Batteries: OEM vs. AGM vs. GEL - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #16 09-30-2011, 05:22 AM

are sears batteries any good?
I noticed they have 4 year warranty batteries... prices are decent too... what's it take to get the warranty honored?

layback40 · #17 09-30-2011, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speednjay

is that because its a diesel or just because its a gel? ive used optima batteries (red top and yellow) in all my cars expect the mb. the mb came with an factory battery. ive never had a problem with the optimas always started the car when it was -50 and lasted for years with no corrosion or maintence needed. i would put a optima in my mb is they made a size that fit.

The high current density when starting generates local hot spots. A gel cell cannot dissipate this as the electrolyte is a gel. There are restrictions on max allowable current that they can operate with.

pawoSD · #18 09-30-2011, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

are sears batteries any good?
I noticed they have 4 year warranty batteries... prices are decent too... what's it take to get the warranty honored?

I have a 5 year old one in my 300E.....so far so good. Even survived a full discharge when I left a light on in the car over a weekend.

Charged it back up and its been fine since (5 months ago).

47dodge · #19 09-30-2011, 07:30 AM

I had a sears battery in my truck lasted about 5 years. Was good right up to the end then just died quickly. expect the plates shorted out. Replaced it with one from Tractor Supply. The batteries for the camper itself are golf cart traction batteries. nothing else seems to live as house batteries. Although I have not tryed agm yet. Maybe one day if I get rich....

Marvelicious · #20 09-30-2011, 12:54 PM

For my money, these vehicles are best with the largest conventional battery you can cram in there. Like layback40 mentions, the gel cells can be finicky about heat, and in my experience AGM's are the same. Those batteries shine in off-road situations, atv's, etc... They handle vibrations better and can't spill.

JHZR2 · #21 02-21-2012, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

I keep a close eye on my batteries, ANY sign of corrosion on the terminals, and I pull the battery, and the tray and look for signs of acid with the spray or baking soda slurry. I like to set a sheet of rubber under the tray to direct any leaks away from the firewall, also, most batteries come with a vent tube, and I set that in a tube attached with zip ties to the cowl drain duct...

The rubber sheet idea is great! Any pictures of how you set yours up?

compress ignite · #22 02-21-2012, 02:59 AM

Deka 9AGM49

JHZR2 · #23 02-21-2012, 08:47 AM

That deka is a good battery. I have it in my 318i, and it's cousin in my Saab.

dagObx · #24 02-21-2012, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compress ignite

Deka 9AGM49

Cost?

JHZR2 · #25 02-21-2012, 02:56 PM

I paid about $165, iirc.

For a car like a w210, or my E30 BMW, where it is in the trunk, it is great.

For a car with the battery underhood, especially with these low performance charging systems, IMO it is overkill. I like vstech's idea of the rubber mat, and then just use a proper H8 (correct size, versus BCI group 49) under there.

I've never had a battery leak, but the black rubber may is good prevention anyway.

eatont9999 · #26 02-21-2012, 06:27 PM

I usually go with Interstate batteries. I install a brand new Interstate Group 49 battery in my 300SD and now it starts right up as soon as I turn the key. It seems like a very powerful battery. I'll be installing a set of new Interstates in my truck when the time comes.

Also, clean and grease your terminals and leads. That will prevent corrosion on both.

Edit: I paid a little over $160 after tax.

sixto · #27 02-21-2012, 09:24 PM

From the source's mouth - Battery Options for Older Mercedes Diesels by Kent Bergsma - YouTube

Sixto
87 300D

jacques10 · #28 08-13-2013, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

My batteries are old but fine. When the time comes, I want to make an informed choice. My MB batteries have been great....but it would be nice to avoid the discharge and the rust.

So what are the pros and cons of OEM, AGM, and Gel? Which do you prefer and why?

Thanks.

PS looked through some battery threads, didn't see this discussed, let me know if I missed it.

Hoping till now you got recovered from this issue !!. I tend not to invest added dollars with anything while trouble free as being a battery power. I obtain the ideal offer I'm able to uncover with all the top free replacing guarantee that fit & has got the maximum CCA.

piccolovic · #29 08-13-2013, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

are sears batteries any good?
I noticed they have 4 year warranty batteries... prices are decent too... what's it take to get the warranty honored?

The Sears Die-Hard battery had so many problems, they quit doing straight trade, and started pro-rating their batteries. Usual lifespan was about two years. That's why the last time my battery died, I ordered an Interstate. I've had no problems since.

Skid Row Joe · #30 08-13-2013, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacques10

Hoping till now you got recovered from this issue !!. I tend not to invest added dollars with anything while trouble free as being a battery power. I obtain the ideal offer I'm able to uncover with all the top free replacing guarantee that fit & has got the maximum CCA.

Please list your examples?