Varta

Varta C15 · Car battery 12V 56Ah 480A

Reference: BOL-VARTA-C15 · EAN 4016987119402

The Varta C15 (ETN 556 401 048, also written C 15 or 556401048) is a car battery with 12 V, 56 Ah and 480 A cold cranking current, case size L2 (242 × 175 × 190 mm), with the positive terminal on the left. Need the positive terminal on the right? The same battery is the Varta C14.

Varta C15 · Car battery 12V 56Ah 480A – front view
Voltage
12V
Capacity
56Ah
Cold cranking amps (EN)
480A
Technology
Lead-acid
Dimensions (L × W × H)
242 × 175 × 190 mm
Polarity
Positive terminal on the left
€81.65
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For Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands you see the exact cost before paying. For the rest of Europe we send you a shipping quote, with no obligation. 14 days to return your order
If it does not fit, you have 14 days from delivery to return it unused.

Does it fit your vehicle? Check by number plate or VIN

Enter your number plate or chassis number (VIN): we check whether this battery is compatible with your vehicle.

Where the Varta C15 fits

The Varta C15 is made for petrol and diesel cars without automatic engine stop. Its job is to start the engine in the cold with margin to spare and keep the car's electronics powered.

At 56 Ah it covers petrol compacts and small diesels, the best-selling format in Europe. The C15 belongs to the Varta VARTA BLACK dynamic range. The full range of Varta batteries

Varta C15 codes and part numbers

This is how the Varta C15 appears on the label and in parts catalogues:

Commercial referenceC15 (C 15)
ETN code556401048 (also 556 401 048)
EAN4016987119402
Case size (EN)L2
Case size according to VartaH5R/LN2R
UK code078
Base hold-downB13
Also known asVarta C 15 · Varta 556401048 · Varta 556 401 048
Not to be confused withVarta C11 (53 Ah, 500 A, positive terminal on the right), Varta C14 (56 Ah, 480 A, positive terminal on the right), Varta D15 (63 Ah, 610 A, positive terminal on the right)

Varta C15 vs D43, C14 and D39: which one to choose?

Torn between the C15 and another similar Varta? This is what changes:

ModelCapacityCold cranking (EN)Dimensions (mm)PositiveWeight
Varta C15 (this one)56 Ah480 A242 × 175 × 190left13.7 kg
Varta D4360 Ah540 A242 × 175 × 190left13.97 kg
Varta C1456 Ah480 A242 × 175 × 190right13.56 kg
Varta D3963 Ah610 A242 × 175 × 190left14.78 kg
  • Varta D43: 4 Ah more, 60 A more cranking power, the same L2 case.
  • Varta C14: identical to the C15 except for the positive terminal, which is on the other side (positive terminal on the right).
  • Varta D39: 7 Ah more, 130 A more cranking power, the same L2 case.

Equivalents and alternatives to the Varta C15

Same dimensions and polarity as the C15, with similar capacity and cranking power; as a conventional battery, the C15 can also be replaced by an EFB or AGM of the same size if you want more cycles.

ModelTechnologyCapacityCold cranking (EN)Dimensions (mm)
Kronobat SD-56.1Lead-acid56 Ah480 A242 × 175 × 190

Inside the C15: lead-acid technology

Inside, the C15 is classic lead-acid: liquid electrolyte and lead plates. If the C15 is left discharged for weeks it sulphates: a maintenance charger prevents this.

Before ordering the C15, check this

  • If your car has Start-Stop, the C15 is not the right one: it needs an EFB or an AGM.
  • Cold cranking: 480 A (EN), equal to or higher than the original.
  • Capacity of the C15: 56 Ah; the same as your current battery or slightly more is fine.
  • The C15 has the positive terminal on the left: compare it with your current battery.
  • Length, width and height of the C15: 242 × 175 × 190 mm (European case size L2).

Frequently asked questions about the Varta C15

Varta C15 or D43?

Compared with the C15, the Varta D43 has 4 Ah more and 60 A more cranking power. If your current battery says 540 A or more, choose the D43; if it says 480 A or less, the C15 is enough. Both measure 242 × 175 × 190 mm, so they fit the same tray.

What is the difference between the Varta C15 and the C14?

They are the same battery with the terminals swapped: positive terminal on the left on the C15, positive terminal on the right on the C14. Look at your current battery with the terminals facing you and pick the one that matches. That is why their ETNs only differ in the middle group: 556 401 048 for the C15 and 556 400 048 for the C14.

What does the code 556 401 048 on the Varta C15 mean?

It is its ETN (European Type Number), also written 556401048. The first three digits (556) encode voltage and capacity: 12 V and 56 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 (048) multiplied by 10 give the cold cranking current: 480 A. Its twin with the positive terminal on the other side, the Varta C14, is 556 400 048: only the middle group changes.

Can the Varta C15 be used in a car with Start-Stop?

No. The C15 is a lead-acid battery for cars without automatic engine stop; Start-Stop needs an EFB or an AGM.

How much does the Varta C15 weigh?

The C15 weighs 13.7 kg. For reference, the Varta D43 (60 Ah) weighs 13.97 kg.

Which battery is equivalent to the Varta C15?

With the same dimensions, polarity and similar capacity you have the Kronobat SD-56.1. As the C15 is a conventional battery, an EFB or AGM of the same size also works.

What case size is the Varta C15?

Case size L2: 242 × 175 × 190 mm (Varta lists it as H5R/LN2R). The C15 fits any standard L2 battery tray such as the Kronobat SD-56.1.

Other options if you are unsure about the C15

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