The Autocraft Gold (flooded cell type) from Advance Auto in my '95 E300 Diesel lasted 9 years in Ohio! It lasted while the car was stored outside for several winters for 4 months at a time. One winter saw 2-3 days where it did not get above -10F. The car otherwise saw regular use during hot summers.

It died when I left the dome light on when putting it in inside storage for winter back in last October.

Given that lifespan of this battery, I decided to get another Autocraft battery from Advance Auto. I decided to get the AGM style battery this time (same battery as specified for the W211 E320 CDI). Both the gold (flooded cell ) and Platinum (AGM) in H8 size fit (most of our MBs take the h8 size). Both types are made in Germany so...I wonder if they are from same supplier that makes them for MB??

Wonder how the AGM will last compared to the flooded cell? With the AGM you get the benefit of no maintenance, no acid gassing and less discharge while sitting for longer periods of time. If I get another 9 years in OH, I will be happy :-)

I ended up paying about $133 after a 20% off on-line coupon, using a speedperks award of $20 I had from my last purchase, and Ebates refund. This is all in including tax!

I got another $20 speedperks for the purchase which is good for 6 months so I consider the coupon a wash in total cost (spent one and got one).

FYI: The Gold Autocraft version would have been $35 less so....if you use some of these same saving strategies, I am guessing you might be able to get it for just under $100 including tax!

If you do not already an Advance Auto speedperks member, you can join here and save $30 off your first purchase: Speedperks

Ebates gives you 4% back just by shopping through their site. You can sign up for eBates here and get another $10 back too: Ebates

Hope this post helps some other MB Diesel owner save some money the next time they need a battery.

__________________
-- Chris

'95 E300, 216k miles, Silver Surfer
'05 E320 CDI, 138k miles
'07 S550 4matic, 69k miles

Gone but not forgotten:

'76 300D, 350k miles?, SOLD in 1995
'75 240D, 300k miles, SOLD in 1991