Battery Life
 

Can anyone give me an idea of the average life expectancy of the original equipment M-B battery? I have gasoline engined 1999 C-280 and E-320 and was wondering when I should think about replacing the batteries.

If you can open the top of your battery and check the acid you are in luck. Go to a parts store and for about $2 you can get a hydrometer. With it you can read the acid density in each cell. This will tell you if all the cells are functioning correctly and alert you when one starts giving up.

Be aware of the battery scam that sucks most of us into using the same type of battery over and over again. The battery co. offers you a 5 year guarentee. The battery goes belly up after 3 years. You take it in and they tell you that you have a $9 credit on the remaining 2 years. You figure that as long as you are there and they will give you a credit you might as well get another battery of the same make. This cycle goes on and on, esp. at Wal-Mart.

My parts man told me that there are actually only 4 battery manufacturers in the States. I have heard good things about Interstate batteries but have never tired them. I used to use Varta when I lived in Germany but have never seen them here.

The best way to extend the life of a battery is to keep them cool, keep them clean, and, most importantly, keep them full. That helps keep them cool. Keep the posts covered in grease and keep them tight.

Just replaced my wifes 1995 E300D original battery this year with new Battery from Dealer

Bill A