This is something I have been aware of since owning the 210, similar engines but the earlier 124 houses a much smaller battery under the bonnet (hood).

Couple of possible reasons, mainly I think UK spec is RHD which limits available space, same with the turbo which never came to UK due to steering rod obstruction.

Basically it does the job but only just, the car has a passive drain due to immobiliser which if left for a few days take the edge off, i.e there is no spare capacity.

So, the question is how to fit a larger 110ah battery similar to below, or 210.

It maybe possible to mount diagonally as with LHD cars or perhaps run cables through the bulkhead under carpet into load bay retaining original, incidentally the 210 is located under back seat.

Any pointers appreciated.

LHD (thanks valvecovergasket) picture top, mine below.

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David


1996 Mercedes S124 E300TD - 129k - rolling restoration project -

1998 Mercedes W210 300TD - 118k (assimilated into above vehicle)

How about a gel battery.....? Maybe can find smaller with same power.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

If your engine is in a good state of tune and the battery isn't old and roached, you shouldn't really need much extra capacity. Fix the battery drain issue first. If the engine is healthy, it should start easily after a pre-glow and 1-2 compression hits. If you're having to crank for extended time, you should be looking to find out why. Are you certain the alternator is charging the battery fully? When I had my 300SDL, it was getting moved around the shop with an old Honda Civic battery (<400CCA) and that was adequate. The H8 battery that the US cars use will let you crank for a *LONG* time (minutes) before it runs down to the point it no longer turns the engine.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

op, what is an immobilizer?

Also could relocate battery to trunk.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Start stop battery would be a good one to have more cca and no acid leaks.

Cheers gents, AGM or stop/start might be an option, I'll have a look at what is available.

immobiliser, factory alarm system which is activated on key removal/fob door lock, with this engaged there is a residual draw, even switched off it still runs a circuit through the door switches illuminating radio red LED.

This has been checked many times, the draw seems within accepted levels but would be less noticeable on a larger battery - friends who have similar cars (C240 TD) have reported flat batteries within two weeks of standing.

Had a quick measure up yesterday, if the battery tray isn't fixed it should take the larger size mentioned above -

Next year I have a few road trips planned, the extra capacity would be bhandy for overnight stops without worrying about plugging in phones for charging.

If I opt for second trunk mounted battery, recommendations on cable size - is this overkill> eBay item number:292190934583 (16mm 110amp)

..

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David


1996 Mercedes S124 E300TD - 129k - rolling restoration project -

1998 Mercedes W210 300TD - 118k (assimilated into above vehicle)

I can up the size of my battery .But i only have 79hh battery in the tray now with space on each side to take one of the largest batteries if need be .

Does it sit on top of the tray sides, need to check if the tray is removable - if you have a pic that would be great, ta

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David


1996 Mercedes S124 E300TD - 129k - rolling restoration project -

1998 Mercedes W210 300TD - 118k (assimilated into above vehicle)

A group 49 fits which is a fair size/capacity, ah I see in review you have a rhd issue

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97 e300d, 78 300Dt, 95 E300d, 94 E320 estate

Pulled the old battery and tray to work out what there is to play with size wise, leaving the tray studs in they act as a guide and still able to fit clamp to front.

The above gives an extra 70mm sideways, with studs removed moving the battery to an angle similar to LHD cars it gives an extra 90mm (3.5")

This should be more than enough leaving studs in place.

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David


1996 Mercedes S124 E300TD - 129k - rolling restoration project -

1998 Mercedes W210 300TD - 118k (assimilated into above vehicle)

Modified battery the tray, this makes way more sense as only another $15 over the smaller Bosch S3 jobbie. This ones rated at 100ah, 850 cold crank with 5 year guarantee.



More than enough room

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David


1996 Mercedes S124 E300TD - 129k - rolling restoration project -

1998 Mercedes W210 300TD - 118k (assimilated into above vehicle)