Yesterday morning my 1981 300D refused to start with what seemed to be a battery without enough charge to spin the starter. After an hour of charging the battery I was relieved to hear the starter turn and start the car. The battery has been in the car as long as I have owned it, +4 years, and has given no issues of failing until now.

But I am wondering if it may be the alternator again. The alternator was just replaced with a rebuilt unit about two months ago. On colder days I have been noticing that the group of three indicator lights on the lower left of the console stay lit until the engine would rev above idle speed or warm up. I have been assuming they were an indication of low alternator output due to the lower engine speed. Perhaps it was an indicator of a failing battery?

I guess I’ll pick up a new battery today regardless. I am hoping that I don’t need to replace the alternator as well again so soon.

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2012 B Class

1981 300D - Now with greazzer