I've used ALL Interstate batteries for my cars. Great so far, no complaints yet

I have no explanation for why it happened, but I have had two (!) M-B batteries explode while cranking the car. One was the one that was in the car when I bought it (used), but it appeared to be either the original battery, or a replacement from the dealer (white plastic case). During starting (mild California weather) it exploded, with the whole side blown out. Due to the double-wall bulkhead design of my 420SEL, luckily the acid and plastic pieces were confined to a small area. I flushed out everything pretty well with water and baking soda, and then bought a replacement from a dealer.

Damned if it didn't happen a second time, after 3 or 4 years on the replacement battery! This time I bought an Autolite/Exide brand battery from Kragen - group 49, so the right fit for my car, but much cheaper (maybe $69 or so). So far no explosions in 3 years of use on the Exide battery.

My only theory on the exploding batteries was that the electrolyte level got low in one or more cells, and that some internal sparking caused the hydrogen gas inside the low cell(s) to ignite. But what would cause the internal sparking? (Maybe part of a plate broke off?) With it happening twice you'd naturally question whether there was a flaw of some kind in the charging system. But both explosions occured during cranking of the starter. Maybe my starter is drawing too much current??? All I know is that it made me suspicious of M-B brand batteries, and also suspicious of batteries with white plastic for the case (on the suspicion that the white plastic might be more brittle and prone to cracking than the black cases). But the whole thing remains a mystery!

I'd be calling the Bomb Squad to start my car after TWO experiences like yours.
But, seriously, you should check the waterlevel in your battery at least twice a year.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

I'm using a blue top, and fits fine witj the cables actually

I think it is a group 34.

I like th ebluetop because it is blue and the extra wing nut posts make it super easy for my amplifier power cable and power cabling for other things I have added like fog lights, seperate radio memory wire (if my batter is disconnected, the radio wire is still attached for memory. gotta love that.

Regardless, most any battery will fit. the reverse post red top should work fine, I don;t think the cable will be an issue, but one could easily put on new ones its not that hard.

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

Fortunately, I live near the a Decka manufacturing plant, Lyon Station PA 19536 and can purchase either their "Retail" (with warrenty) or "Seconds" (structuraly ok, but have case blems - no warrenty) batteries. I've been buying them for years and am very satisfied with them.

They have two different Group 91 (13-15/16" x 6-15/16 x 7-1/2) batteries that are exact fit for my 94 e320 Wagon.
9aGM49 - 900 CCA, 180 Res Cap, 95 20 AH Rate 1035 Ref Ca
649MF - 875 CCA, 185 Res Cap, 100 20 AH Rate 1050 Ref Ca

More info avail at www.dekabatteries.com

So, if you're ever in south eastern PA and are willing to take the chance on a "second" and need a Group 91 battery, it'll be $54.57 (inc 6% tx and exchange battery). Yes, they have other sizes available, but call first because they don't have "seconds" available in all sizes, all the time.

Bob
PS With the cost of 3 children in college, I'll have to pass on the more expensive batteries.

I replaced my battery and now Half of the electronics are working in my car.....remote,trunk button,signals, wipers,gas gauge etc....Can anyone please help me?Need help