Battery insight solicited

[tangofox007]

It's about time for a new battery for my '82 300D. I have been using Sears Diehard, but they are getting expensive. Some of the parts houses sell a similar looking battery for $40-50 less than the Diehard. (Plus, I try to avoid Sears and their sheister tactics whenever possible.)

Point me in the right direction, please.

[635CSi]

IMO go with Optima, I got one and never looked back!

[Brian Carlton]

Autozone Duralast.

Just bought another one for the '87.

$70 for an 84 month warranty that's good anywhere in the country without a receipt (only your telephone number). Group 49.......made perfectly for the vehicle.

You'll pay 75% more for an Optima...........think it will last 147 months?

Why go with anything else?

[toomany MBZ]

FWIW, Consumer Reports a year or so ago, found a Pep Boys battery to be the best. Duralast is good too.

[funola]

Originally Posted by 635CSi

IMO go with Optima, I got one and never looked back!

Did you get an Optima for your gas or diesel Mercedes? I wasn't aware they made one that had the CCA and also physically fit our diesels.

[sixto]

I second Autozone Duralast... if only because local Wal-Mart and Costco don't stock MB size batteries. Not sure if my vote matters since I don't have to deal with temps below 40*F.

I'm curious to know PEH's thinking on battery value.

Sixto
87 300D

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by sixto

I'm curious to know PEH's thinking on battery value.

Sixto
87 300D

Who did you figure I got my idea from............??

[tankdriver]

My Interstate 770cca lasted ~4.5 years.

[lietuviai]

I've heard years ago that car batteries are made by only two manufacturers and then are sold by various retailers. Anyone hear this also?

[tangofox007]

Originally Posted by lietuviai

I've heard years ago that car batteries are made by only two manufacturers and then are sold by various retailers. Anyone hear this also?

After a little research, I came to the realization that most of the common store brand names are all made by the same company: Johnson Controls. Included are Sears, Pep Boys, Autozone, Advance Auto, Wal-Mart, Murrays, Costco, etc. They also make OE batteries for a number of auto manufacturers.

Some vendors, however, offer a better warranty than others on what appears to be the same battery.

Read about it here:
http://www.autobatteries.com/brands/index.asp

I have a group 49 from advanced auto in both of mine, mostly because it's the closest place to my house. They are cheap (about $70-80, I think) and they seem to last a few years, just like any other battery. I managed to kill one in less than a year (due to a bad alternator) and they replaced it for free, no questions asked. Unless you want the correct benz battery from the dealer, I don't think there is much difference between brands.

[pgringo]

You'll pay 75% more for an Optima...........think it will last 147 months?

yes. mine has 103 months on it and it's still going strong. plus, it does not leak. whenever i swap it to a new-to-me car (i think i'm on #7?), i install new battery cables with brass marine-style terminals and never have to worry about corrosion at the battery on that car again.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by pgringo

yes. mine has 103 months on it and it's still going strong. plus, it does not leak. whenever i swap it to a new-to-me car (i think i'm on #7?), i install new battery cables with brass marine-style terminals and never have to worry about corrosion at the battery on that car again.

Well, you've got another 44 months just to get to the breakeven point.

Good luck with that.

[pgringo]

i've broken even several times over with never getting stuck with a dead battery or no start situation resulting from corrosion.

[daw_two]

Good testimony!

So, WHAT is that number??? I've heard about this service, but haven't seen the number. Also, is the service dispatched via some other roadside service or does MB have their own contractors?