, the C11 is not the right one: it needs an EFB or an AGM.
- Cold cranking: 500 A (EN), equal to or higher than the original.
- Your current battery should say about 53 Ah; a little more is also fine.
- With the terminals facing you, the positive terminal of the C11 is on the right.
- Length, width and height of the C11: 242 × 175 × 175 mm (European case size LB2).

## Frequently asked questions about the Varta C11

### Varta C11 or D59?

Compared with the C11, the Varta D59 has 7 Ah more and 40 A more cranking power. If your current battery says 540 A or more, choose the D59; if it says 500 A or less, the C11 is enough. Both measure 242 × 175 × 175 mm, so they fit the same tray.

### Varta C11 or C14: what changes?

Mainly the height: the C11 is 175 mm tall (LB2) and the Varta C14 190 mm (L2), with the same length and width. In capacity and cranking power, the C14 offers 56 Ah and 480 A against 53 Ah and 500 A. Before choosing between the C11 and the C14, measure the free height of the battery compartment with the cover or bonnet closed.

### What does the code 553 401 050 on the Varta C11 mean?

It is its ETN (European Type Number), also written 553401050. The first three digits (553) encode voltage and capacity: 12 V and 53 Ah (5xx = under 100 Ah, 6xx = 100 to 199 Ah, 7xx = 200 Ah or more). The middle group (401) identifies the specific model within that capacity, and the last three digits (050) multiplied by 10 give the cold cranking current: 500 A.

### Can the Varta C11 be used in a car with Start-Stop?

No. The C11 is a lead-acid battery for cars without automatic engine stop; Start-Stop needs an EFB or an AGM; in this same size there is the Odyssey ODP-AGM96R.

### How much does the Varta C11 weigh?

The C11 weighs 13.27 kg. For reference, the Varta D59 (60 Ah) weighs 13.45 kg.

### Which battery is equivalent to the Varta C11?

With the same dimensions, polarity and similar capacity you have the Kronobat SD-53.0, Exide EC542 and Tudor TC542. As the C11 is a conventional battery, an EFB or AGM of the same size also works.

### What case size is the Varta C11?

Case size LB2: 242 × 175 × 175 mm (Varta lists it as T5/LNB2). The C11 fits any standard LB2 battery tray such as the Kronobat SD-53.0.

## Keep comparing: alternatives to the C11

- [Other car batteries](https://bateriasonline.es/en/car-batteries)
- [The whole Varta range](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-batteries)
- [Kronobat SD-53.0](https://bateriasonline.es/en/kronobat-sd-53-0) · 53 Ah, 500 A, 242×175×175 mm
- [Exide EC542](https://bateriasonline.es/en/exide-ec542) · 54 Ah, 500 A, 242×175×175 mm

---
*bateriasonline.es — Batteries and accessories · 2026-11-10*