I'm a FIRM believer in the OPTIMA series batteries - I've had the one that is in my current car (300SD) and it has been dead and recharged many a time - still starts it on the first revolution - and here is the best part - it was in my 80 SD until the engine died! I also have been putting these batteries in the company trucks (electric plows, sanders, diesel transfer pumps, always used to jump start guest's cars....) I service because they would burn through any other battery in a few months - since the change I haven't had to change one yet! (almost 2 years now!) So keep buying your $70 batteries and $25 acid matts but I highly recommend the extra $30 for a Optima - and I am in no way connected to the company!

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1983 Mercedes 300SD
1987 Mercedes 300SDL
2001 VW Passat 2.8 AWD
2007 OM642 Jeep WK 4x4